Brake/Shifter options - new or old?
10-05-14, 08:12 PM
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Brake/Shifter options - new or old?
I figured I'd post this here rather than on the Mechanics page since my question is regarding vintage STI brifters. Currently, I have a 1987 Gazelle Champion Mondial AB that I upgraded the Shimano 600 downtube index shifters for a pair of modern Shimano 2x7 Tourney STI Brake/Shifters. These are the style that have the thumb lever for downshifting, and they work pretty well. I just ran across a set of 2x8 Shimano Tri-color 600 brifters for a decent price and am considering swapping them in to make the bike a bit more period correct. I have swapped the 6-speed freewheel for a 7-speed and am pretty pleased with the setup, but I like the mechanism of the paddle style as opposed to the thumb lever.
So . . . my question is whether the quality, weight, and function of the older brake/shifters will be as effective as the newer (but lower quality) Tourney shifters? As a side note, the Gazelle was purchased in the 80s as a frameset by the original owner and then built up with a hodge-podge of parts (mostly Shimano 600), so I don't feel I am bastardizing a vintage bike - it already has a mix of components. And I have to add that this gem is one of the nicest rides I have ever had - so light, smooth and responsive. Here's a shot of the bike before I changed the shifters (click on it to enlarge):
Any opinions about changing to the older brake/shifters is appreciated.
Dean
So . . . my question is whether the quality, weight, and function of the older brake/shifters will be as effective as the newer (but lower quality) Tourney shifters? As a side note, the Gazelle was purchased in the 80s as a frameset by the original owner and then built up with a hodge-podge of parts (mostly Shimano 600), so I don't feel I am bastardizing a vintage bike - it already has a mix of components. And I have to add that this gem is one of the nicest rides I have ever had - so light, smooth and responsive. Here's a shot of the bike before I changed the shifters (click on it to enlarge):
Any opinions about changing to the older brake/shifters is appreciated.
Dean
10-05-14, 08:43 PM
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I think I just answered my own question - the 8-speed range is not compatible with the 7-speed freewheel. But I'll still take opinions!
10-06-14, 05:44 AM
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Nice looking Gazelle
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
