preventative maintenance on bought-used STI levers?
01-27-07, 11:50 AM
#1
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preventative maintenance on bought-used STI levers?
I recently picked up a used set of Shimano 105 9-speed STI levers. (Yes, my first brifters. I've also never yet used outboard-BB or ISIS/Octalink BB, or threadless headsets, before.) The Craigslist seller said that they had 5-700 miles on them, and they appear to be in good functional shape (with some scratches on the front cap, but mainly cosmetic). They do have some dirt-film on the edges of the levers that don't get touched. Rachet mechanism appears to work fine.
I'm wondering if I should just throw them on a bike and get riding, or if it makes sense to flush them with WD-40 or ProLink or something. Are there easy things I can do that will make the shifting rachet mechanism last longer or work more smoothly? Just trying to collect some data here.
I'm wondering if I should just throw them on a bike and get riding, or if it makes sense to flush them with WD-40 or ProLink or something. Are there easy things I can do that will make the shifting rachet mechanism last longer or work more smoothly? Just trying to collect some data here.
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01-27-07, 12:55 PM
#2
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Originally Posted by timcupery
I recently picked up a used set of Shimano 105 9-speed STI levers. (Yes, my first brifters. I've also never yet used outboard-BB or ISIS/Octalink BB, or threadless headsets, before.) The Craigslist seller said that they had 5-700 miles on them, and they appear to be in good functional shape (with some scratches on the front cap, but mainly cosmetic). They do have some dirt-film on the edges of the levers that don't get touched. Rachet mechanism appears to work fine.
I'm wondering if I should just throw them on a bike and get riding, or if it makes sense to flush them with WD-40 or ProLink or something. Are there easy things I can do that will make the shifting rachet mechanism last longer or work more smoothly? Just trying to collect some data here.
I'm wondering if I should just throw them on a bike and get riding, or if it makes sense to flush them with WD-40 or ProLink or something. Are there easy things I can do that will make the shifting rachet mechanism last longer or work more smoothly? Just trying to collect some data here.
I recently took the plunge to STI (I was a retro-grouch, but I will never go back to downtube friction shifting). Also got some used 9sp 105 on c-list, but mine were used much more than yours were. I put them on and they worked fine for a while, then I started getting no resistance at all, occasionally, on downshifts. I flushed them well with WD-40 and no problems since.
If it were me, I would flush them out before putting them on, just to avoid the mess flushing them on the bike causes. Some have recommended flushing with carb cleaner, then spraying with a thin lubricant.
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Il faut de l'audace, encore de l'audace, toujours de l'audace
1980 3Rensho-- 1975 Raleigh Sprite 3spd
1990s Raleigh M20 MTB--2007 Windsor Hour (track)
1988 Ducati 750 F1
01-27-07, 01:32 PM
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The re-lubricating thing is important. Also STI levers can get gummy from not being used so I'd watch out for that.
01-27-07, 08:44 PM
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A guy at my LBS told me that they service SDI shifters by placing them in a very hot solution of H2O and Simple Green, blow them out, and lightly lube them. This is a very excellent shop (service bikes for Dave Zabriski and Levi Leipheimer, etc)
I havn't had to do this yet, so I can't provide any feedback.
I havn't had to do this yet, so I can't provide any feedback.
