8 Speed Shifters with 7 Speed?
06-20-05, 08:45 AM
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Ouch, my knuckles!
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8 Speed Shifters with 7 Speed?
I am considering replacing my 7 speed indexed down-tube shifters with 8 speed brake-shifters. The current stuff is early 90’s 105 Uniglide and replace would be current Sora. I actually don’t have anything against down-tube shifters but I am a one-hand shifter and I have clearance problem with my top-tube mounted pump.
It appears there is only a tiny spacing difference between Shimano’s 7 and 8 speed systems (0.2 mm) but I wonder if anyone can comment on their experiences?
BTW. I don’t plan to, at least immediately, to rebuild the rear wheel to 130mm or build a new wheel because I am happy with the current gearing, I just want handier shifting.
It appears there is only a tiny spacing difference between Shimano’s 7 and 8 speed systems (0.2 mm) but I wonder if anyone can comment on their experiences?
BTW. I don’t plan to, at least immediately, to rebuild the rear wheel to 130mm or build a new wheel because I am happy with the current gearing, I just want handier shifting.
06-20-05, 09:22 AM
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Originally Posted by OuchMan
I am considering replacing my 7 speed indexed down-tube shifters with 8 speed brake-shifters. The current stuff is early 90’s 105 Uniglide and replace would be current Sora. I actually don’t have anything against down-tube shifters but I am a one-hand shifter and I have clearance problem with my top-tube mounted pump.
It appears there is only a tiny spacing difference between Shimano’s 7 and 8 speed systems (0.2 mm) but I wonder if anyone can comment on their experiences?
BTW. I don’t plan to, at least immediately, to rebuild the rear wheel to 130mm or build a new wheel because I am happy with the current gearing, I just want handier shifting.
It appears there is only a tiny spacing difference between Shimano’s 7 and 8 speed systems (0.2 mm) but I wonder if anyone can comment on their experiences?
BTW. I don’t plan to, at least immediately, to rebuild the rear wheel to 130mm or build a new wheel because I am happy with the current gearing, I just want handier shifting.
06-20-05, 11:51 AM
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Ouch, my knuckles!
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Thanks for the input! I have seen the 7 speed Sora's at Harris and at Loose Screws for that matter. I am thinking about the 8 speed because I can get it for $35 - $55 cheaper and it allows me to go to 130mm easily in the future.
06-20-05, 01:38 PM
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Originally Posted by sydney
Otherwise, the .2mm difference is small enough that shimano 8 speed shifters usually work with 7.I've done it.
06-20-05, 02:59 PM
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Either I'm a pickier rider than most or I'm a worse bicycle tuner than most, but I've not had satisfactory experience using 8 speed shifters with a 7-speed cassette or vice versa. I've tried it various times using rapid fire shifters, STI shifters and bar cons and I've not been satisfied with any of them.
06-20-05, 10:08 PM
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Since I use STI shifters for 8 spd rear and tripple front, I would think you would have to get the inner/outer limit screws(on rear derailleur) set right first, so when you shift in the 7th cog, you can't make that next shift(click to the 8th). Also, you may have to adjust the barrel adjuster for the indexing(clicks). The barrel adjuster is what you adjust to get the chain to move up and down the cogs.
At least adjust the inner limit screw, so you can't shift into the spokes. The outer screw should keep you from being able to move the shifter lever to make that 8th mark.
At least adjust the inner limit screw, so you can't shift into the spokes. The outer screw should keep you from being able to move the shifter lever to make that 8th mark.
