AbsoluteZ3RO

I'd like to get new shifters, and would really like the integrated cable version. I'm wondering if I can simply get the 6700 or 7900 shifters. If so, it appears the 7900 are only about 100 dollars more.

What are the pros and cons of the 10sp ultegra vs dura ace in those models? Is the 7900 worth the extra money (shifting quality, weight, comfort, etc)?

deacon mark

Why? My 66OO shifts great easy to put new cable on, you don't gain much if anything

jaxgtr

I have both type, 6600 and 6700, and I actually think the 6600 shift better. Other than that...the only real benefit is the aesthetics of having hidden cables out front. I cant speak to the DA however.
However...you will play hell finding 6700 now that Shimano has moved to 11 speed. NOS or pulls from new bikes with 10 speed is about the only way you will find them.

AbsoluteZ3RO

Aesthetics...

bt

bad upgrade imo.

seymour1910

I don't know if it's the IT background in me or not, but I hate cables/wires hanging or dangling from anything.

I agree with the others that you wont gain anything in terms of performance but I am in the same boat. I hate the cables sticking out the side of my 5500 shifters. I have thought about buying a 5700 group several times for that reason only. I always talk myself out of pulling the trigger. My hate for the look of the cables never goes away though.

AbsoluteZ3RO

Because I would somehow be dissatisfied with my purchase?

link0

Go with 5700 or 6700. The upgrade in aesthetics is worth it.

zymphad

There is more friction with additional turns on the housing for internal, also sharp turns. The 6600 would have wider, less friction on the shifting.

You could try and see if the polymer coated cables from Shimano helps with that.

seymour1910

no, that's not what they are saying. They are just pointing out there will be no performance upgrade. I know you said you are not doing it for that reason but you have been around here long enough to know what kind of answers you get in the 41.

I pointed out in my earlier post that I understand your reason for the change. Will 5700 or 6700 shifters work with the 6600 FD&RD? If so then the change will not hit the pockets so hard. you can ebay a set of shifters.

e_guevara

The derailleurs will work fine.

The aesthetics are the biggest selling point of the new Shimano line. But they are quite finicky. Due to the acute angles the cables go through to get concealed under the bartape, care should be taken so that the cables do not drag inside the housing. Good cable routing is key. Also, I spray lithium grease inside the housings before installation to keep them lubricated. Another thing - I once overtightened the clamp on the left shifter a little which compressed the ratchet mechanism inside causing it to not release when on the largest cog. Thankfully I was already on the last hill home when it stuck.

Personally, I like the look of the hidden cables, but it doesn't bother me with them exposed. I still have several older shifters that work perfectly well.

zymphad

Agreed the look is nice though. I have the shifter cables still go into the frame opposite from the shifter, so the cables cross inside the tube before the bottom bracket guide. To try and reduce friction if housing went into the frame same side as shifter, very sharp bend. I removed the liners in the ferrules to reduce an drag also, dunno if it actually works.

redlude97

You will also lose brake modulation because of the difference in cable pull

Jiggle

You are going to spend $300 on shifters? Wait two months and buy a whole 5800 group for $450. Put that old stuff on a cx bike.

seymour1910

sound advice

bt

very possible you will go from reliable shifting to intermittent shift problems.

I have no problems with my shift housing looks on my 6600 or my 7800 setups.

It's a non issue.

AbsoluteZ3RO

Are the 6700 shifters known to have issues shifting? Or are you suggesting they have issues when mixing with 6600 components?

dtrain

6700 are designed to grab a slightly different ratio of brake cable (so mixing with 6600-era calipers isn't perfect there). The 10-speed derailleurs are all the same ratio, so that's not an issue. Many have reported that routing the cables under the tape (6700 vs. 6600) led to more friction and poorer shifting performance. The newest cables (6800) work with 6700 and have been redesigned with less friction which is rumored to greatly reduce the issue.

bt

not sure if you're serious but yes, 6700 and 7900 shifters are crap.

yes you can get them to work with some installation finesse but why bother?

6600 and 7800 are top notch.

even some of the 9000 shifters have cable issues.


if you don't like the cables showing then go DI2.

for me the cables showing is fine and dandy, I have all 3, 6600, 7800, and DI2.

nothing I hate worse than slightly bound up shifting cables.

AbsoluteZ3RO

Yes, I was serious, and this is the most valuable sentence in this thread. If they are crap, I wanted to know that from people before spending my money on them.

dtrain

Do you have 11-speed compatible wheels?

seymour1910

I don't have 6700 but I know many people that use 5700 and 6700 and don't have shifting issues at all.

That's just the way it is. When you ask questions here expect a variation of answers.

redlude97

Crap might be the one of the biggest overstatements of the year. I still prefer my 5700 over my 6600 because they both shift well and the hoods fit my hands better. The only thing noticeably different is only being able to shift up 2 cogs in the rear compared to 3.