jfouellette

Hi,

I got my hands on a new old stock 105 FD 2x model FD-5501. What Shimano Shifter can I use? Claris,Sora...? The bike has a straight handle bar.

Thanks for the help.

PS: going from a 3x to a 2x chainring.

Bill Kapaun

Since you have a "road" FDER which isn't compatible with a "mountain" shifter, you'd be better off with friction shifting.
It's basically like an ON-OFF switch with trim positioning.

70sSanO

If you want flat bar trigger shifters, a previous generation Claris or Sora should work. You can’t use the current R2000 or R3000.

The downside to trigger shifters for a front derailleur is the lack of a trim function.

As Bill Kapaun pointed out, when the chain is on the inner or outer ring and if you shift the RD toward big-big or small-small, there is a good chance you will get chain rub on the FD cage because of the lack of trim.

A friction thumb shifter eliminates this. If that isn’t an issue, you might want to pick a shifter model that matches the rear shifter.

John

70sSanO

Can’t use Claris SL-R2000 or Sora SL-R3000 2x shifters. Shimano changed the FD cable pull and they are not compatible with the older stuff.

John

jfouellette

That s interesting. I used these shifters 30 40 years ago. They did work well. I ve looked up Shimano and Microshift. They are expensive…If I do buy one, are they easy to install on the handle bars? I m a Sunday mechanic only.

Here are some pictures. As you can see,it s a Mini velo with MTB mechanicals. I will be using it for commuting and urban riding. The rear wheel has been converted to a freehub and 7 speed cassette 11-28.

jfouellette

Well that s not good news. How would I know if the old shifter will work with the FD? Is there a parts list, that fit, available? Should I forget about it and buy a current FD and shifter? Keep what I have? Thanks

70sSanO

You can use R2400 or R3500. Microshift makes road trigger shifters.

If you are still going to run a 9 speed cassette, get Shimano 3500 flat bar shifters or Microshift R9 flat bar shifters.

With doubles, “exact” compatibility is less of an issue because you can sometimes adjust cable tension to compensate. But that is more of a work around rather than an intentional decision going in.

John

70sSanO

So now that I noticed the pictures, I’m going to back this up a bit.

What 2x crank/chainrings are you planning to use?

John

jfouellette

Hi, The 3x has these chain wheels, 52-42-30 Pro-Wheel brand. The 7 speed (new Shimano) cassette is 11-28. The tires are 20 inch. I plan on removing the 30 chain wheel and keeping the 52 and 42. Before the snow started I used the bike to see which gears I was using the most. I found that the 42 in front and 21-18-15 in the rear seemed the ones I used the the most during a regular commute. I considered going to 50-39 but that probably won't make much a difference, just add expenses. The brake shifter combo look like Shimano 3x7 Acera 3000. I'll need a new left brake lever to go with a new shifter. The final upgrade could be a better rear road derailleur That is all since this isn't a high end bicycle. Thanks

70sSanO

If your current setup doesn’t have any issues, just use what you have as a 2x.

just use the inner and middle shift positions for the middle and outer and set the low limit screw to block off the inner chain ring.

The only caveat is not using the high limit screw as a hard stop for the outer ring. That way it won’t jam the shifter pawl.

I’ve never had an issue because I don’t tighten the high limit screw to stop the FD, but leave a very very slight gap. Works like a charm.

John

jfouellette

Hi, that's good advice. I'll give it a try. I'm also trying to see how I could use the older 105 FD. I don't really enjoy the 3x left shifter/brake combo I have right now. If I look at my options:

1- Keep existing set up and adjust limiting screws
2- Replace FD for a 2x, shifter + brake handle to a better MTB setup
3- Replace shifter + brake handle to a better MTB setup
4- Replace FD for a 2x, , shifter + brake handle to a better road setup
5- Install 2x 105 Fd and find compatible shifter + brake handle


Decisions, decisions...

70sSanO

In reality it is too big a can of worms to try and unpack a conversion to a flat bar road setup with a 7 speed system just to use your FD-5501.

The easiest cost effective integrated shifter/lever to individual swap is to go to an M310 or M315 3x7 and block out the inner chainring. Get separate T4000 V-brake levers. I believe they come in 2 or 3 finger.

You might save a little going to Microshift and Tektro.

John

jfouellette

Hi John,
I really appreciate the insight.

I'll adjust the FD. I'll order a Shimano Thumb shifter and try it over the winter.

I ll keep it simple then. The idea of using tha 105 FD was a good, bad idea 👍

Thanks everyone

jfouellette

I'll order a Shimano Thumb shifter and try it over the winter.

Thank you for the idea.

JF

jfouellette

I decided that a long winter gave me time to work on this. I ordered the brake levers (T4000), new v-brakes (T4000), new 2x crank wheel, crank puller.

I think its a good way to learn. Remove, replace, put back together, adjust...

This should keep me busy.