Shimergo with 9-speed Ergos - what are my options?

[garethrl]

Hi guys,
The RH STI unit on my cross bike gave out yesterday. Downshifting remains fine, but the ratchet just would not release to upshift. So, in the end I did the last 10km in 48x24 and spinning as fast as my out-of-shape legs would take me!

As it happens, I received in the post on Friday a pair of 9-speed Chorus Ergopower units. They were destined for an all-alloy Campag build but frankly they're a bit tired looking so I think I'll hold out for a smarter pair. They could in principle be spot-on for the 'crosser though! So, what are my options for getting a Shimergo setup going using Chorus -speed Ergos, a Tiagra rear mech, and various Shimano cassettes?

For the most part I have Dura-Ace 9-speed cassettes on my wheels, typically 12-27 though I sometimes use a 12-23 for flatter rides. Is there any way - eg via cable routing or a travel agent - that I can get a 9-speed Shimergo setup? I have a feeling that's a big No, so what are my other options?

I'm not really keen on the idea of swapping freehub bodies and cassettes throughout, and I don't really know about swapping the ratchet for a 10-speed, so perhaps the easiest thing is to replace the STI unit?

All suggestions greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Gareth.

 

[monty dog]

First off- I'd try the 'fixes' on the Highpath Engineering webby which might get it working for you.
Mercian will replace your ratchet for about £25 for a 10 speed which will index perfectly with an 8 speed Shimano cassette.
Alternatively, you could dismantle the cassette and replace the spacers - but you can only fit 8 sprockets - Shimano freehub is too short for Campagnolo 9. Highpath can do the spacers.

 

[mattsccm]

Why not try it first. Contrary to what many say I find that a bit of wear in the chain means that both 9 speed systems interchange. If its for the cross bike its likely that a bit of crap is more likely to spoil the change. Worth a try isn't it?

 

[orbeas]

shimargo

I have 9 speed ergos on my cross bike and run 9 speed shimano cassette on my best light racing wheels not a problem.
as a test my friend has nine speed shimano untegra on his cross bike and I have all campag on my training bike
for a check we swaped over rear wheels and both worked perfectly.

 

[Gazelleer]

It doesn't help you find a purpose for your 9-speed Chorus shifters but I read that Campagnolo 11 speed ergo's have virtually the same cable pull as Shimano 9-speed:
http://www.ctc.org.uk/desktopdefault.aspx?tabid=3946
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.ph ... patibility

 

[TheElectronKid]

The answer to your problems is here

http://www.jtekengineering.com/shiftmate.htm

I'd been riding shimano drivetrains on both road and mtb bikes for a few years and fancied seeing what the dark/light side was like (i.e. Campagnolo).

I didn't want to spend a lot of money converting the whole drivetrain, only to find out I prefered Shimano so I bought a pair of used Chorus 9-speed ergolevers off e-bay and the Jtek No.3 which converts the cable pull from the 9-speed Campag ergolevers to the 9-speed Shimano rear mech & cassette.

I used a new gear cable as recommended and found some skipping while the cable stretched-in, but once adjusted it worked really well.

I'd definitely recommend the Jtek solution because it lets you sample the Campag style of shifting for a relatively small outlay.