How much does it cost to convert downtube shifters to STI?

STI Shifters or Other Brake-shifters Most places have them around USD 80-120 (depending on whether they’re on clearance).

What are the best downtube shifters?

The Dura Ace 7700 dt shifters are a good choice. Another good choice is the Suntour Superbe Pro which has a ratcheting power shift in friction mode, just like the Simplex levers.

What does the left downtube shifter do?

Lever or Downtube Shifters Pulling the left, or front, lever backwards tightens the cable and pushes the chain up to a bigger front chainring. To shift down, simply push the lever in the opposite direction.

When were downtube shifters used?

1990s
Downtube shifters were the original type of shifter for derailer bikes, and were common through the early 1990s.

What are road bike shifters called?

integrated shifters
These shifters are called “integrated shifters” and are operated by levers that are adjacent to or integrated into the brake levers, so that pushing the brake sideways (rather than pulling back to engage the brake) engages the mechanism and shifts gears.

How do STI shifters work?

Dual Control or Shimano Total Integration (STI) is Shimano’s name for the integrated brake and gear shifter lever. The Shimano shifter system works by moving the whole brake lever to change gear in one direction, and using a smaller integrated lever inside the main brake lever to change in the other direction.

How do you shift downtube shifters?

Shifters on the downtube means taking one hand off the handlebar in order to shift. These Shimano shifters have an “index” option on the right lever which means there are eight detentes or pauses signaled by audible clicks for each gear as the lever is moved back or forth.

How do you shift downtube?

Reach down, move the lever until it’s in the gear you want and adjust so there is no chain rattle. You’ll get the hang of it quick. Downtube shifters can be hard to get used to. When I first used them (after having more experience with on handlebar shifters) I would feel a bit wobbly when trying to shift.

What is the purpose of bike shifter?

A bicycle shifter or gear control or gear levers is a component used to control the gearing mechanisms and select the desired gear ratio. Typically, they operate either a derailleur mechanism or an internal hub gear mechanism.

How do I choose a bike shifter?

Typically it is not recommended to mix different brands of drive train components, even if they have the same amount of gears. The best way to choose your road bike shifter is to try them both out before purchasing to see which one you find more comfortable, and which lever system you prefer.

Do STI shifters wear out?

Shifters do wear out and unlike Campy, ShimaNO shifters can’t be rebuilt and have to replaced once they’re gone. But if you should get a million or so shifts out of them before this happens.

Why do you need a right shift on a downtube?

Having a right shifter on the bar-end makes it easier to reach the shifter which is used most often. More recently, mid-80s on, indexed downtube shifters have made sprints and climbs significantly easier. Indexed shifting means that there is a *click* in the shifter for each gear selected.

Where are the down tube shifters on a bike?

Downtube shifters are shift levers mounted on the downtube of the bicycle. Not everybody will feel comfortable taking their hand completely off the handlebar in order to shift but for those of us who don’t mind doing so, downtube shifters offer the most minimalistic of gear shifting solutions.

How big is the gap on a downtube shifter?

Love the simplicity of the downtube shifter, but not when paired with the big 16 tooth jump that you see on 34/50 or 30/46 cranksets (often needing a double shuffle on the brifters). With a 10-12 tooth gap up the front and the less shifty style of riding, they are tops.

How are friction downtubes like Grandpa’s shifters?

Downtubes are the Shift. by Igor. “They’re like grandpa’s shifters!”. If you simplify what a shifter does to its absolute bare bones, it purely creates and releases tension on a cable which pulls a derailleur cage. With friction downtube shifters, you have to know where each gear is in the shift lever’s throw.