KonaBuyer

I am settling in on some of the build - ie., I am pretty set on a "multi-range" (TA Cyclotouriste, probably) front crank with an 8 or nine cog rear. I have identified the vintage short list for rear derailleurs, but would like some insight of them versus their modern counterparts - do they stand up? Can I run a modern one in friction mode? What about front derailleurs?

Thanks

John

Batman_3000

If you are really into cyclotouring and prepared to use a 8 speed rear with a triple TA (sure your chain widths -teeth- are going to match ?) go for an indexed setup on the rear. If you go non indexed, you'll find that a freewheel unit with chamfered teeth designed for index shifting will give you extremely positive friction shifting. Just a nudge on that right hand shifter lever and you get a real positive change, no need to muck around adjusting with the lever.

KonaBuyer

I am probably going to run a widely-spaced double, but not sure about chain/compatibility issues - I am a newb, but reading a lot and learning fast.

John

T-Mar

+1, go indexed. If you're going 8 speed you'll already have Hyperglide or some other freewheel/cassette with chamfers and ramps. Shifting will be much more positive given the larger jumps and loads associated with touring. You might as well go the rest of the way with indexing.

Grand Bois

Modern derailers work better. You can run them indexed or friction, it's up to you, but I'd run 8 speed with bar end shifters. You can swich from indexed to friction if it gets out of whack on the road. Ultegra works great and you can get them new for $40. I have one on my MTB/Tourer. I'm amazed at how well it shifts compared to my vintage stuff.

Panthers007

If interested in the Shimano Ultegra RD-6500 GS rear-derailleur, for 1/2 market-price, here's the link:

https://www.cambriabike.com/shopexd.a...EAR+DERAILLEUR

I concur - it's an excellent RD. I run 2 of 'em on my high-end custom machines.

Grand Bois

Be aware that the Ultegra won't handle as large a cog as the MTB derailers. I think, 30t is the most it will handle and it's rated for less by Shimano.

KonaBuyer

Thank you so much.

What about a matching front derailleur, for, say, a 46 - 26 front crank set up?

Grand Bois

There you need a front derailer with a flat outer cage to clear the arm on the Cyclotouriste. Look here:

https://www.velo-orange.com/fsagofrd.html

Grand Bois

Pictures, please.

Panthers007

First one is my customized Trek 7.5 FX. The second is on my vintage PUCH -

KonaBuyer

Will the Shimano Ultegra RD-6500 GS handle, say, a 26 cog with a 46 - 26 front chainring set up, as long as the largest rear cog is less than 30 teeth?

cyclotoine

You bought 8 speed ultegra bar end shifter new? WHere?

KonaBuyer

I tried the ol' google search and found a few online sources, including :

https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-Ultegr.../dp/B000F5EFOC

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...?ModelID=13649

cyclotoine

those like "modernized" compared to the ones I have, could it be they have become available again? Last year I could note find these. Praise shimano! These are the best touring shifters of ALL time.

cyclotoine

The Ultegra GS seems to handle a 32T no problem, on the C-dale touring bikes we are selling.

cs1

I've heard mixed reviews on those. Some say the spring is so strong you can't shift it. Others complain it's cheap and the pivot cracks. I find it hard to believe FSA would put out a product like that. There's also 2 versions. Maybe they're talking about the cheaper one.

Do you use one? If so, how do you like it? I have a CT crank for my Campy Daytona bike and was thinking about trying one on it. I haven't pulled the trigger yet because of the reviews.

KonaBuyer

I am having trouble finding any reviews - can you point me there?

From the FSA website I gather that there is only one basic model, with a braze on option.

Grand Bois

Actually I was talking about an Ultegra GS RD for $40 new. I didn't know there was ever a problem finding those shifters.

KonaBuyer

I asked Chris at Velo Orange the following:

I am planning to run a widely spaced (ca 46 - 26) front TA or Stronglight crank with a rear Ultegra long cage derailleur and a 9 speed cassette. Is the Gossamer front derailleur a good choice to complement this set up.

He Replied:

I've used the Gossamer FD with a similar drive train on one of my bikes and it works perfectly.

Peter_B

I'm running wide range double gearing on three vintage bikes set up as follows: (1) TA 30-48 crankset, 11-34 9 spd cassette, Galli front der, Shimano XTR rear der; (2) Campagnolo Mirage 34-50 crankset, 11-34 9 spd cassette, Campagolo Super Record front der, Shimano XTR rear der; (3) TA 28-53 crankset, 13-32 7spd freewheel, Simplex Criterium front der; Shimano XTR rear der. You can see I like the Shimano XTR rear der, which is friction shifted on all these bikes. It wraps more chain than my various vintage long cage rear derailleurs, handles a wide range in rear cogs, shifts nicely, and is lightweight too. I do have vintage rear derailleurs on other bikes but these bikes are my long-distance, mountain, and touring riders. All these front derailleurs are flat on their cage plates.

oldpedalpusher

You don't necessarily need a long cage rear derailleur if your rear cluster isn't really big.
I run a 24-34-46 with a 14-23 7sp cassette on just a cheap $20 Shimano Sora short cage derailleur, and it has plenty of chainwrap...

I really like this setup because the rear cassette is small and lightweight, the gears are ultra close, and yet it still has a 27 inch low gear.


Greg

Grand Bois

I hadn't considered an XTR because they're outrageously expensive. Also, I don't like that they are painted, not polished. That's why I chose an Ultegra over an XT for my MTB/tourer.

Hydrated

Look for a Rapid Rise version that someone is looking to dump... these are great derailleurs that people seem to hate for some reason. I guess it's because folks don't want to spend the 10 minutes that it takes to get used to the way it shifts. But you can often get them really cheap.

I got mine at my LBS for $45 brand new in the box. Not bad for a shiny new XTR unit. I paired it up with a new SRAM PG-990 11-34 cassette and I absolutely love the way it shifts with my friction DT shifters.