New Ultegra STIs with Ultegra SL
Having upgraded to Ultegra SL last winter I don't want to change my groupset again, but I fancy the hidden gear cable look that the new Ultegra has. If I bought the new Ultegra STIs will they work OK with Ultegra SL?
I'm pretty sure the answer is 'Yes' but would like confirmation before splashing out.
Thanks
I'm pretty sure the answer is 'Yes' but would like confirmation before splashing out.
Thanks
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Comments
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IIRC the 6700 brakes have a different lever/pull ratio to the SL's.0
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Also, IIRC Sram lever/shifters are compatible with Ultegra SL and have concealed cable routing.0
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1. Only the Dura-Ace 7900 levers have different cable pull as far as I am aware, so you should be fine with the 6700s.
2. Sram shifters and rear derailleurs have different cable travel than Shimano. If you want to use these you will need to replace the rear (and maybe front?) derailleur as well as the levers.
3. The C+ review commented that the 6700 levers did not shift as well as the previous model due to more cable friction.
4. The cable still has to go somewhere, and depending on your bars may cause uncomfortable lumps under your hands. This may mean you need a new bar. Outer cable will be more difficult to replace too.
5. The levers are a quite different shape and may or may not be comfortable; I prefer the older shape, but YMMV.0 -
Thanks for the comments. It seems they should work I just need to see if I get on with the shape. My bar has 2 cable runs so no issues there.0
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The braking does have a slightly different pull ratio, leading to a firmer feel, and possible change of modulation. You can check out the Shimano compatibility charts here:
http://cycle.shimano-eu.com/publish/con ... ility.html
...and download the road chart pdf0 -
I'd be inclined to take Shimano's compatibility charts with a grain of salt. Bear in mind that they are designed to be easy to read, reduce the number of service calls, and (maybe) sell more parts, not to show all the options that will work. Many times in the past there have been combinations that have worked acceptably (or perfectly) that Shimano have not included for whatever reason. This however does not mean that *everything* will work, but rather that the Shimano charts are a starting point for experimentation, not the whole story.
If you do decide to switch to the newer levers, I highly recommend Gore's RideOn gear cables. These make *all* systems work better - lower friction plus dirt cannot get in - and are basically maintenance free for however many years they last. I have a set fitted in 1997 on my MTB... Make sure you read the instructions if you decide to get them! The brake cables make a small difference too, but IMO not enough to justify the price.0 -
True, satanas, but it gives you a place to start with the often bewildering selection of Shimano kit.
And I totally agree with you regarding Gore RideOn cable. I've now put this on all my bikes and it's certainly the best upgrade I've done. No endless adjusting!!!0 -
Someone pranged the Ultegra sl shifter on my Specialized Roubaix Expert......transporting on the train. I then had the 6700 shifters installed by Evans in Reading after they advised me that this would be OK.
The shifting (front and rear) was absolutly fine. In fact seemed to need less trim on from shifts.
However the braking was scary!! Almost did a flip over braking downhill. Absolutely no modulation. It seems to just bit. On second it is vague...next second you are locked! No amount of adjustment sorted this.
I then installed 6700 brakeset myself, and bingo...super braking, modulation and everything perfect! I've heard that 6700 is supposed to brake better in the wet, but this bike never sees real rain. In the dry there seems to be no improvement, but 6600 braking was super fine for me.0 -
I have the 6700 levers running with sl mechs with no problems at all (i just prefer the look of the sl mechs to the new ultegra stuff)
I use mine with planet-x brake calipers and have no problems at all with power or modulation0
