Downtube -> STI
01-04-24, 08:10 PM
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Downtube -> STI
Hi i have a vintage road bike i wanna convert my downtube shifters to sti is my derailleur compatible its a exage 500ex i dont know about my front though
01-04-24, 08:19 PM
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What speed shifters do you want to use and which model?
That will impact whether you can keep your current RD or if you need a new one.
That will impact whether you can keep your current RD or if you need a new one.
01-04-24, 08:32 PM
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Depends on the shifters you grab. 7 and 8 speed Shimano compatible shifters will be a perfect match for the rear. If you have a double crankset, you have a decent chance of the stock front derailleur working. If you have a triple crankset up front, it has a higher chance of being finicky, but you might be able to make it work.
If you also switch to 9 or 10 speed at the same time, then the rear derailleur technically can work, though it likely will be noisy unless you swap the pulleys for 9 or 10 speed and add washers to take up the extra space.
If you also switch to 9 or 10 speed at the same time, then the rear derailleur technically can work, though it likely will be noisy unless you swap the pulleys for 9 or 10 speed and add washers to take up the extra space.
01-04-24, 11:26 PM
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01-05-24, 01:34 AM
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I just swapped a 7-speed grip shift for a 10-speed STI, leaving the Exage CX rear derailleur in place, and it shifts a 10-speed cassette acceptably. I'm not sure what the difference is between my Exage CX and your Exage EX, but probably not much.
01-05-24, 08:46 PM
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If you do have a 500ex FD, then it may not work too well with brifters. The brifters may not pull enough cable to move the FD cage as much as needed. The design/length of the arms where the cable attaches and the pivot configuration effects the cage movement. FDs designed for brifters usually have shorter cable arms to match the shorter pull that the shifter provides.
Additionally, some of the Shimano FDs designed for downtube use had a design that Shimano called 'Leading Action' which moved the cage forward as well as outward from the bike's frame. This angled movement required more cable pull because of the diagonal movement. See the attached which is a very similar FD.
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01-05-24, 10:09 PM
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01-06-24, 06:13 PM
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need more info as noted how many speeds do you have, how many are you aiming for, it can be as simple as adding sti brake/shifter or as complex as new deraillers, new chain, new cassette, new wheel
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(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
