Want to covert 1989 Trek down tube shifters to STI, (Shimano 600, 2x8)
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Want to covert 1989 Trek down tube shifters to STI, (Shimano 600, 2x8)
I recently picked up a 1989 Trek 1500 with the bonded aluminum frame just like the one that I loved back in the 90's. It has the Shimano 600 tri-color 8x2 group set. Now in my 60's the down tube shifters aren't so appealing. I was able to pick up a set of later vintage 105 STI shifters that are part #ST-5700, 9 speed, in good working condition at the local bike kitchen. Will the 9 speed shifter work with this earlier group set? If not, any better suggestions?
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A 9-speed shifter will not work with an 8-speed cassette. Get a NOS 8-speed group, or you might consider Microshift: https://www.microshift.com/en/product-category/road/r8/
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If they are really ST-5700 brifters, they are 10-speed, not 9, and really will not work with a 8-speed cassette. Also, you will need the ST-5703 front brifter to work with a triple crank as the ST-5700 front is for a double only. If you really want to use these brifters, you will have to get a 10-speed cassette and chain. The 10-speed cassette should work with your current 8-speed freehub.
As dsbrantjr noted one alternative is the Microshift brifter set he linked to.
As dsbrantjr noted one alternative is the Microshift brifter set he linked to.
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If the shifter has 9 clicks it means 10sp and I wouldn't use it, the shifting on the crank will not be great since you will need to use a 10sp chain and 10sp chainrings are close together than 8sp. If you have the part number of the shifter wrong and its a 9sp then a new chain and cassette will solve the issue and your crank and der will play ok with the 9sp setup. I also would recommend the microshift which has worked dependably for my kids who have crashed their bikes or simply drop them and the shifters keep ticking and shift smooth when I do adjustments.
#5
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5700 is second generation 10 speed. While not officially supported, you could probably get things to work by replacing the cassette and chain with 10 speed and keeping the current derailleurs and crank set. Next in line of ideal compatibility, I'd then change the chainrings, then the brake calipers (5700 is New Super SLR, tricolor I think is Super SLR), then I'd change the rear derailleur, then the front derailleur.
STI levers are the biggest single expense for a drivetrain, and 5700 works great, so if you already have the 5700 levers in hand I'd upgrade the rest of the drivetrain to match those rather than the other way around.
STI levers are the biggest single expense for a drivetrain, and 5700 works great, so if you already have the 5700 levers in hand I'd upgrade the rest of the drivetrain to match those rather than the other way around.
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Another option is the Gevenalle brake/shifters. https://www.gevenalle.com/product/cx2/ I'm not positive but I believe you can mount your current 8sp shift levers to these saving you from having to buy another cassette or just get the 9 or 10sp if you're planning on replacing your current cassette. Contact Gevenalle to be sure. There are demonstration videos on their website showing how they work.
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I'd look at Shimano Claris. My wife has the R2400 brifters, but the R2000 look a lot better. They are both 8 speed. Hers work good.
John
John