Suntour VGT Luxe Compatability
04-06-15, 02:00 PM
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Suntour VGT Luxe Compatability
Hi, I have an 80s Motobecane Super Mirage that has a stock Suntour VTG Luxe Derailleur and down tube shifters. I would like to change the shifters to another form of shifting, such as bar-end shifters or trigger shifters. But can't seem to find any info on shifters that are compatible with the Suntour VTG Luxe. Do you guys know of any shifters that are compatible, or do I need to replace the derailleur? Thanks in advance.
04-06-15, 02:56 PM
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incazzare.
Assuming it's a friction setup now, pretty much any friction shifter will work, bar ends, thumb shifters, whatever. Most triggers won't work because they are for indexed shifting.
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04-06-15, 03:03 PM
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+1. Microshift makes thumb shifters and bar end shifters that are reasonably priced and can be converted to friction. Alternatively you can look around for Suntour Power shifters used. They aren't cheap.
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04-06-15, 06:36 PM
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Shimano downtube and barend shifters, 9-speed and prior, all had a friction option so they are also an alternative. I don't know of any indexing system that will work with Sun Tour derailleurs that old.
04-06-15, 07:27 PM
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Friction thumb shifters are available from many suppliers, such as Niagara: Falcon friction ATB thumb shifters
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04-06-15, 08:14 PM
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If something works, it's by sheer coincidence. The VGT Luxe predates refined index shifting by about 10 years. There are several design details on index-compatible derailleurs that make index shifting "work".
Friction thumb shifters are available from many suppliers, such as Niagara: Falcon friction ATB thumb shifters
Friction thumb shifters are available from many suppliers, such as Niagara: Falcon friction ATB thumb shifters
Buy some old friction shifters. I recommend SunTour Power shifters, such as these. Shimano 600 downtube friction shifters would also be a good choice :
Mid 1980's Vintage Suntour Power Shifters Ratcheting Downtube Shifters | eBay
Suntour Shifters Power Click Vintage 1982 Trek Univega Nishiki Schwinn Road Bike | eBay
04-06-15, 08:33 PM
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Shimano bar end shifters will work fine once you set them to friction. You could also pick up a set of dia compe friction bar end shifters; they're pretty nice but not cheap, Dia Compe Bar End Friction Shifter Set > Components > Drivetrain, Brakes and Pedals > Road Bike Shifters | Jenson USA
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04-07-15, 09:41 AM
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There have been people that have said that the Suntour VGT works with Shimano 7 speed indexed shifters on a Shimano spaced 7 speed cassette or freewheel. Given that you can pick up a 7 speed indexed thumb shifter for less than $10-, it is worth a try. If it works, that opens up a world of x7 indexed shifters, and probably x8 to.
If you are close, I'll give you a shifter to try.
If you are close, I'll give you a shifter to try.
04-07-15, 10:06 AM
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There have been people that have said that the Suntour VGT works with Shimano 7 speed indexed shifters on a Shimano spaced 7 speed cassette or freewheel. Given that you can pick up a 7 speed indexed thumb shifter for less than $10-, it is worth a try. If it works, that opens up a world of x7 indexed shifters, and probably x8 to.
If you are close, I'll give you a shifter to try.
If you are close, I'll give you a shifter to try.
04-07-15, 10:48 AM
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I went ahead and bought a pair of Suntour XC LTD thumb shifters off eBay. One is friction and the other is index and friction adjustable, so I think they will work with my setup.
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