Bicycle Mechanics - STI Upgrade

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truckie1794

06-06-02, 12:56 PM

I've got an older model Cannondale Black Lightning with a 7 speed Suntour Blaze setup (downtube shifters). I would like to upgrade to STI shifters. Can I use a Shimano RSX STI 7 speed shifter without changing out the exising cog, wheel and/or deraileur?

Thanks for any help/guidance you can provide.

:confused:

RainmanP

06-07-02, 08:54 AM

Much of the Suntour stuff is Shimano compatible. If your current rear shifter is indexed my guess is that it would work fine; if not it's hard to know. Front shifters tend to be pretty forgiving though I did learn that 9sp STI double front won't work a 6sp vintage 105 front derailleur. As for the rear cogs, if you have a lot of miles on them you might need a new freewheel anyway. I am assuming it is a freewheel rather than freehub/cassette.