Ultegra 6700 chainset upgrade - compatibility?

markshaw77
markshaw77 Posts: 437
edited December 2010 in Road buying advice
Hi All

Looking at upgrading my chainset to the new Ultegra 6700 (considering switching to a double from current compact on the best bike)

Given the slightly wider spacing of the chainrings on the new ultegra, will it be compatible with my 5600-series 105 shifters and front mech or would I need the Ultegra 6700 STIs and front mech too?

Thanks for any advice

Comments

  • schweiz
    schweiz Posts: 1,644
    I've only had experience with using a 6700 rear derailleur which (as expected) works fine with 9-speed 6500 shifters as the indexing is in the shifter not in the derailleur.

    I had read somewhere that the spacing for the chainrings on 6700 was different, but I'm sure it said the the spacing was reduced. I remeber at the time being confused as the reason given was to reduce chain rub. Also this article from BR http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/components/groupset/road/product/ultegra-6700-groupset-35500 states that the spacing is unaltered.

    Either way, my head says there will be no problem.
    VN BMC Cube SS
    http://app.strava.com/athletes/30000
  • demorider87
    demorider87 Posts: 42
    There should be no problem with this at all, the only adjustment that may be needed is to tweak the front mech to make sure it can handle the slightly larger rings.
    "That doesn't look like a foot"......thought the sock.
  • paul64
    paul64 Posts: 278
    An Evans staff member said to me that 6700 shifters have a different brake actuation ratio and that you have to replace your brake calipers if you go for 6700 shifters. Is that true and, if so, does it also apply if you use 6700 calipers with 5600/6600 shifters?
  • rocksteadyeddie
    rocksteadyeddie Posts: 294
    paul64 wrote:
    An Evans staff member said to me that 6700 shifters have a different brake actuation ratio and that you have to replace your brake calipers if you go for 6700 shifters. Is that true and, if so, does it also apply if you use 6700 calipers with 5600/6600 shifters?

    What a load of old tosh. I am currently using a 6700 front with a 6800 rear. A 6700 lever on the back and Chorus on the front (don't ask).

    Other than the Shimano lever having much better feel, it all works fine.
  • sturmey
    sturmey Posts: 964
    What a load of old tosh

    +1

    It's a cable attached to a lever that pulls the caliper arms. How the hell would the caliper know or care what is on the other end of that cable?
    Evans are quoting the marketing men's tripe to try and sell you more shiny new parts.
  • paul64
    paul64 Posts: 278
    They see very little of my money, thanks for clarifying as it's useful to know for future replacements.

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