Looking to upgrade my older Cannondale tandem from 7 spd Suntour to Shimano 8/9 with STI in time for this spring. Already have a new wheelset with correct freehub, now I need to get the shifters. Just to be sure I'm thinking right...
Are Ultegra and DA specific to double or triple front crank? Seem to be, but every so often an ebay seller claims their STI shifters will handle both.
Does the 9 spd Flightdeck show the current gear? A primary reason for this upgrade - it's a pain to find out what gear you're in on a tandem, because captain can't see the rear hub, or even the crankset. Usually involves a lot of shouting between captain/stoker.
Anyone know of a source for tandem length cables for STI shifters/brakes?
Originally posted by JohnO Looking to upgrade my older Cannondale tandem from 7 spd Suntour to Shimano 8/9 with STI in time for this spring. Already have a new wheelset with correct freehub, now I need to get the shifters. Just to be sure I'm thinking right...
Are Ultegra and DA specific to double or triple front crank? Seem to be, but every so often an ebay seller claims their STI shifters will handle both.
Does the 9 spd Flightdeck show the current gear? A primary reason for this upgrade - it's a pain to find out what gear you're in on a tandem, because captain can't see the rear hub, or even the crankset. Usually involves a lot of shouting between captain/stoker.
Anyone know of a source for tandem length cables for STI shifters/brakes?
I agree with other posterson the Shimano STI shifter/brake levers. www.Santanainc.com (or a Santana dealer) is a good source for tandem specific parts. They use Ultegra STI on most of their road versions. Ultegra STI shifter/brake levers come with the "shifting position bubble" that will let you know what gear you are in. You don't really need Flightdeck if you're looking for what gear. Make sure you get the high quality STI housing like Shimano's SIS SP. The housing and details of how you prepare and install it make a big difference in shifting response. Details are covered in Sheldon Brown's article: http://sheldonbrown.com/cables.html
We ride tandems and just use bar end shifters. They are less expensive, reliable, and you can sense the gear or "see" the gear by the position of the levers.
They use Ultegra STI on most of their road versions. Ultegra STI shifter/brake levers come with the "shifting position bubble" that will let you know what gear you are in.
I must have missed this on my wifes bike, she has Ultegra STi's and I never noticed anything like this. Where is it located?
Originally posted by Nitromike I must have missed this on my wifes bike, she has Ultegra STi's and I never noticed anything like this. Where is it located?
I don't have an Ultegra Brifter set in stock at present. However, the DURA ACE ST-7700-C set I have contains the "bubble" in the plastic bag package with the cables and tools. The "bubble" is clear with 9 white lines from L to H. A Red indicator follows the cable as you shift up and down the rear. This one says DURA ACE on it. You might check with a local bike shop to see if they can supply you one. They may have a "spare" that wasn't installed. You will need to cut your housing, re-size it and re-string your cable, if it is already installed.
