Compatible Gear Shifters

dinyull
dinyull Posts: 2,979
edited August 2013 in Workshop
About 6 months back I managed to snap some of the plastic internals in my Tiagra front STI. Been riding without front ring since then but because of work situation haven't been able to look at replacing till now.

After speaking with LBS I was advised on upgrading to 105 shifters as they use metal internals and so shouldn't suffer the same the same fate. I also have a bit of a mis-mash 105/tiagra on the bike and eventually want it full 105.

Because I'm a bit of a snob and want my front shifters to match I want to buy a pair, so want to make sure I buy the correct 105 shifters. I'm after 9 speed, double - is that possible as after a bit of hunting it looks like 105 5700 is 10 speed. I'm a bit of a maintenance noob so if that is stupid please don't take the mick!!!

Comments

  • alan_sherman
    alan_sherman Posts: 1,157
    Buy 10 speed shifters, and a new chain and cassette. Your derailleurs will work fine. Sell on the other shifter on ebay.

    Possibly wait until your chain and cassette need replacing before making the leap.
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    IME the internals of Tiagra and 105 9 speed shifters are identical - the only difference is the finish, I'm calling out your LBS for BS.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • dinyull
    dinyull Posts: 2,979
    I was just chatting to one of the mechanics, explaining the problem and he said that from 105 upwards used metal internals. He wasn't trying to sell, he was telling me to look on ebay etc for some cheap 2nd hand.

    Totally confused at the minute. Struggling to find a Tiagra 4500 double shifter and don't want to replace cassette and chain when they're in full working order just for matching 105 shifters.
  • desweller
    desweller Posts: 5,175
    Doesn't matter if it's 10-speed or 9-speed, if that helps. You can also use a triple shifter; you'll just leave one of the shift positions unused.
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  • alan_sherman
    alan_sherman Posts: 1,157
    As you said "eventually want it full 105" then there is no point buying a replacement tiagra front shifter.

    Alternatively you could buy a pair of 105 shifters and just fit the left one, but that would be silly.
  • satanas
    satanas Posts: 1,303
    If you are just going to replace the LH lever, then It won't matter (mechanically) if it's 9 or 10 speed, however it's likely the two will be cosmetically different and/or a different shape; this may or may not bother you.

    If you're going to replace both levers then you will need to match the cassette/chain/RH shifter - all need to be either 9 speed or 10 speed or shifting is unlikely to be acceptable. If you're thinking of switching to 10 speed at some point in the future you could buy a pair of 10 speed levers now, and hold off on fitting the RH lever until you get a 10 speed chain and cassette.
  • dinyull
    dinyull Posts: 2,979
    I want my shifters to match, a bit of snobbery I know but...

    I've just ordered a new 4500 Tiagra double to replace my knackered one, cheers for all of your input.

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