Originally Posted by
Chrisman183
Hi, I know nothing about this, so thought I'd ask here. I have downtube friction shifters on my 6 speed trek, if I change the cassette out with a newer one (10sp) would I need to get new shifters or could these work with the much larger set? I know I'd have to get a new derailleur but I'm wondering about the shifters... if they won't work, would anyone have a recommendation where to find a compatible set of downtube shifters?
thanks!!
Originally Posted by
Road Fan
I suspect we confused the heck out of the thread author, who needed some help.
If he changes out the cassette "with a newer one (10sp)", then he'd need to get DT shifters with a range wide enough - apparently older Simplex shifters won't work (as they won't cover my 9-speed campy cassette), but newer ones with a larger range should.
I don't see how the rear derailleur really cares so much, as long as it's designed to cover what it covers, 8-9-10 speed, as it's only getting pulled by a shifter. Any friction shifter, if it has the range, should work. I can only say that the Simplex shifters I have will only get you to 8 of 9 cogs on a 9-speed campy cassette (and so will not cover 10 either, in all likelihood).
I'll give Suntour a shot first. I'm reluctant to use Shimano, though I know they'd work, but it's irrational and I'm biased. If this is my only irrational thought (to not use Shimano even though they'd certainly be the superior DT shifter for my use), then I'm doing OK.