Originally Posted by
Spellscape
I think they are old Simplex - not single markings on them
This is an Ultegra 9 speed RD
These covered everything from 8 speed Shimano up to an 11 Campagnolo cassette as I changed gearing over the years
This frankenbuild ran everything from 8 to 11 speeds over the years I had it. Simplex shifters had plenty of pull.
Are you sure your cable tension is right and limit screws are not causing problems? When you are on the smallest gear in back is the DT shifter at the end of it's travel in the one direction? So that basically you are getting all the pull capability? If so they it must by pull ratio on the RD limiting you if you can physically cover the full range of the cassette. Would moving to the other side of the RD pinch bolt give you more pull per movement of the RD?