juliansparrow

Hey there classic riding folks,

Found a crack in my 1984 Cannondale which has necessitated scrambling for a new frame. A pal gave me a mid-1970s Peugeot unknowable which looks slick though a little beaten. So, I'm looking to swap parts off the Cannondale and update a few things on the Peugeot. Chiefly, add these entry level integrated brifters: Shimano Tourney ST-A070 2 x 7-Speed STI Lever Set - Mike's Bikes - Road and Mountain Bike Shop, components, parts, accessories, service and repair

I've read a lot of forum threads saying an old derailleur needs to be STI for compatability with those brifters but I'm unclear on what STI exactly means. Does that mean it's indexed or is it referring to a specific type of indexing? If anyone has a good resource I can check out I'd love to read it.

The 600 derailleur on my cracked frame was off a different, late 80s, Cannondale and is indexed for sure but that's all I know. If anyone knows off hand whether that 600 derailleur is STI that'd be great but I'd still love to read about STI.

Because I'm poor I became moderately knowledgeable about parts and frames from about 1980 and older with old manuals and the help of people here. Been saving up for a while so looking to try something new, but these newfangled parts and innovations confuse me a bit. Friction shifting? Got that down to a science! Indexed- well, I'm getting there. THANKS!!

juliansparrow

I ought to qualify: I've learned while working on bikes that if it doesn't say it on it to double check with folks who know more. My confusion re: what exactly STI is is a secondary concern here. And embarrassing, willing to bet once it's explained to me in a way I can conceptualize it'll be clear as day.

upthywazzoo 

STI just means that Shimano has integrated indexed shifting with their brake levers. These shifters should work with any modern 7 speed freewheel/cassette. I would probably get the Shimano Tourney branded freewheels., which are around 15 bucks on Amazon. Given that your frame is so old however, I'm wondering whether there may be issues with rear dropout spacing....

Also, shouldn't this be in Bike Mechanics?

TugaDude

Google STI Shimano. You'll find a Wikipedia page explaining what STI stands for and what it is.
I clicked on the link you provided and I believe your RD will work with those levers. I believe there were RD's that were indexed, but most aren't and the 600 series you have is not. Instead, the shifting mechanism has stops or detents which translate into a corresponding amount of pull on the cable. This pull moves the derailers a certain amount, creating the indexing. The RD has no choice in the matter, going along for the ride. One exception is alternate cable routing, which is done to eliminate certain component compatibility issues. You don't need to worry about that in your situation. For history and great info, visit Sheldon Brown's site. Required reading for DIY, IMHO.

SkyDog75

Don't count on it being unknowable. Post some pics and there's a pretty good chance someone here could identify it. Even though they didn't put model names/numbers on their bikes at that time, it's possible to tell them apart by construction details like lugs, dropouts, decals, what parts are chromed, components, etc.

As for going to 7-speed and STI... There are a few variables including the frame's dropout spacing that will affect your drivetrain options. Figuring out what your bike is will make it easier to plan your upgrade.