After tons of decent youtube videos, I fell over yours RJ - and they are perfect! Great topics, good filming and in depth explanation of every step. Now, I search for your videos specifically. Thank you
thank you for this video. about 7 years ago my brother game me his cannondale bike from 1996 or so, do to his moving out west and didnt have a room for it in the move. i didnt do anything on it for several years but when i went to set it up on a trainer i learned it was broken lol. i took it to a bike shop and they said it was too old to work on, would cost too much to fix and tried to sell me a new bike etc etc all told me about all the "great" financing options they had. the encounter with the bike shop was probably 5 years ago or so and im just now getting to seeing how these brifter things work. with what i saw in this video i now see how they are setup and should function, maybe now i can begin to unravel why this bike is broke, thanks!!
New Subscriber here. I followed your video and upgraded my 1999 Specialized Allez Epic to a nice used set of Shimano RSX Brifters I found on Ebay. Your video gave me the idea to do this and helped incredibly. After taking my first 17 mile ride this morning, all I can say is dam, what a game changer, what I've been missing out on. Thanks Man!
Great video, I just picked up a pair of ST-1055 (8 speed 105) to replace the 8 speed sora shifters on my bike. I am going rewatch this before I do the surgery on my bike. Nice trick with the break adjustments, that one was new to me.
Wow, thanks dude. I'm about to upgrade from Sora to Tiagra on my winter bike and was really wondering if I could do this myself or take it down the LBS. Definitely feel like I could give it a go myself now :D Cheers!
Great video, just what I needed to replace my old levers to Shimano 105s. Could have shown how to centre the gear mechanism before putting the cable into the second shifter. Many thanks from Norfolk UK. Happy cycling.
A great video and resource! Like other viewers have commented, your instructional gives me the insight which makes me feel confident that I can change out my own brifters. I'll give this a shot on my 07 Volpe where I'll be replacing the old Tiagra 3 x9s that were pretty roughed up via a spill this summer. Thanks- Bianchidriver50
Man hearing your chain rub on that front derailleur gives me chills. Do a video on working your limiter screws so you don't ruin your front derailleur.
+DJ Recny You are probably going to have some chain rub at the extreme gearing combinations (small ring-small cog, big ring-big cog). But these combinations are called cross chaining and not good to actually ride in. But you still want to test the shifting in them.
Hi Rj, nice video. I have the same shifters and was wondering how you were able to adjust for the front derailleur for a double chainring. At the moment I have to click 2 times to shift up and click two times to shift down - is that normal? thank you
Thanks for the vids, I like the way you "teach". I'm a little confused about exactly how to secure my fd and rd and brake cable ends... I haven't found a good close up of how they should be clamped down. Looks like the rd cable goes on the inside of the clamp and the fd runs on the outside of its clamp? And does the cable go under the little washer type thing on the clamping bolt, or does the cable between the bolt and the washer?
Thanks for this video - really helpful in figuring out how I can swap out a dud 105 shifter. I didn't have a clue what to do before, but now I reckon I can do the job myself (rather than go to the local bike shop).
The older 5500 series (they're 9 speed 105). Mercifully it looks a lot like the brifters you fitted in your video. Just picked up a new gear cable and bar-tape to do the job this weekend. The r/h shifter failed the other day (won't shift up, but apparently shifts down). LBS investigated and confirmed it was toast, given it's age and daily wear and tear. I picked up a 9 speed shifter from a bicycle recycling place near where I work so I'm good to go. I'll keep the dud to practice stripping it down etc.
RJ The Bike Guy OK so I blasted the guts of the shifter. I could feel it clicking more positively but it still wasn't 'catching' and there wasn't any hint of it shifting the rear derailleur. I guess this is where your other video comes in handy :-) BTW - I like the look of the Shimano 600s - I have an old steel framed road bike I've been thinking of overhauling. Shimano 600s would look cool...
This was very informative. I am updating an old Bianchi with 105 and STI 100 shifters. This video has answered so many questions for me. I still have one favor to ask. What is the length of the housing from the shifters to the downtube bosses? My bike had downtube shifter levers so I don't know how long my cable housing should be.
Watch my video How To Convert From Downtube Shifters To STI Shifters (Brifters) On Vintage Bike This will show you how to determine the length of the cable housings.
