Ultegra FD/SRAM x.7 shifter compatibility???
#1
tastes like chicken
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Iowa City, Iowa
Posts: 25
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Ultegra FD/SRAM x.7 shifter compatibility???
I have been trying to resolve a problem with an Ultegra front derailleur, actuated by an SRAM x.7 trigger shifter. Are these compatible? SRAM says that while the rear shifter has a 1:1 ratio the *front* shifter is compatible with both SRAM and Shimano derailleurs?? Perhaps not Shimano road derailleurs?
I have them both mounted on a Salsa Las Cruces frame with a FSA Gossamer triple 30-39-53, for which the Ultegra seemed the only viable choice. The SRAM shifter is pulling alot of cable, making the FD "clunk" and move much further that it should... I can't help but think I've put together an unworkable system.:
If so, what's a good solution? New shifter? Smaller large chainring with a different front derailleur?
Thanks for any help you can give.
I have them both mounted on a Salsa Las Cruces frame with a FSA Gossamer triple 30-39-53, for which the Ultegra seemed the only viable choice. The SRAM shifter is pulling alot of cable, making the FD "clunk" and move much further that it should... I can't help but think I've put together an unworkable system.:
If so, what's a good solution? New shifter? Smaller large chainring with a different front derailleur?
Thanks for any help you can give.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: SE Minnesota
Posts: 12,275
Bikes: are better than yours.
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Originally Posted by mostro
Perhaps not Shimano road derailleurs?
Originally Posted by mostro
If so, what's a good solution? New shifter? Smaller large chainring with a different front derailleur?
Sometimes you can push the specs, but things usually work better if specs match.
#3
tastes like chicken
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Iowa City, Iowa
Posts: 25
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'm such a bonehead.
Thanks Halfspeed...what about the Shimano "flat bar" components? They are:
R443 triple FD, compatible with SL-R440-8 / ST-R224 shift lever, and R660 flat bar trigger shifter
or the
R773 triple FD, compatible with ??? (presumably same as above, made for flat bar setup)
Do these have the same "pull" as the SRAM x.7 trigger shifters?
R443 triple FD, compatible with SL-R440-8 / ST-R224 shift lever, and R660 flat bar trigger shifter
or the
R773 triple FD, compatible with ??? (presumably same as above, made for flat bar setup)
Do these have the same "pull" as the SRAM x.7 trigger shifters?
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: SE Minnesota
Posts: 12,275
Bikes: are better than yours.
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Originally Posted by mostro
Thanks Halfspeed...what about the Shimano "flat bar" components? They are:
R443 triple FD, compatible with SL-R440-8 / ST-R224 shift lever, and R660 flat bar trigger shifter
or the
R773 triple FD, compatible with ??? (presumably same as above, made for flat bar setup)
Do these have the same "pull" as the SRAM x.7 trigger shifters?
R443 triple FD, compatible with SL-R440-8 / ST-R224 shift lever, and R660 flat bar trigger shifter
or the
R773 triple FD, compatible with ??? (presumably same as above, made for flat bar setup)
Do these have the same "pull" as the SRAM x.7 trigger shifters?
#5
tastes like chicken
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Iowa City, Iowa
Posts: 25
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
More confused than ever.
I've just read this month-old thread and am now more confused than ever. This fellow seems to have had success running a 105 FD with an x.7 trig shifter:
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ont+derailleur
Even if this didn't work, would it be possible to get a Shimano "flat-bar" R440 left-hand shifter and use it with the Ultegra FD?
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ont+derailleur
Even if this didn't work, would it be possible to get a Shimano "flat-bar" R440 left-hand shifter and use it with the Ultegra FD?
#7
Banned
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 10,082
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by mostro
I've just read this month-old thread and am now more confused than ever. This fellow seems to have had success running a 105 FD with an x.7 trig shifter:
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ont+derailleur
Even if this didn't work, would it be possible to get a Shimano "flat-bar" R440 left-hand shifter and use it with the Ultegra FD?
