Originally Posted by
miamijim
Where do they say that 77XX shifters will work with a 74XX derailleur? If I'm reading the charts right they say the 9-speed levers are NOT compatible with pre '97 Dura-Ace (7400).
Halfway down the link, under the Shimano mechs. Under the left column you should find the Shimano 9.
Look two columns to the right and highlighted in green in apparent compatability with "old dura ace" which is an 8 speed hub (which is 74xx) i think.
maybe i'm reading this hideously wrong and just got extremely extremely luck with mine.
Also, I think their table shows shimano 8spd not being compatible because all the shifters they are comparing are non dura ace. I think older dura ace isn't compatible with anything but itself. However, the advent of 9spd shimano standardized the entire line.