Broken 6700 shifter - replace or upgrade to 5800?

RobinB2

The left shifter on my Ultegra 6700 setup seems to have broken and from researching various forums, it would appear that they are not really user serviceable items (I.e. it now appears to be junk)

The obvious option would be to replace the shifter with a new one which I can do for around £100. However, based on general lack of faith in the qualify of the existing shifters and having another gear would be useful, I could upgrade some components to 105 5800. By my reckoning, I can get hold of 5800 series shifters, rear derailleur and cassette for around £150. However I'm not sure how these would integrate with my current 6700 setup - issues I can see are:

1. Brake pull ratio differences between 6700 and 5800 (I assume the same)
2. Front derailleur cable pull between 6700 and 5800 (again, assume the same)
3. Chain compatibility between front 10 speed setup and rear 11 speed (would this be ok?)

Any feedback much appreciated

trailflow

1. (i think) the cable pull has changed slightly but i dont think it will have a huge effect.

2. You will definitely need a 5800 FD. The 5800 shifter and 5800 FD are designed to work together and cable pull has totally changed. a 6700 FD will not work.

3. a 10 speed chain will not work as it will be too wide and will clatter against the other cassette cogs. 11spd cogs are spaced closer together than 10spd. an 11 speed chain is narrower because of this.

a 10-speed chainset will work fine. The chainrings on an 11-speed chainset are spaced closer together but the difference is marginal so it wont be a problem.

Most importantly, your freehub needs to be 11 speed compatible.

RobinB2

Thanks Trailflow - I had assumed a new chain would be needed but was hoping I could keep the 6700 FD. The freehub is 11 speed compatible I believe

Ah well - looks like another 6700 shifter - hope it lasts longer than the old one

Matthewfalle

Do you want to sell me your right hand shifter and put the money towards a new pair for your bike?

Anonymous

Why not just get the 5800 shifters and buy a rear derailleur too? They cost next to nothing and neither do 11 speed cassettes.pretty much a whole 11sp upgrade. Front derailleur wont matter as it will still work.

trailflow

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19768178#p19768178]Maglia Rosa[/url] wrote:

Why not just get the 5800 shifters and buy a rear derailleur too? They cost next to nothing and neither do 11 speed cassettes.pretty much a whole 11sp upgrade. Front derailleur wont matter as it will still work.

If you read his post. That was his plan. Buy 5800 Shifters,RD,Cassette. Then try to use old FD,chain and chainset.

Front derailleur wont matter as it will still work

FD will not work no where near properly. or it will....horribly,not very optimally. Feel crap to operate. Cause you much frustration. And alot of headaches. The long arm on the 5800 FD is there for a reason and is one of the best features of the 5800 groupset. So it's worth the extra expense.

a 5800 FD can be picked up for £13.75
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-105-5800-braze-on-front-derailleur/

and a 5800 11 speed chain is £11.91
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-105-5800-chain/?lang=en&curr=GBP&dest=1&sku=5360654292&ci_src=18615224&ci_sku=5360654292uk&utm_source=google&utm_term&utm_campaign=UK_PLA_Sale&utm_medium=base&utm_content=sghJLUGxr_dm|pcrid|75590493182|pkw||pmt||prd|5360654292uk

RobinB2

Many thanks for all the feedback - having just re-cabled the rear derailleur in the last month and considering the additional faff of fitting derailleurs etc, I have ordered a new 6700 shifter. However, when the rear shifter goes, I will be facing the same dilemma again!