2x6 brake lever shifters for 1986 Cannondale sr400
09-11-19, 04:56 PM
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2x6 brake lever shifters for 1986 Cannondale sr400
I just bought a 1986 Cannondale SR400 with the intent to upgrade. I can’t find 2x6 brake lever shifters, so it seems I would have to change the rear cassette to 7 gears and get shifters. And then I’ve been reading that it’s a crazy uncomfortable bike, so I’m not sure it’s worth putting any investment into it.
It’s nice looking and a great navy blue. I’m a total newbies. Love to ride and had a crazy heavy hybrid and just want something light and fun as each ride also includes carrying the bike up and down stairs.
Riding on streets in a busy city, so also concerned with something reliable.
any thoughts or comments are appreciated.
It’s nice looking and a great navy blue. I’m a total newbies. Love to ride and had a crazy heavy hybrid and just want something light and fun as each ride also includes carrying the bike up and down stairs.
Riding on streets in a busy city, so also concerned with something reliable.
any thoughts or comments are appreciated.
09-11-19, 05:18 PM
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I don't think they ever made 2 x 6 brifters (brake lever shifters) but they certainly made 2 x 6 downtube shifters that are easy enough to find. You could just put up a WTB in the C&V for sale forum to buy some. If you go 7 speed with your bike, then you can find 2 x 7 brifters. No the bike is not crazy uncomfortable. It is a classic bike.
09-11-19, 09:08 PM
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I'm not aware of any 6-speed brifters, either. It was mostly an 8-speed phenomenon at the beginning, and had to trickle down to lower groups before it even got into 7-speed.
The good news is that 7-speed has the same rear spacing as 6-speed. But I'd wait until you've ridden this Cannondale a few times before deciding what upgrades to make.
The good news is that 7-speed has the same rear spacing as 6-speed. But I'd wait until you've ridden this Cannondale a few times before deciding what upgrades to make.
09-12-19, 12:29 PM
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Yeah, vintage Cannondales are just awful. If you're in Minnesota, I'll dispose of it for you. No charge, even.
Try out the bike for a while before making big changes. Downtube shifters are really very easy to use.
Try out the bike for a while before making big changes. Downtube shifters are really very easy to use.
09-12-19, 01:55 PM
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As an owner of Dales bikes of the same vintage, I would also say ride it a bit and decide if you're OK with how it feels before deciding to put $$ into it. Depending on the tire size/pressure and road conditions it can feel a little harsh, especially if you're coming from a hybrid which has wider tires at lower pressure. On the plus side, it will be faster so don't go crazy until you acclimate.
If the bike is largely original specs, it has a Suntour drivetrain and is not really conducive to a brifter upgrade. At the very least you'll probably need to change the rear derailleur & freewheel, along with the brifter. Front Derailleur may work with the double crank.
If you decide to do the upgrade, post on here and we can provide further details.
Good luck.
If the bike is largely original specs, it has a Suntour drivetrain and is not really conducive to a brifter upgrade. At the very least you'll probably need to change the rear derailleur & freewheel, along with the brifter. Front Derailleur may work with the double crank.
If you decide to do the upgrade, post on here and we can provide further details.
Good luck.
09-12-19, 04:33 PM
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Ride it as-is for a bit and decide if you like it.
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09-12-19, 05:25 PM
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You shouldn't need a new rear der to go to 7-speed. Any der that can do 6 normally spaced cogs (not necessarily Ultra-6) should be able to do 7. My V-GT works fine for indexed shifting over 7 cogs, and I expect it would stretch to 8, with https://www.amazon.com/SunRace-Speed.../dp/B00DIGOO28.
I agree your best bet is to ride the bike and make sure you like it before investing in it. I hated the first C'dales on the lousy streets around here, but that was with 700c x 28s at 110 PSI. At the current apparent standard of 87 PSI for 700c x 28s, I expect they'd be less jarring, so you might like it.
I agree your best bet is to ride the bike and make sure you like it before investing in it. I hated the first C'dales on the lousy streets around here, but that was with 700c x 28s at 110 PSI. At the current apparent standard of 87 PSI for 700c x 28s, I expect they'd be less jarring, so you might like it.