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ont+derailleur
Even if this didn't work, would it be possible to get a Shimano "flat-bar" R440 left-hand shifter and use it with the Ultegra FD?
Originally Posted by halfspeed
I'm not familiar with those components, but I would suspect they are not compatible with the SRAM shifters. Shimano and SRAM use different ratios EXCEPT for those SRAM components specifically labeled as Shimano compatible. Also, Shimano road and MTB FDs are different (although the RDs are the same). Go figure.
Last edited by Cyclist0383; 05-30-06 at 12:25 AM.
#8
tastes like chicken
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Iowa City, Iowa
Posts: 25
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hmmm...
I must be doing something wrong... how is it that a 105 FD would work with an x.7 trig shifter, but an Ultegra fD wouldn't? Don't they have the same pull?
#9
Boomer
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 7,214
Bikes: Diamondback Clarity II frame homebuilt.
Mentioned: 106 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 16098 Post(s)
Liked 1,457 Times
in
1,064 Posts
The flat bar shimano front derailleur will work with a x.7 "trigger" shifter because the shimano flat bar front derailleur has a mountain bike ratio. The road 105 or ultegra derailleurs can be made to work with a x.7 twist grip shifter because SRAM gives you 8 "clicks" for 3 gears on the left shifter. The length of the cable arm from the pivot to the cable attachment is different between road ane mountain bike derailleurs.
#10
Banned
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 10,082
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by maddmaxx
The flat bar shimano front derailleur will work with a x.7 "trigger" shifter because the shimano flat bar front derailleur has a mountain bike ratio. The road 105 or ultegra derailleurs can be made to work with a x.7 twist grip shifter because SRAM gives you 8 "clicks" for 3 gears on the left shifter. The length of the cable arm from the pivot to the cable attachment is different between road ane mountain bike derailleurs.
#11
tastes like chicken
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Iowa City, Iowa
Posts: 25
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks for all the replies. I went ahead and ordered a R443 triple derailleur since that's the only solution that doesn't require me to swap chainrings or shifters. That Ultegra unit prolly would have been kinda lonely anyway.
I see on the SRAM technical data sheet for the x.7 trigger shifters that there are two distinct columns for the front shifter, one that says "Front/Micro Adjust", while the other reads "Front/Index." This suggests two different varieties of x.7 front shifter? Maybe that's why they work for some and not for others. Either that or something particular to the 105 that allows it to work.
Cheers
I see on the SRAM technical data sheet for the x.7 trigger shifters that there are two distinct columns for the front shifter, one that says "Front/Micro Adjust", while the other reads "Front/Index." This suggests two different varieties of x.7 front shifter? Maybe that's why they work for some and not for others. Either that or something particular to the 105 that allows it to work.
Cheers
#12
(Grouchy)
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,643
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by mostro
I see on the SRAM technical data sheet for the x.7 trigger shifters that there are two distinct columns for the front shifter, one that says "Front/Micro Adjust", while the other reads "Front/Index." This suggests two different varieties of x.7 front shifter? Maybe that's why they work for some and not for others. Either that or something particular to the 105 that allows it to work.
Cheers
Cheers
the 1:1 (SRAM-compatible) grip shifter will work with a road FD, on a double or a triple. the 1:1 (SRAM-compatible) trigger, will only work with a road FD on a double, and it'll be dodgy at best, because of the differences in pull between road and mountain front derailleurs.
