Replacing 105 pulleys with Dura Ace
02-07-21, 10:43 AM
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Replacing 105 pulleys with Dura Ace
Hi, a few quick questions:
Can I replace my 105 pulleys with Dura Ace pulleys? (I'm thinking yes, but want to be sure)
If yes, can I use the 105 pulley bolt with the Dura Ace pulley? I saw online somewhere that there is a Dura Ace-specific bolt that looks a little different than the 105 one (there's a threadless indentation between the head and where the threads start).
If I have to use the Dura Ace bolt, will that bolt fit okay in the 105 cage?
Thanks!
Can I replace my 105 pulleys with Dura Ace pulleys? (I'm thinking yes, but want to be sure)
If yes, can I use the 105 pulley bolt with the Dura Ace pulley? I saw online somewhere that there is a Dura Ace-specific bolt that looks a little different than the 105 one (there's a threadless indentation between the head and where the threads start).
If I have to use the Dura Ace bolt, will that bolt fit okay in the 105 cage?
Thanks!
02-07-21, 10:56 AM
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Never Fix A Running Piece. What benefit do you expect to enjoy with this change?
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02-07-21, 11:21 AM
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As long as the replacement pulley is of the same width (as in chain width, 8,9,10... cogs) and of the same tooth count (pulley diameter) there should be no issues. We do this at work when we can't find an OEM grade replacement. All but the earliest DA pulleys have used a superior bearing (initially a ceramic bushing and more recently a true set of cartridge bearings that still allow some float) then the lower grade groupos used.
Why do you want to do this? Because the original pulley is worn out? Because you think it will benefit your speed? Better shifting? Cool factor? In my world only one of these reasons will hold water. Andy
Why do you want to do this? Because the original pulley is worn out? Because you think it will benefit your speed? Better shifting? Cool factor? In my world only one of these reasons will hold water. Andy
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02-07-21, 12:08 PM
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02-07-21, 12:57 PM
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Thanks guys, my pulleys are indeed worn out and I read that Dura Ace would make a low cost upgrade to bearings from simple bushings. Any thoughts about my bolt questions ml
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02-07-21, 01:31 PM
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Depending on the head configuration of the Dura Ace bolts you may have to reuse the 105 bolts. What's the problem with the 105 bolts? In my experience all Shimano rd cage bolts are the same.
02-07-21, 03:56 PM
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To clarify, nothing is wrong with the current bolts. The Dura Ace bolts just seem different when I look them up online. If you guys are saying vthe standard bolts will work with the DA pulleys, then that's exactly the info I'm looking for.
02-07-21, 07:44 PM
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You should be fine assuming all is the same. I would probably try to re-use the 105 bolts and if they don't work try the DA bolts again making sure everything matches up not that I believe pulley wheel bolts have changed that much over the years but I don't really know because I so rarely replace them. My favorite replacement pulley wheels especially on the vintage side were Tacx. They are the same material but can be had with ceramic bearings without a ton of cost but it appears they have stopped making them for some dumb reason.
02-07-21, 08:44 PM
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Dura Ace & 105 have been through a lot of different generations.
If your 105 pulleys are worn out, they're probably several generations old.
I'd at least look at the exploded views of the parts to look for obvious dissimilarities.
02-07-21, 10:00 PM
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You're kidding, right? Dura Ace & cheap just doesn't fit.
Dura Ace & 105 have been through a lot of different generations.
If your 105 pulleys are worn out, they're probably several generations old.
I'd at least look at the exploded views of the parts to look for obvious dissimilarities.
Dura Ace & 105 have been through a lot of different generations.
If your 105 pulleys are worn out, they're probably several generations old.
I'd at least look at the exploded views of the parts to look for obvious dissimilarities.
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02-08-21, 01:10 AM
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Nope, no joke. I went ahead and pulled the trigger on a pair of DA pulleys which, at about $40 US, falls into the category of "low cost" will enough for my liking. We'll see how they perform. If I have any concerns, it certainly won't be an issue to just go back to the style I have currently.
The key difference is that the Ultegra set uses ball bearings in both pulleys, whereas the 105 set uses ball bearings on one and a plastic washer on the other.
When you make as little power as I do, every 1/2 W counts.
02-08-21, 04:06 AM
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I spent < $20 for an Ultegra RD-6800 pulley set (Shimano part no. Y5YC98140) for a 105 RD-5800 rear derailleur.
The key difference is that the Ultegra set uses ball bearings in both pulleys, whereas the 105 set uses ball bearings on one and a plastic washer on the other.
When you make as little power as I do, every 1/2 W counts.
The key difference is that the Ultegra set uses ball bearings in both pulleys, whereas the 105 set uses ball bearings on one and a plastic washer on the other.
When you make as little power as I do, every 1/2 W counts.
02-08-21, 09:58 AM
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Nope, no joke. I went ahead and pulled the trigger on a pair of DA pulleys which, at about $40 US, falls into the category of "low cost" will enough for my liking. We'll see how they perform. If I have any concerns, it certainly won't be an issue to just go back to the style I have currently.
02-08-21, 01:52 PM
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True! I had assumed that the OP would at least order from the same or later generations having the same number of cogs/speeds as his RD. (As far as I know that ensures compatibility even across generations, at least with respect to 105 and Ultegra.)
