Replacing shifters (adjustment blocks)

Mac9

Hi all,

I need to replace the shifters (Shimano 105 5500 9spd double) on my bike as they're broken beyond repair according to my LBS.

I've found some 9 speed Tiagra shifters on eBay that I'm considering buying as the sale includes 'inner shift cables and adjustment blocks', unlike the pair of like-for-like 105-5500 shifters I've seen on eBay which do not include the adjustment blocks.

My question is...are the adjustment blocks necessary in order to fit the replacement shifters? If so, could I use the adjustment blocks that are (presumably) already on my broken shifters if I buy the 105 shifters instead of the Tiagra ones? I'd obviously prefer to replace like-for-like if possible, but the 5500 series shifters are hard to come by in good condition and I haven't been able to find any that include adjustment blocks!

Thanks!!

unixnerd

If you mean the rubber pads designed to move the brake levers inwards for smaller hands then you should be able to remove them from your old shifters and refit to any other 5550s.

Incidentally, does anyone know where I can get such pads for Ultegra 6700? My LBS has had a few tries and managed to get some for my Dura-Ace 7800 but not for the Ultegra 6700.

sungod

here, it's usa but maybe they'll ship...

http://www.bikeman.com/store/merchant.m ... =price-asc

...looks like they are the same as 105 5700 blocks, so widen your search to those

at least in usa you'll find plenty other resellers with google

in uk i'd give sjs cycles a call, they often stock bits like this