bigun83

I've got a Scott S50 that has the two thumb shifters instead of the normal, more expensive, shifters that are both on the brake levers. I'm wondering how much it would cost (at your average LBS) and/or how big of a deal it would be to change out the ones I have for the better kind, if it's even possible? I hope I'm making sense. Please forgive my lack of nomenclature/jargon on the subject.

The reason I'm asking this is that I'm finding myself in the drops more often these days and whenever I need to shift down on the cassette or up on the chainrings I have to move my hands and that's getting OLD!

Thanks in advance,
Noobage

JTGraphics

Not hard at all to do, but you need to decide on what level of components you want.
How many speed is your bike?
You will need at the least a set of shifters and cable stops to replace the downtube shifters thats about it.
See my older Cannondale SR500 in siginature below to give you an idea.

bigun83

Here's what I'm working with right now. All stock of course.

Component Group..... Shimano Sora
Brakeset................. Scott Pro SCBR-530 brakes, Shimano Sora STI Dual Control levers
Shift Levers............. Shimano Sora STI Dual Control
Front Derailleur......... Shimano Sora Triple
Rear Derailleur........... Shimano Sora
Crankset.................. Truvativ Isoflow Road, 30/42/52 teeth
Rear Cogs................ 8-speed, 12 - 25 teeth
Chain...................... KMC IG-51, 1/2 x 3/32"

Whataya think?

bigun83

BTW... Good Job on the Cannondale. Impressive!

Jeff Wills

OK, so you now have 8-speed Sora with a triple front. Your upgrade is possible, it's just going to cost. The biggest sticking point is that most (maybe all) Shimano systems with both shifters in the lever are 9-speed, so you need to factor in a new cassette and perhaps chain.

Whoops- I'm wrong. There is a new Shimano lever set that's 8-speed and dual-lever shifter:
https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...88&category=10

bigun83

Well then... $215 + whatever LBS charges to put it on or I could try to do it myself I guess. The only thing I've ever been successful at on my bike is flat repair. I think in the long run it'll be worth it though as I'll enjoy my rides a whole lot more. This is probably a horrifically stupid question but would it be cheaper to switch to a 9 or 10 cog cassette and then have 9/10 speed shifter? What would be the advantages/disadvantages of this?

JTGraphics

What’s your budget?
Personally if I were going to bother with swapping parts from what you have I'd convert it to 10 speed cassette or at the least 9 at the same time since you’re going to by some STI levers.
So depending on budget will tell you how far you can go with his project.
Derailleur's will work for now or go to 105 or utegra on STI levers, and Derailleur's, you can mix parts to keep in budget.

greyghost_6

I say once you figure out what you want to do (8 speed shifters, 9 speed shift + cassette etc.)buy some good used parts on ebay in good order and take them to a bike shop for them to install and tune up. You will surely save 75$ or so. Or in the least get higher end components for what you would have paid at your LBS.

bikinfool

I'm a bit confused. If you currently have Shimano Sora STI Dual Controls (from your list), what are you looking to change?

Mr. Underbridge

He says he's riding in the drops a lot (vs on the hoods). On Sora, my understanding is that switching to smaller cogs is done by a button located on the hoods. The button can be tough to reach from the drops.

As far as doing the conversion: it's very likely not cost effective, but can be accomplished.

bikinfool

Thanks, didn't realize they differed among the STI road shifters like that...the lever I saw a pic of looked like other STIs. I'm still on down tube shifters and thought that's what he meant at first (if not thumb levers ala old mountain bike style).

bigun83

This button is almost IMPOSSIBLE to reach from the drops.

That's what I'm beginning to think. Bummer, maybe when my finances improve a little. I guess it goes to show that you should shell out the extra dough to get what you know you want in the first place. Lesson learned.

wrk101

+1 Not cost effective at all. You would be much better off selling your current ride, and picking up a replacement bike with the type of components you want. For the cost of the upgrade (and paying someone to install) you could have a MUCH better bike.

For less than what you will be looking to spend, I upgraded from a bottom end Sora bike (2005 Trek 1000) to a 2003 all Ultegra bike. And the Ultegra bike included Ultegra hubs, brakes, brifters and derailleurs. You would not get all of those upgrades.

There is a time to sell a bike and buy a better one. Sounds like you have reached that time. Search the used market, and you will do great.

BikingGrad80

I'm sure you can find a pair of tiagra's or 105's off ebay if you are patient; those have the paddles for shifting in the drops. Of you can do bar end shifters with some basic tektro levers. If you are really spending that much time in the drops maybe you should lower your bars and ride more in the hoods.

Al1943

Leave them alone. After all, some of the very best shifters have thumb levers (Campagnolo).

hernick

The ST-500 brifters would be a fine replacement for your Sora brifters. You might be able to find them a bit cheaper if you shop around online. Also, used brifters in good condition are as good as cash, you can sell your old ones very easily.

Sora brifters work really well... But if you can't live with the thumb levers, I suppose you'll have to splurge!