Replacing Shimano Thumb Shifters with Shimano Tourney STI's

Guy3847

I recently bought an entry level road bike that has handlebar mounted shimano thumb shifters, they are very hard to use while cycling at a high speed and I was looking to replace them with a pair of Shimano Tourney STI shifters. The hoods on my bike are also very small and uncomfortable, one of the reasons I am looking to make the switch. I was wondering if there were any extra components I need to make the switch. I have a 14 speed bike, and I am looking to switch to the Shimano Tourney 2x7 shifters. Here are my current shifters - http://gyazo.com/4fd80e3e062db4ec3b97a54d643e236e. And here are the shifters I am looking to replace them with http://gyazo.com/68106f4a09c79a4ce67fe16b2b6c8444. I have been looking all over the web for answers, so hopefully I can find some here

cycleclinic

The front mech you have will be the flat bar type. Drop bar shifters use a different cable pull for the left hand shifter to what flat bar shifter use making the setting up of your front mech unless you change it more difficult and if you get get it set up it will not work as well as it should. The cost of this conversion with STI's, front mech and a shops time to set it all up could be half the cost of your bike. I do wonder if it is worth it.

Guy3847

Thanks for the response! Also my bike is an Ammaco xrs300 (pretty basic) if that helps. So, it's possible to make the conversion, but the STI shifters would not work as well as they should? What components would I need to buy in order to make sure the new shifters work well?

bikaholic

Your current shifters look like the Shimano SL-A050, friction front, indexed rear. The clamps are wide enough to fit onto the flat part of drop bars.

No info was provided about your front derailleur (check the model number stamped on it) but I suspect that your proposed front Shimano Tourney ST-A070 shift lever will be fully compatible or can be made to work since FDs for doubles are very easy to setup.

The rear lever will be 100% compatible with your current rear derailleur.

You may be able re-use your current cables if they are long enough. Buy just one inner cable if you need to replace them - re-use the old rear inner cables on the front.

So, your total cost would be for a set of levers, bar tape, sellotape, end crimps and, possibly, some new cables as well.

Guy3847

Thanks for the reply! Sounds good I have just checked the model number on my front derailleur and it is the Shimano FD-TZ30 Tourney: http://gyazo.com/c3f25bc9208baa66f667d52029dd7421 I appreciate your help!