bradtx

I've searched and found some answers. At one time I remember reading that the triple brifter could be used in double applications, seems it was even advertized in a catalogue or two of the time as an either/or, IIRC.

I've also read that there were some brifter failures because of that 'interchangeability'. If I use the triple brifter for the double is it better to use the small/medium or the medium/large chainring selections to reduce the possibility of a failure? Any difference, I was thinking of using the med/lg (2-3) setting

TIA, Brad

JiveTurkey

Yes, it's best to use the middle and outer positions.

If you use inner/middle, then you can potentially damage the shifter over time if you forget you're already in the outer chainring (middle shift position) and try to upshift.

By syncing the outer chainring with the outer shift position, the shifter will be at the end of its throw and you won't stress the ratcheting mechanism if you try to upshift.

Know that if you use the middle/outer positions of the shifter, it will still allow you access to the inner shift position. As long as the low limit screw of the front derailleur is set correctly, the only "problem" this will cause is that the cable will be very slack if you accidentally downshift into this position.

JiveTurkey

Hmm...responding to this post got me thinking about my mountain bike. I replaced the outer chainring of the triple with a bash gaurd so I now just have the inner and middle chainrings. After putting on the bash gaurd, I just screwed in the high limit screw and called it done. I realize now that I went against the above advice and have locked out the outer shift position.

Do Shimano's MTB trigger shifters suffer from the same potential problem as their road STIs? In other words, should I re-set up my front shifter to use positions 2 and 3 (middle and outer)?

joejack951

With Ultegra 10 speed brifters, there is no loss of functionality when using the outer two positions versus the inner two. With Ultegra 9 speed, however, you will lose the ability to trim when using the outer chainring as 9 speed brifters do not have a trim position there (only for the first two rings).

joejack951

The only Shimano shifters I've heard having problems when being used on a double are the 105 10 speed brifters (and it's only been road bike newbies who have broken them). Plenty of MTBs are running bashguards and I doubt they are all using double only shifters (very few of them even exist). I wouldn't worry about it.

bradtx

Thanks everyone for the replies!

I may've made progress with the 600 RD shifter, but that'll be another thread.

Brad

wunderkind

Use Middle/Outer. Lock the low limit screw to prevent FD shifting the chain into the 3rd ring (no longer exist?).
Good to go.

Al1943

Actually there is not a 9-speed Ultegra double shifter. All 9-speed Ultegra front shifters are double/triple compatible.

bradtx

Al1943, Interesting! Are you aware of any special set up for a double application?

Wonderkind, I'm breaking down my Arriva to sell as a frameset and moving the shifters over to my 600 equipped '89 C'Dale.

Brad

Al1943

No, I think the standard setup is the same as for a triple. I don't know which is better.

Retro Grouch 

I own a tandem and a Klein which both have Ultegra 9-speed brifters. The Klein currently has a compact double crankset (It once had a standard crankset) and the tandem has a triple.

The brifters on both bikes have 4 shift positions. On the double I get 2 shift positions for each chainring. On the triple I have 1 shift position for the granny, 2 for the middle ring and 1 shift position for the big ring. I also have Flight Deck computers on both bikes. The Flight Decks have always indicated the proper chainring so I'm thinking that my shifters must be set up the way that Shimano intended.

bradtx

I really appreciate all of the info, thanks again.

Brad

bradtx

Weather sucked around here today so worked on the 6501 triple to double. What seems to work best is to set the shifter to the first click and then connect the FD. One more click will trim the inner chainring outwards and one more click shifts to the outer chainring. Going the other way one click will shift to the small chainring and one more click will trim it. This seemed best to me, advice welcomed, as I can't force the shifter against the H or L screw by accident.

RG, Used as a double I still have four clicks, but the inner click is wasted. There's possibly something I've missed so the above is the best I could get.

I hope this is of some help in the future and again, thanks for all of the help y'all.

Brad

Ps I don't suppose the shifter can actually force pressure on the L screw....

Al1943

You should be able to shift from one ring to the other with a single sweep of the handle. Once it's set the way you want it there is no reason to count clicks, just shove and go. The extra click stops can be used for trimming if needed.

bradtx

Al1943, It'll shift in one sweep between inner and outer. I was just breaking it down step by step, but after a re read I could've used better wording.

Brad