Thank you very much for your video. I have an issue with my rear shifter that it is the same than yours. The left right movement is working but it does not pull the cable. What can I do. Thank you for your help :D
@@RJTheBikeGuy The cable is broken or the shifter ? I think the mecanism is totally stucked inside. I have to open it, fortunatly you made a video to show how :D
I just acquired a pair of RSX shifters and plan on making this retro-mod (away from down-tubes) on my Fuji Roubaix ASAP. What Brake & Shifter Cables/Housing Sets do you suggest for this? Thanks for your tutorials....they are very well done sir!
Just go to your local bike shop and buy the cables and housings. My shop has them in bulk boxes. That is the cheapest way to go and they will work fine. Don't forget ferrules and crimp ends.
shyflirt1 Will Do, Thanks again! PS. My RSX shifters are sticky, If I can't get them shifting (and yes, I've watched all your videos on how to do this) Do you repair them? if so, what's your price?
No, I don't do that kind of thing.Just follow what's in my videos and they will probably be fine. I have a couple: Clean, Lube & Repair Shimano Integrated Brake Shifters (Brifters) and How To Fix STI Shifters (Brifters) That Won't Shift Same basic thing. If there is something actually broken inside, there is a guy on ebay who overhauls STI shifters. He tears them down and rebuilds them.
Thanks for great the video.I am glad I found your video, because I need to replace my control levers. I have a 1998 trek 2300. Do you know if I can replace the Shimano 600 Ultegra 9-speed STI Dual Control Levers with Shimano Sora 9-speed Dual Control Levers?
Well, I believe nothing now. I just watch your youtube videos in the wrong order. After, watching your video on cleaning levers, I figured I had nothing to loose. So, I followed your advice in the cleaning video and now everything shifts ok. Actually it was just the right lever that was not working, but I cleaned both anyway. Thanks, great advice.
+sicajuan Not sure exactly what you are asking. They should be shifted to the smallest cog/gear before attaching the cable (Press the small lever repeatedly until the stop clicking). It doesn't really matter what gear you are in while adjusting the barrel adjuster.
RJ, is re-using cable and housing frowned upon? I'll be upgrading from thumb shifters to brifters+upgrading my front derauiler in a couple of days. The bike itself is only about a month old and has around 250 miles on it so I was considering re-using the cable and housing. Thanks for the vids btw. I have big plans for my little cheap road bike and it's all possible bc of your willingness to share your knowledge with us.
They wear out like bike chains and bearings. It's good to replace them once in a while. And if you changing stuff around, that is a good time. And the old cables/housings maybe not be the right length anyway.
Hey RJ The Bike Guy, do you have any sora 2200 parts lying around? The nameplate on my right side broke at the cable stop and would like to just replace the part.
Hello and I hope you still here. I want to replace shimano gear shifters ST 2300 inscribed on them. Could I use some other quality in place of these the carrera bike came with?
I want to replace my drops with a Hi Rise handle bars on my touring bike.Without buying different brake levers and shifters Is it possible to mount my STI's horizontal position since I will only be pushing the shifters and brake levers down when shifting instead of up ?
I am not sure what "tachitites" is. Speeds? Do you mean you have a 10 speed bike (2 x 5)? If so, then not directly. STI shifters aren't compatible with a 5 speed rear. STI shifters start a 7 speed. But you can possible upgrade your bike to 7 speed on the rear. th-cam.com/video/DO5V3qkW05g/w-d-xo.html
I can't remove the right shifter cable. When I push the cable to the right it doesn't come out through the hole, it's stuck inside, well below the hole, the mechanism has rotated... The problem started when the right small lever/click-down would not function anymore, I tried to lubricate, didn't work, so I want to remove it, but you have to disassemble everything !? Remove tape, remove braking cable, remove shifting cable - but this one won't do it !!!
You need to shift it all the way, pressing the small lever. If it is not catching, you will need to clean/lube the shifter to free up the pawls and I have videos on that. You should be able to do it without disassembling it.
Keep trying, and working it. It could be the shifter is physically broken and not able to shift. What is the model of the shifter? Newer shifters seem more prone to breaking than older shifters.
Shimano RSX, I believe it's the lowest range. I tried again for 10 minutes today without success. I need to plunge the whole shifter (with the f... brake's cable) in degreaser, maybe use boiling water to make the grease more fluid ! Well I suppose that's part of the price you have to pay to have all your brakes and gear conveniently placed under the hand...
