Upgrading shifters

paris_

I currently have quite an old groupset on my bike, Ultergra 6510(?), 2 x 9.



It all works very well but I'd like to upgrade the shifters to get rid of the ugly external gear cables, I think they let the bike down.

So is there anything available that'll be a straight swap, or is this a case of upgrading the entire groupset?

timothyw

Well, upgrade isn't necessarily the word, but the latest Sora R3000 is 9 speed and has hidden cables - you could buy those shifters, your existing rear derailleur will be compatible, your existing front derailleur might work but for better performance will probably need replacing.

Your existing brake calipers will 'work' but because pull ratios have changed you will find that your brakes come on quickly but you need to squeeze hard to actually get braking effect (new shifters with old brakes create the effect of moving the calipers a large distance but not doing it with much force).

Given that you'd probably pay over £100 just for the shifters most would argue that you'd be better off saving your 9 speed bits for a wet/winter bike and getting a whole new groupset/bike for good conditions.

paris_

Thanks for the detailed response, very helpful.

Given what you're saying I'd be best to stick with what I have or replace the whole group. Wouldn't want to compromise otherwise great performance just for aesthetics.

shirley_basso

Just to add - the 10 speed groupsets with hidden cables aren't that great, whereas 11 speed is excellent, however in almost all cases it may mean replacing wheels as much older wheels aren't compatible with 11 speed cassettes.

helterskelter

It is worth being aware that newer shifters are not always compatible with older derailleurs so you might need to upgrade both. I’ve just installed the newish 10 speed tiagra groupset on to a winter bike which has hidden cables. Shifts as crisp as ultegra but components heavier. Paid around £100 for shifters and derailleur.

sloppyschleckonds

Nothing wrong with 9 speed Sora as suggested by Timothy