shimano 6700 shifter friction

skinnydog

Hi. Ultegra 6700 shifters ( both) seem to have an unnecessary amount of friction when changing gear. Obviously not down.
the friction is almost so strong, I struggle to change gear after long winter rides with cold hands. Just stripped winter bike down- checked all cables etc and all fine.

Am I missing something?
I have two older ultegra groupsets and a dura ace groupset. These change smoothly and effortlessly.

smidsy

No problems with my 6700 shifters, same amount of effort required as my 6510 shifters.

Bozman

That's because they're shite, all of the previous models had a smoother/lighter shift, swapping the Shimano cables for some quality cable helps but I'm afraid Shimanos first attempt at hidden cable is poor, roll on second gen.

Shite maybe a little harsh but they really are a let down.

bondurant

I think I'd go with the 'something wrong' option personally. The 6700 shifters I have are fine; certainly not hard to shift in any way. Odd that both your shifters are suffering the same symptoms. Have they always been that hard to shift?

smidsy

Did you lube the cables?

Have you routed them so as to avoid sharp turns/kinks?

Are the cables inserted in the shifter body correctly?

Are the cable outers nicley trimmed with clean cuts and no crimping?

Not sure what else to suggest.

Edit: According to the BR review when it was launched they say the friction was worse, so you may have a point?

jonnym5

The added friction was meant to be overcome by putting more tension on the mech springs.

Sounds like a cable problem if it's as hard as you describe. They can go a little stiff compared to brand new but not proper stiff as you describe.

skinnydog

Thanks for all responses gents,
Happy with cable set up.
I'll go with the "shite" option.

bondurant

If you feel you'd like to give them away...ahem