The RSX shifters were actually very good. I am guessing just stuck. I don't think I would recommend boiling water. Keep trying the WD-40. I do have this other video: th-cam.com/video/LOh4zKoyJgg/w-d-xo.html
Cutting the old cables, just for 'convenience' ? No frayed cables or kinks? This might be the m.o. of mechanics in the Tour de France, but either way utter wasteful. Any wound inner steel cable stays in good condition if oiled, without rust or wear. None of that was even hinted at in your vid. To me you show laziness and wastefulness instead of a responsible and clever rebuild.
For more bike repair videos hit the subscribe button 🛑 and click the notification bell ► bit.ly/SubRJTheBikeGuy
After tons of decent youtube videos, I fell over yours RJ - and they are perfect! Great topics, good filming and in depth explanation of every step. Now, I search for your videos specifically.
Thank you
Excellent. I bought these brifters ,calipers and derarailers a month ago and looking for a good frame to put them on.
A first class video many thanks from London!
thank you for this video. about 7 years ago my brother game me his cannondale bike from 1996 or so, do to his moving out west and didnt have a room for it in the move. i didnt do anything on it for several years but when i went to set it up on a trainer i learned it was broken lol. i took it to a bike shop and they said it was too old to work on, would cost too much to fix and tried to sell me a new bike etc etc all told me about all the "great" financing options they had. the encounter with the bike shop was probably 5 years ago or so and im just now getting to seeing how these brifter things work. with what i saw in this video i now see how they are setup and should function, maybe now i can begin to unravel why this bike is broke, thanks!!
New Subscriber here. I followed your video and upgraded my 1999 Specialized Allez Epic to a nice used set of Shimano RSX Brifters I found on Ebay. Your video gave me the idea to do this and helped incredibly. After taking my first 17 mile ride this morning, all I can say is dam, what a game changer, what I've been missing out on. Thanks Man!
Great video, I just picked up a pair of ST-1055 (8 speed 105) to replace the 8 speed sora shifters on my bike. I am going rewatch this before I do the surgery on my bike. Nice trick with the break adjustments, that one was new to me.
Wow, thanks dude. I'm about to upgrade from Sora to Tiagra on my winter bike and was really wondering if I could do this myself or take it down the LBS. Definitely feel like I could give it a go myself now :D Cheers!
Great video! I used RSX shifters on a Bridgestone RB2 as an upgrade from the Exage downtube shifters and they never let me down.
excellent video dude, can't wait to get my new cables and stuff so i can install my brakes and gears using this vid!
The most helpfull bike vids on TH-cam, many thanks.
Great video, just what I needed to replace my old levers to Shimano 105s. Could have shown how to centre the gear mechanism before putting the cable into the second shifter. Many thanks from Norfolk UK. Happy cycling.
A great video and resource! Like other viewers have commented, your instructional gives me the insight which makes me feel confident that I can change out my own brifters. I'll give this a shot on my 07 Volpe where I'll be replacing the old Tiagra 3 x9s that were pretty roughed up via a spill this summer. Thanks- Bianchidriver50
...annddddd subscribed. Awesome video. Was scratching my head on the install and derailleur adjustment especially.
Thanks! This video might also be helpful: How To Convert From Downtube Shifters To STI Shifters (Brifters) On Vintage Bike
Thanks. I'll give it a view.
If I had found this video yesterday! . . . Some excellent tips.
Tip . . . make sure to lube the RSX, and NEVER TAKE THEM APART!
Man hearing your chain rub on that front derailleur gives me chills. Do a video on working your limiter screws so you don't ruin your front derailleur.
+DJ Recny You are probably going to have some chain rub at the extreme gearing combinations (small ring-small cog, big ring-big cog). But these combinations are called cross chaining and not good to actually ride in. But you still want to test the shifting in them.
Thanks, wow that was fast I'm trying to upgrade my shifters from 4600 tiagra to a 105 5700 10 speed. And this is going to help a lot.
thank you this was so helpful. You made my day!
Thanks a lot, I learned a lot of useful tricks.
I have the same shifters sora,can I replace them with other shimano shifters without touching the front and back derailleur?
