STI upgrade ... needed? ... recommendations?
12-26-05, 09:06 AM
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STI upgrade ... needed? ... recommendations?
My 9-year old bike with 8-speed Shimano Ultegra STI shifters has been giving me shifting troubles that tell me the chain / cogs are worn (again) and the rear derailleur is probably worn out. The mail order places don't carry any 8-speed stuff anymore and my LBS doesn't have much. So it looks like planned obsolescence has won and I may have to upgrade just to get parts. Can anyone comment on the availability of 8-speed components? Do you know a source of parts?
IF I decide to upgrade, should I go to 9-speed or jump to 10-speed? If I recall, the dropout spacing is 130-mm for all three.
Thanks!
IF I decide to upgrade, should I go to 9-speed or jump to 10-speed? If I recall, the dropout spacing is 130-mm for all three.
Thanks!
12-26-05, 09:12 AM
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Ebay..
12-26-05, 09:51 AM
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Less 8 speed (unless you like SORA) more 9 speed. Ebay is you best bet, but a 9 speed upgrade might not cost all the much. STI 9 speed shifters and a new chain and rear cassette. Your cranks and front and rear dr should work.
12-26-05, 10:47 AM
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A rear derailleur from any 9 or 10-speed group will work fine with your 8-speed shifters and cassette. Finding the cassettes is a bit of a problem but they are still out there. 8-speed chains are readilly available and a 9-speed chain will work too.
If you want to upgrade a bit, 9-speed 105 components are selling at bargain prices right now since 10-speed 105 has been introduced. 9-speed components should be available for a long time to come too.
If you want to upgrade a bit, 9-speed 105 components are selling at bargain prices right now since 10-speed 105 has been introduced. 9-speed components should be available for a long time to come too.
12-26-05, 11:56 AM
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Nashbar has 8 spd cassettes for $19.95. Available in 11x28, 12x32, 12x28, 12x21 or 12x23.
12-26-05, 11:56 AM
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Actually, an 8spd derailleur will generally work with a 9spd STI shifter, if you let the low limit out a bit. I really doubt your rear derailleur is worn out, I think I have actually seen one derailleur that was truly "worn out". If you go 9spd, get some Tiagra/105 9spd shifters (work great + cheap), keep your rear derailleur (maybe get new pullies?), and replace the cassette + chain.
12-26-05, 12:14 PM
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Convert to friction/ratchet barcons and stop sweating component compatibility.
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
