Flash

Curious re: easiest way to distinguish between Ultegra double left shifter (ST-6600) and triple (ST-6603) left shifter at a glance. In photos I notice it says "triple" on some left shifters. Is the ST-6603 left shifter always labeled "triple?"

thanks

DMF 

How would we know this? We haven't seen them all.

greyghost_6

I doubt all triples are all labeled triple. I have never seen one labeled "Double" which I would find amusing. If it isn't labeled I would think 90% its a double, but only because 90% of ultegra shifters ARE double haha. But the easiest way to check, is to ask to hold them and physically check the clicks.

Flash

which brings me to my next question: I have the new ST-6600 shifters. In the process of determining that an older exage FD would not work with my new compact crank, I began to wonder if the left front shifter was for a double or triple. It is not labeled "triple" but there are two discernible clicks going from small to large chainring. I'm wondering if one of these clicks is some sort of trim? Pressing the large lever all the way in with a quick motion results in the multiple clicks occurring in quick succession.

joejack951

I believe that double shifter should have 3 clicks, low trim (soft click), high trim (soft click), and high (normal click), which yield four distinct positions of the front derailler. Triple shifters have 2 more.

ls01

if I am not mistaken the '03 portion of the 6603 tells you its a tripple. 6600 double, 6603 tripple.

sch

That should be trippple.

JiveTurkey

It should be very easy to distinguish a trim click vs. shift click while upshifting (swinging the brake lever). When shifting it is necessary to swing the lever its whole range of travel; when trimming, the lever barely moves.

Flash

Correct on the coding. But I'm talking about the actual "triple" designation on the left shifter.

I'm curious to know if Shimano now produces, or has ever produced, an Ultegra series ST-66xx left shifter that is not marked "triple" but is in fact a triple.

Flash

Right. And I will test this again once I get a proper FD on my bike.

A close reading of the Shimano tech doc that came with the shifters reveals that one can indeed make the double vs. triple left front shifter determiniation by paying attention to the sound and feel of the clicks. From Shimano (discussing the use of lever a, the big lever):

"If operation of lever a does not complete the chainring shift stroke, operate lever a again for the distance (X') to complete that part of the lever stroke (X) which was short.

(discussing the use of lever b, the small lever):

"When lever b is operated, there is one click where trimming (the noise prevention mechanism) engages, and a second stronger click when the gear shift stroke is completed. After trimming, the next push will complete the gear shift stroke."

Paying close attention the lever b discussion and checking your left shifter, you can determine whether you have a double or triple left ST-66xx shifter. The lever a discussion is not as useful since it does not discuss the trim clicks.

In summary, the Shimano tech docs for the ST-66xx shifters contain most of the info you need to answer shifter-related questions. Clearly, this is a case of RTFM (read the fabulous manual).

Cheers

DMF 

And read the part number.