Awesome Guide, thanks buddy
Hey RJ I have a Medici frame on ebay for sale auction no reserve. Its a Prestige tange frame with fresh bottom bracket.
Hi Rj, nice video. I have the same shifters and was wondering how you were able to adjust for the front derailleur for a double chainring. At the moment I have to click 2 times to shift up and click two times to shift down - is that normal? thank you
Make sure you are using a road front derailleur. Then it should just use the first two gears and never make it to the third.
RJ The Bike Guy thank you ! I will try 👍
How to adjust the fore and aft lever on that sti rsx please??
good vid.im gonna go ahead and watch again before i go ahead and have a go
Thanks for the vids, I like the way you "teach". I'm a little confused about exactly how to secure my fd and rd and brake cable ends... I haven't found a good close up of how they should be clamped down. Looks like the rd cable goes on the inside of the clamp and the fd runs on the outside of its clamp? And does the cable go under the little washer type thing on the clamping bolt, or does the cable between the bolt and the washer?
It usually goes under the washer. On the front FD there is sometimes a groove where the cable goes. Sometimes on the back also but not usually.
Thanks for this video - really helpful in figuring out how I can swap out a dud 105 shifter. I didn't have a clue what to do before, but now I reckon I can do the job myself (rather than go to the local bike shop).
Gareth Wells What model 105 shifter?
The older 5500 series (they're 9 speed 105). Mercifully it looks a lot like the brifters you fitted in your video. Just picked up a new gear cable and bar-tape to do the job this weekend.
The r/h shifter failed the other day (won't shift up, but apparently shifts down). LBS investigated and confirmed it was toast, given it's age and daily wear and tear. I picked up a 9 speed shifter from a bicycle recycling place near where I work so I'm good to go. I'll keep the dud to practice stripping it down etc.
Gareth Wells Before you replace it or tear it down, try this:
th-cam.com/video/49lAdo_vUX4/w-d-xo.html
RJ The Bike Guy OK so I blasted the guts of the shifter. I could feel it clicking more positively but it still wasn't 'catching' and there wasn't any hint of it shifting the rear derailleur. I guess this is where your other video comes in handy :-)
BTW - I like the look of the Shimano 600s - I have an old steel framed road bike I've been thinking of overhauling. Shimano 600s would look cool...
Gareth Wells Depending on how gunked up a pawl is, it might take a while. But then again, sometimes they are broken too.
Excellent - @4.00 is exactly what I wanted to know, thanks :)
Hell yeah man, thank you for sharing your knowledge
This was very informative. I am updating an old Bianchi with 105 and STI 100 shifters. This video has answered so many questions for me. I still have one favor to ask. What is the length of the housing from the shifters to the downtube bosses? My bike had downtube shifter levers so I don't know how long my cable housing should be.
Watch my video How To Convert From Downtube Shifters To STI Shifters (Brifters) On Vintage Bike
This will show you how to determine the length of the cable housings.
Awesome video. Thanks for posting it!
Thank you very much for your video. I have an issue with my rear shifter that it is the same than yours. The left right movement is working but it does not pull the cable. What can I do. Thank you for your help :D
If it doesn't pull the cable at all, either you don't have the cable install correctly, or it is broken.
@@RJTheBikeGuy The cable is broken or the shifter ? I think the mecanism is totally stucked inside. I have to open it, fortunatly you made a video to show how :D
I just acquired a pair of RSX shifters and plan on making this retro-mod (away from down-tubes) on my Fuji Roubaix ASAP. What Brake & Shifter Cables/Housing Sets do you suggest for this? Thanks for your tutorials....they are very well done sir!
Just go to your local bike shop and buy the cables and housings. My shop has them in bulk boxes. That is the cheapest way to go and they will work fine. Don't forget ferrules and crimp ends.
shyflirt1 Will Do, Thanks again!
PS. My RSX shifters are sticky, If I can't get them shifting (and yes, I've watched all your videos on how to do this) Do you repair them? if so, what's your price?
No, I don't do that kind of thing.Just follow what's in my videos and they will probably be fine. I have a couple: Clean, Lube & Repair Shimano Integrated Brake Shifters (Brifters)
and
How To Fix STI Shifters (Brifters) That Won't Shift
Same basic thing. If there is something actually broken inside, there is a guy on ebay who overhauls STI shifters. He tears them down and rebuilds them.
