Shimano Sora!

Conversion was stupid easy, no problems at all. Still waiting on the FD, maybe it will be here tomorrow. Kind of surprised it wasn't here today from the tracking information.

My impressions:

As I suspected, there were no problems at all using a 9 speed derailleur with a 7 speed chain or freewheel. Things are a little narrower on the derailleur, but there's still plenty of clearance for the chain.

Shifts aren't really any smoother, but they are still very smooth. With the old derailleur things were very smooth and quiet. Actually, the Sora is a little louder, it makes a light audible click when it shifts whereas the old one sometimes would make no noise at all, sometimes it would. It's a little more difficult to downshift from 7th to 1st (takes a full pedal revolution vs 1/2 for the old one), and for one reason or another I have to push the friction shifter a little further to get it into 1st. That's a little inconvenient for my top tube bag. I might move it to the downtube.

All that being said, the Sora derailleur is a GREAT improvement, because it is a lot more precise. Shifting is much more predictable and easier to control. I can navigate from gear to gear much more reliably and consistently now. Additionally, the periodic ghost shifts I would get with the stock derailleur are gone. A very worthwhile recommendation.

Next up: Shimano Sora FD, then I think I'm done with modifications for a while. It's a great performing bike.

Full bike, before and after, and better detail shots coming later when the FD arrives.
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