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Conference noted::bicycle

Title: Bicycling
Notice:Bicycling for Fun
Moderator:JAMIN::WASSER
Created:Mon Apr 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:3214
Total number of notes:31946

444.0. "Index gears for touring bike?" by RDGENG::MACFADYEN () Wed Aug 26 1987 08:25

    I'm thinking about putting indexed gearing on my touring bike, because
    I'm not too pleased with the gear changing as it is. So what index
    system should I go for?
    
    I don't want to bankrupt myself, and I do want it to handle at least
    a 30-tooth rear sprocket.
    
    Shimano Light Action has been suggested to me - does anyone have
    experience with this? Shimano Deore seems a bit expensive.
    
    Should I go for indexed gears anyway? Are they really better?
    
    
    Yours confusedly,
    
    Rod
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444.1One experience with SISsy shiftULTRA::SEIDEN_2 outs, 2 strikes, 2 run lead...Wed Aug 26 1987 10:3918
    I have Shimano Light Action and love it.  The shifting is clean
    and true.  With friction shifting it seemed as if I was often
    over-shifting, especially when fatigued, such that I jumped more
    cogs than I intended to.  This never happens with indexed shifting.

    The Light Action is "downward compatible"; you can switch to 
    friction shifting "on the fly" from the shifter.  But I enjoy the
    indexed shifting so much I never use this.

    The derailluer handles a 14-28 freewheel with no problem. However,
    I have only put 800 miles on it, so the verdict's still out on
    durability.
        
    The derailleur and shifters were bundled with the bicycle. Though
    there are many parts of the bicycle I'd like to upgrade, that is
    not one of them.  

    
444.2Give it a trail runJETSAM::HANAUERMike... Bicycle~to~Ice~CreamWed Aug 26 1987 13:0110
Since many of the new bikes come with index shifting, taking one for 
a ride at a bike shop should be easy.  Suggest you then decide for 
yourself if you want it on your own bike.

I Just bought a Specialized Sequoia and had it upgraded to SIS via 
the Shimano Deore, this is the one that will handle a touring range.
The upgrade cost 45.00.  I like SIS but, as was already mentioned, 
how well it will stand up is still an unknown.

	~Mike
444.3I'M SOLD ON INDEX !!DUB01::MCCLUSKEYThu Aug 27 1987 04:318
    Hello from Dublin,
    
    I have the Shimano dura-ace index system on my racing bike and i
    think its "super"(as Sean Kelly would say).I have done a lot of
    miles on it and know lots of guys who have been using it longer
    than me and they have had no problems at all.
                                    
    
444.4Specifics on upgrading?STRATA::DESHARNAISThu Aug 27 1987 16:4313
    I have been thinking of upgrading the shift system on my Shogun
    500 this winter.  My bike currently has one of Shimano's lower line
    systems (I think its the Z401?).   I would like to upgrade to a
    better system, preferably SIS.  From the previous replies, I understand
    Shimano light action and Deore are both good for touring bikes?
    
    Also, can anyone tell me exactly what components I need to order
    to make the upgrade?  I will probably be ordering from Nashbar.
    
    Thanks,
    Denis
    
    RE.3 - Hi Noel.  Glad you could make it!
444.5Indexing is goodRDGENG::MACFADYENTue Oct 13 1987 08:2317
    Well, although I was doubtful about the whole index thing, I shelled
    out a couple of weeks ago and bought index gears. For the record,
    I got:
    
    	Shimano Light Action rear derailleur (long arm)
    	Shimano 600EX rear block (13-15-18-21-25-30)
    	Shimano 105 shift levers
    	Shimano Uniglide II chain
    
    which all came to just under 60 quid. And I went on holiday on the
    Continent, plus bike, climbed a couple of 1000m cols and one 2000m
    col, and I can now say that indexing is absolutely brilliant! I'm
    really pleased with the shifting now, and think I spent the money
    well. The system works very well for friction shifting too, but
    as someone else said, I stick to the indexing.
    
    Rod