Okay, thanks again for the great info!
Thanks for great the video.I am glad I found your video, because I need to replace my control levers. I have a 1998 trek 2300. Do you know if I can replace the Shimano 600 Ultegra 9-speed STI Dual Control Levers with Shimano Sora 9-speed Dual Control Levers?
Yes they should work. It is a downgrade. What is wrong with the Ultegra shifters?
Well, I believe nothing now. I just watch your youtube videos in the wrong order. After, watching your video on cleaning levers, I figured I had nothing to loose. So, I followed your advice in the cleaning video and now everything shifts ok. Actually it was just the right lever that was not working, but I cleaned both anyway. Thanks, great advice.
I also just subscribed to your channel, thanks.
Awesome!
🤯 THANK YOU SOOOOOOO MUCH
The reach of lever please wich screw and how?
Did you have to cut the cable housing?
Great vid. Thank you!!
Great video. Very well explained. Going to do the same with my bike :-)
nice job. very helpful video tutorial.
When changing from trigger shifters to brifters is there need of changing the rear derailleur?
Not if it is compatible with the shifters. Shimano SIS RD's all have the same cable pull ratio.
@@RJTheBikeGuy okay thanks.
Do you have a video on how to install shimano 105 10speed shifters.
I install some in this video: th-cam.com/video/IEL7pLwTZw0/w-d-xo.html
It's the same process.
On the right hand shifter, should it be all the way to one side before tinkering with the tension the way it was on the left?
+sicajuan Not sure exactly what you are asking. They should be shifted to the smallest cog/gear before attaching the cable (Press the small lever repeatedly until the stop clicking). It doesn't really matter what gear you are in while adjusting the barrel adjuster.
Nice work .
RJ, is re-using cable and housing frowned upon? I'll be upgrading from thumb shifters to brifters+upgrading my front derauiler in a couple of days. The bike itself is only about a month old and has around 250 miles on it so I was considering re-using the cable and housing.
Thanks for the vids btw. I have big plans for my little cheap road bike and it's all possible bc of your willingness to share your knowledge with us.
They wear out like bike chains and bearings. It's good to replace them once in a while. And if you changing stuff around, that is a good time. And the old cables/housings maybe not be the right length anyway.
RJ The Bike Guy Ok, thanks for the reply. I'll probably go ahead and switch them out then.
Hey RJ The Bike Guy, do you have any sora 2200 parts lying around? The nameplate on my right side broke at the cable stop and would like to just replace the part.
Sorry, I don't sell parts.
Is it customary to switch to down tube shifters if rsx brifters are not working?
No. That would be a downgrade. Try this. th-cam.com/video/tFmqV4klzaY/w-d-xo.html
Hello and I hope you still here.
I want to replace shimano gear shifters ST 2300 inscribed on them. Could I use some other quality in place of these the carrera bike came with?
Yeah.
@@RJTheBikeGuy thanks. Any model names you can help with besides the shimano gear shifters ST 2300. Of higher quality maybe
Thank you
@@IDMaximillian You have to do you your own shopping and research.
I want to replace my drops with a Hi Rise handle bars on my touring bike.Without buying different brake levers and shifters Is it possible to mount my STI's horizontal position since I will only be pushing the shifters and brake levers down when shifting instead of up ?
Probably not. They designed for the curve of the drop bars and the brake levers would not have room to work.
Great vid. Thanks.
where is located the screw in shifters ultegra 6500. For tight the shifters on the handlebar
Haralabos Lukatos Same place as the shifters in this video.
you help me always thank you
Thankx :).KEEP IT UP !!!
thanks, awesome video!
great video. thank you
Does it have to be the same exact shifters when replacing it ?
No. But they need to be compatible. I replaced 7 speed Shimano shifters with different 7 speed Shimano shifters.
I have heard from many different sources that RSX brifters are on 105/tiagra level of quality. Is that true?
Not sure where they fell in the groupos. They are pretty solidly made. I would guess 105 level.
very helpful.thanks
Can I adjust angle of shifter without removing tape?
Side to side, yeah. Up and down, no.
do you really have to cut the cables ???
because it's hard for me to get a new one .
Do you HAVE to? No. But it is probably a good idea to replace them. And they are relatively cheap.
ARe the shift cables and break cables the same?
