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Possible to decrease brifter “throw” length?

Old 03-01-19, 10:13 AM
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Dschmale
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Possible to decrease brifter “throw” length?

I’ve searched and found only adjustments to the shifter/brake lever reach. Is it possible to adjust the throw, or distance required to shift? It seems like I really have to push the things far on the larger levers to make shifts happen. I’m reading similar impressions but no solution thus far. I guess I just assumed they’d be quicker. Perhaps adjusting the reach inward would give me some more finger to work with but I feel like there must be a direct adjustment for throw.

For reference, I have Tiagra shifters and FD, and a 105 RD.

PS. Thank you all for tolerating my super fundamental questions.
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Old 03-01-19, 10:28 AM
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I doubt it.

Index shifting requires the shifter to pull a precise amount of cable for each shift. The amount of cable has to match your derailleur geometry and the distance between cassette sprockets.
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Old 03-01-19, 10:51 AM
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Di2
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Old 03-01-19, 11:04 AM
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Originally Posted by fietsbob
Di2
Ha, Beat me to it
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Old 03-01-19, 01:37 PM
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Not sure if it would help in your specific instance, but it appears to be possible in principle, at least.


Jtek ShiftMate Gear Shifting Adapter for Shimano Campagnolo and SRAM components
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Old 03-01-19, 02:43 PM
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With all the Shimano levers I've worked on, there was not any way to change this. The lever must move the predetermined amount to engage the detent. The left side has intermediate (trim positions) that will engage on most models, making the full shift a shorter throw. The right has only full steps, with the throw from the smallest cog to the next extra long to take up any cable slack.
Adjusting the reach may help, as well as position on the shifter on the handlebar. Rotate as far outward as feasible, and up/down on the bar depending on bar shape.
Not sure if the Shiftmate would do any good since the shift lever will need to move the full amount to "lock in" the shift. Changing the pull will shift the chain but if the shifter doesn't move enough to engage the detent, it won't remain in position.
If someone has solution, I'm very interested.

Last edited by KCT1986; 03-02-19 at 08:14 PM.
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Old 03-01-19, 03:41 PM
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You can't even repair them, much less modify them.
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Old 03-01-19, 04:44 PM
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Originally Posted by JohnDThompson
Not sure if it would help in your specific instance, but it appears to be possible in principle, at least.


Jtek ShiftMate Gear Shifting Adapter for Shimano Campagnolo and SRAM components
The question would be whether the throw would be uniform across Shimano levers and speeds.

Another option is to look at different brands.

Shimano is one of the few brands that pivot the entire brake lever.

Campagnolo and Microshift have a second shorter shift lever that sits behind the brake lever. I haven't used SRAM.
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Old 03-01-19, 07:53 PM
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Some of the newer Shimano may have a shorter throw, per some reviews of 11 speed I've seen. This may be a function of the redesign of the mechanism when they went to "under-tape" routing for the later models. Haven't tried the 10 speed shifters so I don't know if there is difference between the 10 speed exposed cable (eg 6600) vs "under-tape" (eg 6700) lever throws.
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Old 03-02-19, 05:54 AM
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Originally Posted by JohnDThompson
Not sure if it would help in your specific instance, but it appears to be possible in principle, at least.


Jtek ShiftMate Gear Shifting Adapter for Shimano Campagnolo and SRAM components
That will change the amount the derailer moves, but will not change the amount of lever movement needed to go from one gear to the next for an indexed shifter. It would change the amount of lever movement for a friction shifter.
Only option I can see for the OP is t ask around/try different make/models, see which is preferred. Maybe a Thumbies conversion on a pair of bar end shifters?
Or go electric.
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Old 03-02-19, 06:04 AM
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Originally Posted by fietsbob
Di2
It's what I did.
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Old 03-02-19, 06:36 AM
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Originally Posted by Dschmale
I’ve searched and found only adjustments to the shifter/brake lever reach. Is it possible to adjust the throw, or distance required to shift? It seems like I really have to push the things far on the larger levers to make shifts happen. I’m reading similar impressions but no solution thus far. I guess I just assumed they’d be quicker. Perhaps adjusting the reach inward would give me some more finger to work with but I feel like there must be a direct adjustment for throw.

For reference, I have Tiagra shifters and FD, and a 105 RD.

PS. Thank you all for tolerating my super fundamental questions.
Imo, No. The shifting mechanism/ratchet is inside the brifter. Maybe SRAM is better? That or get DI2, or a bar end shifter.
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Old 03-02-19, 06:53 AM
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Originally Posted by JohnDThompson
Not sure if it would help in your specific instance, but it appears to be possible in principle, at least.


Jtek ShiftMate Gear Shifting Adapter for Shimano Campagnolo and SRAM components
I don't see the Jteks addressing the OP's question. They'll alter the amount of cable pull with each shift, but not the amount of lever movement to make that shift.
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