cuda2k

Ok, call me a noob to indexed shifters, but I have to pose this question.

I have a pair of Shimano 105 downtube shifters that are model SL-1050. I need to know if they are 6speed or 7speed... because honestly, I can't tell by messing with them. Starting from the furtherest 'forward' position I get 6 clicks as I move backwards. So I'm inclined to say they are 7speed (first + six = 7 total). But everything I've seen online about the SL-1050's claim to be 6speed.

Please Advise before I spend any unneeded $$! Thanks all in advance.

sykerocker 

OK, I'll muddy the waters completely.

If my reading is correct, the SL-1050 is about the same vintage as the 7400 series Dura Ace. They could be set up in either 6 or 7 speed variant, depending on the internals for the right lever. I wouldn't be surprised if the 105 was the same.

Syke
Deranged Few M/C

cuda2k

I was afraid of that...

The 1050's were made in 88/89 from what I have found.

So the question boils down to, what's a good way of determining exactly how many speeds the shifter is setup for if you have it in front of you but without a wheel to 'test' it so to speak?

well biked

If you hear six clicks, I don't see how it could be anything but a seven speed.

cuda2k

So, there are six 'clicks' plus the additional movement beyond the last 'click' Humph...

cuda2k

It's a 6speed me thinks now. Which is actually good - I can keep my current wheel and reuse a 6sp freewheel I've got laying around with low miles on it. I think this schwinn may just make me lose my mind. But on a good note - the headset has a bearing holder instead of true loose BB's. And the adjustable cone on the BB looks like she'll come out pretty easily. Overhaul both of those tomorrow, then clean and wax it. Thanks for the reality check everyone.

top506

I wouldn't be so quick to give up on 7 speed. It's really no big deal to re-space and dish the wheel. All you need is a little faith in yourself.....and a spoke wrench
Top

cuda2k

Problem with the 7speed plan is that the axel isn't long enough to handle the needed spacers. Even if I moved the whole axel down to compensate for the spacers on one side only, I'd still be reducing the length of axel beyond the hub by more than half. If I've got shifters here that are 6speed, and have a 6speed freewheel, which will work with the existing wheel - then 6speed is what I'll be rolling for a while. Makes my life less complicated at the moment.

well biked

I still don't see how those are six speed shifters, if, like you say in post #1, you started at one extreme and shifted through the motions, and counted six clicks. Maybe I'm misunderstanding and you're counting the first position as a "click", before moving the shifter?

MalcolmsFrejus

I got a manual.....
SL-1050 is 6 spd. 1055 is 7, but works with 6 (there's a litle clip that attaches to the side of the rr shifter to stop the last shift.
They'll index with freewheel and cassette (6 spd).
In friction you should be able to get 7 I'd think.

cuda2k

well biked - I was either counting wrong, confusing myself (and everyone else in the process) or just plain crazy initially. As Malcolms states - they are 6speed. Thanks for confirming the answer from the manual for me.

Now... anyone know how many speeds a SL-6400 downtube is supposed to be? (ducks)

Phantoj

How much $$$ is a new axle? Seems like it should be a cheap part!

cuda2k

Yeah, the axel is probably a cheap part, but since I"ve got 6sp freewheel, and 6sp shifters right now, I'll pair them up in a working system as is for the time being. I'll screw with 7speed later.

MalcolmsFrejus

SL-6400 7 spd.
6 with the clip mentioned above or without the clip just set the der. stop to prevent the last shift.
I believe, from the info that I have, that the spacing between cogs is the same for 6 or 7 speed (at least Shimano). I may be wrong though.

cuda2k

I placed the 6speed and 7speed freewheels side by side last night and it's fairly easy to see that the spacing on 7 is slightly less than the 6speed. The 7speed isn't *much* higher than the 6speed but fits an extra cog in there.

On the SL-6400: I have seen refrences online to SL-6400 8speed shifters (STI and downtubes) but they certainly could have an 6,7,8sp internals version of the same shifter. The 6400's are sitting on my Gazelle right now and are shifting the 8speed cassette in indexed mode. I have had an odd shift from time to time so I guess I'll investigate that situation further tonight.

-- me thinks maybe I should just switch all the shifters to friction and tell indexing to jump of a @$%# bridge.

top506

Very true. My 7 speed would ALMOST work right with 6 speed shifters and going past the last detent to get the lowest gear, but not quite. Even with 7 speed shifters it took some time to get dialed in on all three chainwheels-maybe chainline issues, but the crank and BB spindle match on the chart.



Yeah, it can be a pain, but I'm having lots of fun pushing the lever-click while I show my daughters how to read the hills and pick the right gear a little before she actually needs it. Their bikes are all index.
Now and again I have been known to switch to friction, just to keep my hand in.....
Top

sykerocker 

Now comes a funny thought regarding index vs. friction: When I run my '62 Raleigh Gran Sport (Campy Gran Sport drivetrain), I only use my right hand on either lever. I find it very easy to shift the rear and automatically adjust the front lever using my finger tips while settling the rear into the proper final position. This is a technique that came back to me from 30 years ago - I was surprised I still remembered it.

Switch me over to my Rossin (Dura Ace 6-speed levers with 600 derailleurs), and I absolutely have to use the left hand on the front derailleur lever. Happily the FD is nowhere near as touchy as the Campy and is basically a two position switch. But I cannot do it one handed. There's just something very clunky about the newer Shimano setup.

Syke
Deranged Few M/C

cuda2k

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. I've got the Schwinn running great now with the 6speed freewheel out back. I'll be posting photos of the completed rig in the thread I started about the bike a few days ago (and I'll bump it back up to the top of the page after I get the photos added).

My 'Cuda is pure friction shifting, and up till a few weeks ago (ok, maybe 2months now) so was the Gazelle. The 'Cuda can be a bit picky about how well I shift some times, but for the most part I'm fairly good at nailing the shifts if I'm not going all out or hammering up a hill. Though, I must admit, I don't shift as much on that bike as I do on the Gazelle now that I have the indexed shifting working.