+David Morgan No. Brake cables and modern shift cables are different. The forces and requirements are physically different.
Old and new ,both r good shifters.cables go for recycles.cut for ???? Crazy.
Thanks Dude!
'Go ahead'!!
thank you great help !!
Do you still have the Shimano Sora STI shifters? Want to sell them? Mine broke in a crash.
I already installed them on this bike: How To Convert From Downtube Shifters To STI Shifters (Brifters) On Vintage Bike
Thx!
what is the tool he is using at 7:52 called?
Sir TacoKnight It's just a hex wrench with three wrenches 4,5,6mm.
thanks
Professional!!!
Do you still have you're old shifters?
I already installed them onto another bike in this video here: How To Convert Vintage Bike From Downtube Shifters To STI Shifters (Brifters)
που μπορω να βρω αυτες τεις μενετες και ποσα ευρο κανουν
ερωτηση αυτες οι 2 η μανετες κανουν μονο για 7 ταχητο εγω που εχω 5 ταχητο δεν τεριαζουν ;
I don't understand. The translation doesn't make much sense.
πρεπει να βαλω 7 ταχητητες πισω για να δουλεψει σωστα ευχαριστω εισαι πολυ καλος
its 6 speed or 7 speed casete?
7 speed. I don't think STI shifters were ever available for 6 speed.
εχω 1 ποδηλατο με 5 ταχητητες μπορω να βαλω αυτες τις μανετες ;
I am not sure what "tachitites" is. Speeds? Do you mean you have a 10 speed bike (2 x 5)? If so, then not directly. STI shifters aren't compatible with a 5 speed rear. STI shifters start a 7 speed. But you can possible upgrade your bike to 7 speed on the rear. th-cam.com/video/DO5V3qkW05g/w-d-xo.html
Hi, I want to replace Shimano 105 5500 to Shimano Tiagra 4501 but I am not sure about it. Who can help me please ?
Why are you going to do that?
105 is better than Tiagra. That is a downgrade.
Good video. And no slobbery British accent either.
I can't remove the right shifter cable. When I push the cable to the right it doesn't come out through the hole, it's stuck inside, well below the hole, the mechanism has rotated...
The problem started when the right small lever/click-down would not function anymore, I tried to lubricate, didn't work, so I want to remove it, but you have to disassemble everything !? Remove tape, remove braking cable, remove shifting cable - but this one won't do it !!!
You need to shift it all the way, pressing the small lever. If it is not catching, you will need to clean/lube the shifter to free up the pawls and I have videos on that. You should be able to do it without disassembling it.
OK. I already sprayed a copious amount of WD40 inside, I will look for another product...
Keep trying, and working it. It could be the shifter is physically broken and not able to shift. What is the model of the shifter? Newer shifters seem more prone to breaking than older shifters.
Shimano RSX, I believe it's the lowest range. I tried again for 10 minutes today without success. I need to plunge the whole shifter (with the f... brake's cable) in degreaser, maybe use boiling water to make the grease more fluid !
Well I suppose that's part of the price you have to pay to have all your brakes and gear conveniently placed under the hand...
The RSX shifters were actually very good. I am guessing just stuck. I don't think I would recommend boiling water. Keep trying the WD-40. I do have this other video: th-cam.com/video/LOh4zKoyJgg/w-d-xo.html
fd cable looks like it is anchored incorrectly
Not sure what you mean? Where?
Lol... that water bottle :)
+HOPKIRK My Underwear Run bottle? I did that down in Louisville when I did the Ironman. :D
Dude, brifter is not a word.
Cutting the old cables, just for 'convenience' ? No frayed cables or kinks? This might be the m.o. of mechanics in the Tour de France, but either way utter wasteful. Any wound inner steel cable stays in good condition if oiled, without rust or wear. None of that was even hinted at in your vid. To me you show laziness and wastefulness instead of a responsible and clever rebuild.
Trump cable should have gone under lt
Wow you've got spd's on a road bike wtf
I like them. They are dual sided. I have them on my tri bike too. And amazingly, I even have them on my mountain bike. :D
barbarian!! cut all the cables, all in the trash !!! what for!?! Good cables, good steering wheel wrap .. for you it's all rubbish !!! Ashamed of you.
Shimano are best.sram are toubles son.
Very helpful, thanks.