Can Shimano Alivio derails from a trigger set up be converted to use with friction levers? Do they have to be used with SIS type shifters. I have a complete drive train set up from a 21 speed MTB I am looking to maybe use for upgrading a French frame I have.

All derailers work with friction shifters.

The grammar's kinda thowing me for a loop, but going by assumption...

As long as the Alivio derailler sits in the small cog position when a cable's not on, can mount to your frame and the H and L limit screws can be adjusted to meet the high and low cogs, you're in business.

There may be workarounds if the derailler doesn't meet some of those requirements.

Ok that's what I'm thinking but I swear i remember hearing that SIS derails were set up with spring rates or something that make them specific to the system.

Friction shifting is the universal solution to your gearing problems.

You're thinking of Positron. SIS works with any friction shifter. Remember alot of DT shifters (post-index) had the option for friction and index.
-Gene-

Hello by trigger shifters you mean rapid fire? a thumb lever/index finger arrangement? these unfortunatly can not be changed you need new thumb shifters that can be set on friction. some of the first shimano have a little lever (like the DT shifters) that you could move to a friction setting. IMHO this was big fault of the rapidfire sytems. if they broke on the trial you either rode home in the little cog or adjusted the limit screw.

Alivio derailleurs with friction dt shifters.

Hello by trigger shifters you mean rapid fire? a thumb lever/index finger arrangement? these unfortunatly can not be changed you need new thumb shifters that can be set on friction. some of the first shimano have a little lever (like the DT shifters) that you could move to a friction setting. IMHO this was big fault of the rapidfire sytems. if they broke on the trial you either rode home in the little cog or adjusted the limit screw.




Yes that is the system I salvaged the drive train from. What is it that makes you say they can't be fitted to regular friction shifters?

I think the confusion is whether the trigger shifters can be used in a friction mode. Most early Shimano SIS (indexed) shifters had an alternate friction mode. The triggers of course do not.

You can use friction shifters with your Alivio Ders. They don't have to be "converted" they just have to be installed and adjusted like any other normal dérailleur.

I thought my posting was pretty clear that I was talking spefically about the shifters themselves

I thought my posting was pretty clear that I was talking spefically about the shifters themselves

Ok on reread I see that is what you meant. I'm a little slow so my apologies...
thanks everyone!

that is OK I try and be clear but sometimes when trying to explain things simply I end up confusing people. you know you can use suntour friction thumb shifters for this too.

that is OK I try and be clear but sometimes when trying to explain things simply I end up confusing people. you know you can use suntour friction thumb shifters for this too.

Thanks Bianchigirll !! I am looking at barends and am glad I can use this driveline. From what I read this is a hyperglide set up and it makes it that much better.

Friction (or nonindexed ratchet) barcons are a great idea, and they should work brilliantly

Wow, this sounds like exactly what I'm thinking of doing. Stripping a crappy MTB of it's drivetrain to update a vintage A-D to commuter status. Could you use a 7 speed brifter with this?