Originally Posted by
Diatad
Spoke with the mechanic today- he insists that the dura ace shifters will only work with a dura ace RD. I told him I had heard and read otherwise, and he invited me to try. Maybe some sort of fear of liability?
He also told me that my sram 9 speed chain (pc971) was too short and that he had to add a link? Anyone know why?
i suppose that the geometry of a rear derailleur (although not inherently indexed at all) is subject to it's own geometry as how far it moves in any given direction when the cable moves. unless the shifter is truly indexed i can't see how it could make any difference.
efficient chain length is somewhat vague in my experience on a derailleur equipped bike, so it mqy just be a matter of taste. but i suspect it's due to the large cog.
after doing a little research, i've found that there are at least two different 9 speed dura-ace barcons. the newer ones are fully indexed. the older ones have a friction mode for one side or the other. so i guess there is a possibility of them being incompatible. and it sounds like when they say "indexed" they mean it, not just a clicking sound.
in any event it really doesn't make any difference. no matter who installs them you will make the final determination if they "work" or not and will have to deal with it one way or another. saying that i wouldn't recommend buying or selling anything until it is proven to your satisfaction that it works or not.