retnav94

I do not want to take the time to learn to use the shifters on the down tube of a bike I got from my brother. I would like to put new shifters on. All the components are Dura Ace. Is there anything that would prevent me from being able to do this? Is it just a matter of rerouting cables? Or is there much more to it? Additionally, since the bike was built in the early 90s is the newer stuff compatible?

nwbikeman

Hi, You can find STI shifters to work with your components as they are 7 or 8 speed DA. The front deraileur might have to be replaced depending on the age or pivot motion. If the pivot of the front deraileur moves in and out or parallel to the chainrings that one will work, as apposed to some pivoting more of a for and aft movement to the big ring then will probably need to change it Because the shifting ratio is not correct. If you upgrade to the new 10 speed then the group needs to be replaced. Good luck

desertdork

Read: https://www.sheldonbrown.com/dura-ace.html

Your 74xx series rear derailleur doesn't have the same cable travel as more current Shimano systems. The linked article states that you can use newer 9sp Shimano STI levers in combination with your rear derailleur and an 8-sp cassette. If you wished to go with a 9sp cassette, you'd a more recent rear derarailleur.

Anyhow... using DT shifters isn't difficult to learn. Probably take you five minutes to get the basics down and just a bit longer to get plenty comfortable. If the reach to the levers is the issue, there are other options, too. As for installing STI levers, you'll be replacing all cables/housings; therefore, you'll need to know how to adjust the brakes and tune the derailleurs. It's more than just rerouting cables.