Double / Triple conversion
 

I am a bit confused about this. I am talking about Ultegra here. My LBS told me that they had to change the front shifter, BB, cranks, and front der.

After looking at the Shimano web site, it looks like I need the BB, cranks, front der, and rear der (longer cage) changed and NOT the shifter.

Some of you wrenches please help. I am supposed to pick it up today after work and I want to make sure it is right.

The rear der makes sense as now there will be more chain to take up when going to the small chain ring. What about the front shifer? Does it handle both?

STI - no

down-tube or bar-end - yes

This seems to be a point of contention, I have been told (at a LBS) the triple shifter will work with a double, as will the long cage rear der.

Yes, you need the works and it will be costly. Front shifter, front and rear derailleur, 118mm bb, and new cranks. Have you considered going to a 12-27 rear cassette with the double crank. That is alot cheaper ($35), and maybe a longer chain. It will give you a 39 inch low gear (39/27). The lowest triple gear inch would be 32 (30/25), assuming you have a 25 maximum now on the rear.

Yes - a triple STI shifter and derailer can shift a double. But a double STI shifter and derailer cannot shift a triple.

This is a new bike so they agreed to do the changeout for $45.00. They are just charging me for the labor. So I thought I had better do it now.

I have lost some confidance in them (a whole different story), so I want to make sure it is right before I pay the balance.

Doh, I'm going from triple to double and am all consumed with the process.

Hmmmm.......I thought Ultegra STI's are double or triple compatible including the current 9 speed groupo. I checked Nashbar's site and they say it's double/triple compatible.... It really doesn't make much practical sense to manufacture a STI lever for a double ring only.

George

That is what I gathered from the Shimano web site. The LBS said they had to change it. HMMM! I just hope when I get there, they have changed the rear der. I had better call before I drive across town.

Avalanche......whatever the case, just make sure you're still getting Ultegra.

George

George,
You are not going to believe this. I just called and asked to make sure that the rear der was going to get changed. The manager, the guy I placed the order with on Tuesday, and promised me the bike today, said "It (the whole changeover) may have fallen through the cracks." I am waiting for a call back. I have never had buying a bike, or even a car, be so stressful.

If they can't straighten it out today, I may have to cancel and go somewhere else. WAYYY too much stress with something that should be fun.

Oh boy.... sorry to hear about that. I think I know which LBS you're dealing with. There are only a couple or three LS dealers around here. Can you possibly PM me off the list and tell me which one?

George

I guess 9-speed stuff must be. My 8-speed stuff is not and it's not like Shimano to make something that is versatile and/or upgradeable :)

Front shifter works on both doubles and triples.
 

The shifter actually has four shift positions. When properly set up on a triple, you get one granny position, two for the middle ring and one for the big ring. As a double you get two positions for each chainring.

To me the neat thing is the Flight Deck computer. It gets the chainrings right double or triple too.

Well, the LBS came through and my new baby is home. Just to set the record straight, Retro is exactly right. They did not have to change the shifter. They changed both derailuers, the bottom bracket, and the cranks. the wrench was a really good guy. The sales staff.........well, 'nuff said.

Just a note that may require some history books...

I believe the FIRST set of Ultegra STI 9-speed shifters were double only. I am pretty sure on this as I only remember 3 click-positions on the left shifter... Not 4 like they are today.

If the bike is 100% new I woulda thought they woulda not charged you the $45 at all... But even so $45 is not a bad amount of green-backs...

Well, the $45 wasnt too bad. The bike comes with a 105 BB and front der. Now I have a full Ultegra triple. I am happy with that.

I just replaced a very low mileage Ultegra Triple BB with a double - I went the opposite way you did. Send me a note if you're interested.

55/Rad