Originally Posted by
Briareos
Oh, I forgot to ask, does the 8-speed "600 series" downtube shifter work? I may use that until I can find DA ones.
Only in friction. 600, Ultegra, 105, RSX, RX-100, are all interchangeable. Dura Ace is different.
Since you have the shifters, you could always put on a non-DA derailer and everything would be perfect. Therefore avoiding all the hassle and compatibility issues caused by the old DA system.
Originally Posted by
Retro Grouch
No but a 9-speed might. 8-speed Dura Ace is it's own animal but I think I read somewhere that it's spacing was the same as 9-speed everything else.
Cassette spacing? I believe all Shimano 8 speed cassettes have the same spacing, DA or otherwise. It's the cable pull that's different between DA and non-DA.
But yes, I believe a "9-speed everything else" shifter would work with an old DA rear derailer to shift 8 speeds.