#13
Banned
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 10,082
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by OneTinSloth
yes. as mentioned earlier, one (micro adjust) is a grip shifter, with clicks close together (hence micro adjust) while the other (index) is the trigger shifter with 3 distinct positions for the derailleur. SRAM also makes the rocket and attack shifters, which are shimano compatible. i forget which is which, but one is grip and the other is trigger. i believe those are X-9/X-7 level in quality.
the 1:1 (SRAM-compatible) grip shifter will work with a road FD, on a double or a triple. the 1:1 (SRAM-compatible) trigger, will only work with a road FD on a double, and it'll be dodgy at best, because of the differences in pull between road and mountain front derailleurs.
the 1:1 (SRAM-compatible) grip shifter will work with a road FD, on a double or a triple. the 1:1 (SRAM-compatible) trigger, will only work with a road FD on a double, and it'll be dodgy at best, because of the differences in pull between road and mountain front derailleurs.
#14
(Grouchy)
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,643
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by Ziemas
Do you have a SRAM X7 trigger shifter and a triple, or is all this theory on your part? I have a SRAM X7 trigger shifter and a 105 FD which shifts just fine on a Shimano FC-M581 48T-36T-26T crank. I think you are giving out incorrect information.
road FDs have a much more linear effort:movement ratio, and most MTB FDs have an eccentric pulley that helps minimize the shifting effort to move it the required distance to initiate a shift. shimano does this for MTB FDs because there is a lot more crap that builds up in shift housing, cable guides under BB shells, and in derailleur pivots that makes shifting much more difficult. in order to have the FD move easier, they had to also increase the pull on the shifter.
for their RDs, they make the top pulley axle slightly longer than it has to be so it can slide back and forth to assist the shift when cables get gunked up. SRAM's solution to this problem for the rear was to make their pull ratio 1:1, which keeps the shifting accurate longer with gunk buildup.
i'm guessing you got lucky with your setup, i have never seen that particular combination work well under any circumstance. you are most likely pushing that 105 FD to the outer limits of it's travel, which will eventually result in failure.
folks, the compatibility charts exist for a reason. read them, follow them and it'll save you a whole lot of money and headaches.
#15
Boomer
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 7,214
Bikes: Diamondback Clarity II frame homebuilt.
Mentioned: 106 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 16098 Post(s)
Liked 1,457 Times
in
1,064 Posts
I have to agree with OneTinSloth on his statements. The only way I could picture a 105 triple working with a x.7 trigger would be to set it up perfectly for the middle chain ring and then let the limit stops "make it right" for the small and the large. Slack cable isn't so much of a problem on the small ring but the shift mechanism must be under a tremendous load on the big ring. If you search back through this forum you will find front derailleur problems being a constant thread of the drop bar to flat bar conversion. The shimano flat bar front derailleur family for road bikes exists for a reason and this is it.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: St Peters, Missouri
Posts: 30,225
Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1572 Post(s)
Liked 643 Times
in
364 Posts
Originally Posted by OneTinSloth
i'm guessing you got lucky with your setup, i have never seen that particular combination work well under any circumstance. you are most likely pushing that 105 FD to the outer limits of it's travel, which will eventually result in failure.
folks, the compatibility charts exist for a reason. read them, follow them and it'll save you a whole lot of money and headaches.
folks, the compatibility charts exist for a reason. read them, follow them and it'll save you a whole lot of money and headaches.
Right now in my basement I have two bikes that violate this rule just as they came equipped from the manufacturers. One is my daughter's Burley Rock & Roll tandem that has STX/RC flat bar shifters and a Sora front derailleur. The other is my wife's Specialized Crossroads Pro that has LX shifters and a Tiagra front derailleur. Both shift just fine and neither has required an unusual amount of tuneing.
Over the years I have worked on many bikes, mostly tandems, that have used various Shimano flat bar shifters coupled with various Shimano road front derailleurs. If anything, I've found them easier to set up than an STI triple.
I've never seen, much less worked on, a bike that used STI shifters coupled with a mountain bike front derailleur. I'm told that, for some reason, that combination doesn't work.
So far as saving money and headaches goes, if I were buying new parts I think that it would be stupid not to buy ones the manufacturer says will match. If I already owned some components, I'd definitely try to make them work before I spend any money on new stuff.