Groupset with downtube shifters?

[deejayen]

What are the options these days for building a bike with downtube shifters?

Are any of the current groupsets from Shimano or Campag compatible with them?

If not, what's the newest and most readily available stuff, and what are the maximum number of gears (eg 9 speed, 10 speed etc)?

 

[winjim]

No personal experience but it's my understanding that bar end or TT shifters have the same internals as DT shifters, so with a few extra parts you can build a perfectly good frankenshifter. I think the problem might come with the tiny pull on the higher speed gearsets and being able to manually change with that level of precision.

 

[si_c]

Depends whether you want to use friction shifting or indexed shifting, if the former then it's relatively easy as you can use any shifter with any derailleurs for any number of gears, it's largely irrelevant.

I've used a set of Simplex friction shifters with Shimano 105 11 speed derailleurs shifting over a 10 speed rear cassette very successfully.

 

[fossyant]

I think you'll struggle. Shimano made DT shifters upto 10 speed I believe (Indexed). If you are wanting more then you are looking at friction using old shifters. Indexed Shimano shifters can be switched to friction. You could still buy a new 9 speed groupset and hunt down some Shimano Indexed shifters on ebay. They do have some 'non-groupset shifters' available. I bought some new Shimano SIS downtube 8 speed shifters a few years back. You need to hunt about to find them, then think about the rest of the groupset as you can still get lower end groupsets in 8 and 9 speed.

Be aware, don't buy Dura Ace 8 7400 series speed shifters as they only work with Dura Ace 7400 mechs - the only Shimano groupset that did that. All other 8-10 speed groupsets are mix and match except 7400. PS it's also hideously expensive second hand now.

 

[fossyant]

Dura Ace 7700 was 9 speed - shifters are over £60

 

[Ming the Merciless]

I think you'll struggle. Shimano made DT shifters upto 10 speed I believe (Indexed). If you are wanting more then you are looking at friction using old shifters. Indexed Shimano shifters can be switched to friction. You could still buy a new 9 speed groupset and hunt down some Shimano Indexed shifters on ebay. They do have some 'non-groupset shifters' available. I bought some new Shimano SIS downtube 8 speed shifters a few years back. You need to hunt about to find them, then think about the rest of the groupset as you can still get lower end groupsets in 8 and 9 speed.

Be aware, don't buy Dura Ace 8 7400 series speed shifters as they only work with Dura Ace 7400 mechs - the only Shimano groupset that did that. All other 8-10 speed groupsets are mix and match except 7400. PS it's also hideously expensive second hand now.

If you buy Dura Ace 9 speed bar end shifters. The part including the lever is exactly the same as down tube. You just need the mounts on the down tube They can be bought brand new. No need to go ebay route.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Or of course you can buy the down tube shifters brand new as well.

https://thecycleclinic.co.uk/products/shimano-dura-ace-sl-7700-9-speed-down-tube-shifters

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Dura Ace 7700 was 9 speed - shifters are over £60

Lot cheaper and lighter and more reliable when combined with pure brake levers than STI

 

[southcoast]

Could try some sunrace 9 speed down tube shifters, should work with a nine speed shimano or sunrace rear derailleur?


https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/gear-shifters/sunrace-r91-9-spd-down-tube-shifters-braze-on-pair/

 

[craigwend]

https://www.raleigh.co.uk/gb/en/ti-raleigh-anniversary-edition-bicycle/

This one has ten speed if you look at the spec, dia-compe make the down tube levers 10 speed

 

[craigwend]

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/gear-sh...ifters-power-ratchet-friction-control-silver/

 

[deejayen]

Thanks very much for all the great suggestions - lots to consider!