Peek the Geek

I just received a few items for a new build I'm starting: Ultegra SL rear derailleur, brifters and brake calipers. This new SL stuff with the "Ice Grey" finish definitely looks sharp. Better in real life than in pictures, even.

The parts will be going on a Gunnar Roadie frame I picked up on eBay, but I'll have to shop around a bit for the crankset and front derailleur, since PBK didn't have the specific models I was looking for. I guess I'm also a bit disappointed that ProBikeKit didn't include the original packaging and manuals, since the items are sold as new. Not a big deal, though, since the price was right and shipping was free.


My only concern has to do with the left brifter. As the lower black lever returns to its static position under the upper gray lever, instead of moving completely below the upper lever it makes contact with it and hesitates slightly before moving completely to its static position.

Basically, the return path of the lower lever is too high, and it strikes the upper lever. The shifting functions fine, but it's just irksome and not something I would expect from a brand new component.

Anyone know if this is common and if there's a fix. I've tried just bending the lower lever down with steady pressure, but that doesn't help.

Thanks.

markwebb

I've never ordered "new" components from a 'net retailer and not had it come in the original packaging. The original packaging includes assembly instructions, too. New items received by the retailer from the wholesaler comes in the factory packaging - to my knowledge there is no legit reason it would not - unless it was returns or seconds. And with that problem you described, I'd be very suspicious.

botto 

that's PBK. why do you think it's so cheap?

Peek the Geek

How does not including original packaging make their products cheaper? I'm not instigating, just curious.

adgrant

They are probably buying OEM parts instead of retail.

songfta

+1

That's the thing: they get OEM/service parts from Shimano, which is markedly cheaper than getting the full retail package. It also saves a bit on shipping, as they can use a more minimalist box/bag/envelope setup.

My PD6620 SPD-SL pedals and my Campy Centaur rear mech both came in OEM/service bags, and arrived just fine.

botto 

exactly.

kudude

and then passing the savings onto you. for another $500 you could have had the boxes to throw away.

Can you take a pic/describe better what is going on with your brifter?

Psimet2001 

+3 - OEM's don't need the package. Package costs more and just ends up as trash. PBK discounting is because they buy as an OEM from manufacturers.

That does not mean you will never receive original packaging from PBK, but rather it explains why sometimes/most times you will not receive it.

Psimet2001 

Oh and as for the clearance issues on the shifter - I have run into it in the past. No good solutions are available that I know of. I usually bend it into place or "hand fit" (read sand or file) the levers until they work well.

Peek the Geek

The picture below shows the brifter, with the upper and lower levels labeled. The circled area is where the two levers are making contact after shifting the lower lever and allowing it to return to its resting position.

Nekura

Do you have the little rubber feet on the paddle that seat between the brake lever/lower lever?

Peek the Geek

Yes, the rubber foot is there. In fact, it's the gripping property of the rubber that's causing the lower lever to hesitate when it hits the upper lever. If it was just a hard surface on a hard surface it would slide better, but the rubber foot serves other purposes, so I obviously wouldn't want to remove it.

Treefox

I've never had groupset items come in original packaging. I've only ever seen Shimano packaging in store displays.

But I have always gotten the instructions. They're all available for download on Shimano's website anyway.

drdhsimon

can someone pleae remind me what OEM means? I know NOS is new old stock, but forgot OEM. Thanks!

Peek the Geek

"Original Equipment Manufacturer." Basically, OEM parts are rebranded parts to be sold only in conjunction with another product (e.g., a bike). They are sometimes functionally different from aftermarket versions and are typically not authorized by the manufacturer for individual retail. At least that's what I used to think. Not sure how/if the Shimano components sold by ProBikeKit fit this definition.

Indolent58

They don't. Ultegra is Ultegra. Some very low end Shimano components are OEM only but everything else from Sora up to Dura-Ace are the same whether they come in a box or a plastic bag.

Peek the Geek

But four people in this thread said that PBK's Ultegra stuff is OEM. You're outnumbered.


Like I said in my original post, no big deal that the components didn't come boxed. I was just curious as to why not (and still am---maybe I'm not getting it). My main question was about the interference on the brifter lever.

kudude

what? he said low end stuff was OEM only, not that you couldn't buy OEM ultegra.

I say mount the brifter, if the cable tension doesn't fix your issue, file a little off as suggested

DaveSANYYZ

I should be receiving my U-SL from PBK soon. I'll let you know if mine has the same issue.

As for PBK selling OEM stuff, I think they do. Last time I ordered Look KEO pedals from them, they didn't come in the retail box.

I think what Indolent is saying is that while they're OEM, they're no different than the Ultegra that you would get in normal retail outlets; except it doesn't come in a retail package. Kind of like if you buy an assembled bike from Trek/C'dale, you wouldn't get the boxes for the individual components because they are OEM parts.

Peek the Geek

I think I'm just getting hung up on the term "OEM." Just because a product is sold without a box or as part of a built bike doesn't make it OEM. In fact, an Ultegra derailleur hanging on a bike in a retail showroom isn't OEM just because it's sold with the bike. In order for it to be OEM it would have to be rebranded.

Perhaps there's another term that would be more suited to this particular situation. But we're just splitting hairs here. No big deal.

rick1

I have the same Ultegra SL and I just keep the little rubber pad greased throughly. It dosen't totally solve the problem but it sure helps.

Peek the Geek

Meh. I'm still collecting parts for the build, so time is not an issue. I'll just get it replaced if there's no easy fix that doesn't include filing down a brand new part.

Psimet2001 

You mis-understand OEM. You are correct in the definition: "Original Equipment Manufacturer" - as in meant to go on to bikes at a factory.

From there though it seems you think there is some sort of difference between OEM and "normal" bicyle components. There is not. The difference is not just packaging, but rather the pricing agrement between the OEM buyer and the manufacturer of the components.

There are usually 2 types of pricing agreements when dealing with products that are both put on to machinery as well as sold for replacement or repair parts. The OEM and the MRO/distribution pricing structures.

Deeper discounts - ususally - are given to OEMs. Product is the same.

What you might possibly be referring to is that sometimes there are "OEM" parts and "aftermarket parts" - like in automotive markets. In that situation you are actually dealing with a different manufacturer and a "similar" part. To use cycling products that would be like "OEM" - Shimano or "aftermarket" Not Shimano but looks or acts similar.

To expand on the auto example this is actually like buying a "Honda" OEM rotor from either a Honda disributor, or an assembly factory. It's still an OEM part in both cases.....

Psimet2001 

Oh and the rubber pad - leave it because it dampens the vibration and rattling sounds the levers would make if it were missing.