Bike Forums

Bike Forums (https://www.bikeforums.net/forum.php)
-   Classic & Vintage (https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/)
-   -   Convert 2x6 to 3x7 (https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/1249911-convert-2x6-3x7.html)

etherhuffer 04-10-22 06:03 PM

Convert 2x6 to 3x7
 
Will a six speed shifter in friction mode work on either or both sides of a 3x7? SIS Shimano indexed 6 speed. Using an RSX triple set up in place of 6 speed.

ThermionicScott 04-10-22 06:05 PM

Sure, I've used 6-speed 105 shifters in friction mode over a 7-speed cassette. The overall width isn't too different.

etherhuffer 04-10-22 06:11 PM


Originally Posted by ThermionicScott (Post 22468139)
Sure, I've used 6-speed 105 shifters in friction mode over a 7-speed cassette. The overall width isn't too different.

How about the front, going from double to triple? Enough cable pull?

ThermionicScott 04-10-22 06:19 PM


Originally Posted by etherhuffer (Post 22468143)
How about the front, going from double to triple? Enough cable pull?

If we're talking downtube or bar-end shifters, I think it was always the same front shifter whether you had a double or triple.

seypat 04-10-22 07:39 PM

Is the FD a triple derailleur? Most of the nonspecific Shimano FD's I've tried do not have enough in/out travel to shift a triple. The lone exception is the FD6207 600 series. Maybe the RX will as well.

etherhuffer 04-10-22 09:23 PM


Originally Posted by seypat (Post 22468241)
Is the FD a triple derailleur? Most of the nonspecific Shimano FD's I've tried do not have enough in/out travel to shift a triple. The lone exception is the FD6207 600 series. Maybe the RX will as well.

Yes, its an RSX set from a touring rig so it should work

squirtdad 04-11-22 01:11 PM


Originally Posted by ThermionicScott (Post 22468149)
If we're talking downtube or bar-end shifters, I think it was always the same front shifter whether you had a double or triple.

Shimano made triple specific front derailers..... for sure in the RSX100 series and in others.

genejockey 04-11-22 01:51 PM


Originally Posted by etherhuffer (Post 22468143)
How about the front, going from double to triple? Enough cable pull?

The front RX100 shifter on my old Cannondale R500 is labeled "Triple", and I found when I converted the bike to a double chainring, with an RX100 double FD, the lever only travels about half as much as other levers designed for doubles. SO, clearly a lever for a triple will have more cable pull. Whether the shifter for a double has enough pull, I can't say.

ThermionicScott 04-11-22 02:00 PM


Originally Posted by squirtdad (Post 22468979)
Shimano made triple specific front derailers..... for sure in the RSX100 series and in others.

Right, front derailleurs would/should be different... I was just thinking of the shifters.

bamboobike4 04-13-22 07:43 PM

Easily done.
 
Time-consuming. I moved a 2x6 Centurion Lemans RS (yellow/black), to 3x7 using a Shimano RXS 3x7 group pilfered from a Diamondback Expert TG. The RXS triple crankset was 110BCD and used the double BB with no issues.

Murray Missile 04-17-22 06:20 PM

I've done countless double to triple swaps with both DT and stem friction shifters and never had to change the shifter. I've also gone from a 5 to 8 speed on the rear without changing the friction shifters. I'm not sure how much travel the 6 speed Index shifter has in friction mode, mine are all packed away, but it should at least be enough to handle an extra cog.

3 or 4 years ago Shimano 3 X 7 indexed DT shifters were cheap and plentiful on Ebay, I see that is no longer the case. :(


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 05:32 PM.


Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.