Downtube full suspension. Can I install an IGH?
 

I have a 09 full suspension DT-the orange one. The included rear derailleur is kinda problematic; I'm tired of making adjustments. I'm thinking about swapping the rear wheel and installing an IGH (3 or 7 speeds).

The rear drops looks like this:

http://www.downtube.com/images/Hange...ur_Removed.jpg

I remember reading that this would require a tensioner, which has its own problems.

Yes you would need a tensioner... but a much cheaper alternative is to simply install a quality rear derailer, likeDeore LX or XT, short cage is sufficient. That would fix the RD adjustment issue. Maybe also a good shifter to match.

I'd echo Jur, the Ju-Ju derailléur on the Downtube IXFS I had was utterly reliable, but very close to the ground, and thus always at risk. A short cage mech and a shifter would be a great upgrade. Once set-up all of mine have been utterly reliable, with only initial cable stretch to adjust out.

There's a more detailed discussion here:

http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/t-265339

A major requirement is that the shifter indexing ratio matches that of the mech (1:1 or 2:1) and the capacity of the sprockets. See Mikejos post in the thread above. I don't know what the Downtube shifter ratio is. You may in the worst case need a new cable and housing.

(Short cage mechs on rotary twist grip shifters give a surprisingly fast, precise and crisp change. They are a delight to ride with, and twist grips don't hinder the fold of the bike.)

I have the same issue with my DT-FS. Right now, it's a two speed. :(

They're east to adjust or replace if bent or mangled:

http://bicycletutor.com/adjust-rear-derailleur/

I must be lucky, I 've not had a problem with a rear mech for years, but I'm no long distance rider. Maintenence involves, wiping off the crud, oiling the chain, dangling the bike from the garage rafters with a piece of rope, putting the chain on the smallest cog and adjusting the barrel thing. I think once pivots and guide roller bearings wear, the thing is better replaced than fiddled with. But the Downtube was always reliable in the cog department.

Thanks. I have recently acquired a IGH full size bike and love how I can just shift down at stops. Not gonna do the tensioner.

I hadn't thought about the benefits of the short hanger. Good point. Looks like I'll look into upgrading the derailleur.

Ok, I'm getting tired of doing all these adjustments. I want to start out small by just replacing the shifter. What do you all think of this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Sram-007015093.../dp/B001OQR64W

It looks like the compatibility is ok: 1:1 ratio. However, my FS is a 9 speed. Would this be a problem?

@coolio - one other option would be to go with a friction thumb shifter like this one that nashbar is selling for only 99 cents:

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes//Catalo...=thumb+shifter

Obviously, friction shifting isn't as "easy" as indexed shifting, but at least you wouldn't have the problem of needing to dial-in the derailleur all the time.

Big problem.. you need a 9spd shifter .. 1:1 ratio is generally SRAM X series compatible stuff .. Shimano compatible is usually 2:1

+1 That's what I did with the matching trigger shift and it turned into a different bike:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...wntube+fs+2007

Thanks, guys. Joseph is a man after my heart in that he recommends a cheap option. However, I remember hearing that those friction shifters are kinda dangerous in urban traffic.

I'd like to do this upgrade myself and I don't want to sink a lot of $$ into it. The rear derailleur is a "Juju" of some sort. I want to try to swap shifting mechanism first to see how that works then go on to the rear etc. Now to look for a cheap 9sp option...

I looked at the IGH (Alfine and SA) for my Downtube 9FS but decided the expense was unnecessary.

In the end I just changed the shifter to a Shimano LX and it's great. It was only £10 (England). The inner cable it came with is very good quality.

I tried it with a Short-cage 105 dérailleur which just about made the 32 cog. I eventually got a Nexave 600 rear dérailleur - a bit heavy but seamless shifting.

In all, super upgrades for very little cash.

I can attest to Nigel's bike handling and shifting very nice because I rode it at a meet recently. Shame it's so hard to get him to also part with cash for a beer too lol! :D

What about this one?

http://www.rei.com/product/793371?pr...:referralID=NA

on another thread someone mentioned that Yan is selling some FS with IGH for $200.

That's great, but I'm not close to philly and it's looks like you're not either.

The JuJu line is "Sun Race's high end, competition level components..."

http://www.sunrace.com/en/about

I think a good derailleur is the cheapest option but if I was going to add a IGH then take a serious look at the Shimano Nexus 8. It must be cheaper now given the newer Alfine 8 from Shimano. An FS with a Nexus 8 would be quite a bike as the frame is actually a very nice one. Way better than other budget bikes unless you're a weight weenie. The hub would be great foe all-round riding and trails.

However, a short cage derailleur such as the Deore is a perfect budget solution and it transforms the FS. Downtube bikes are very nice with the exception of the Juju component. The newer Downtubes use Shimano now if I'm correct.