Is it possible to convert my 88 Cannondale?

Question

Techie question. Is it possible to convert my 88 Cannondale over to brifters WITHOUT changing the Freewheel, derailers, Etc…? Has all shimano 600 components currently.

Christopher 5 years 0 Answers 1030 views 0

Answers ( No )

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    No. At least, according to my shop mechanic. Requires new derailleurs, indexed ones, at a minimum…and you'll probably want to change the rear cassette for a wider range to take advantage of the additional ease of shifting.

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    That's what I figured. I gotta have my cables redone and hoods replaced at some point and figured while they were in there. ……

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    Yeah. If you're trying to save cash, look at Nasbar for sales. The same shifter/derailleur combo from them will probably cost 50%-75%, tops, as from a local shop. But make sure they're compatible.

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    Be aware the hub may not handle a 9 or 10 speed cassette. You probably don't have a freewheel on it. Just a cassette. Most likely a 7 speed on it now.

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    Freewheel

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    Going with a 9-speed to get brifters will involve purchasing a new freehub in 135mm width. This is not terribly expensive (you can find new wheelsets in the $140-160 range), but will require 3 hands to get it into the Cannondale, which has a 130mm spacing. I run a modern wheelset in my 1990 SR800, which originally came in 7-speed.

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    You are probably talking about a cascading list of issues and parts- first thing to determine is if the rear wheel drop out can even handle the wider 9 speed cassettes. Probably new rear wheel hub (could be cheaper to get a new rear wheel), both derailleurs, shifters/brakes, I am pretty sure also the front crank arm rings since they need to work with the new 9 speed chain and of course you mentioned cables replaced anyways. Older bikes you have to typically bend the rear stays out to handle the wider hub. many times takes heat to do that right on an older steel frame.

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    Ya, I might as well buy a new (to me) bike with this cascading list of things.

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    I've put new shifters on old bikes and they worked fine. You just won't be able to take advantage of current bike range. You have nothing to lose if you try it. You have to find a not snobby mechanic that's willing try it for you. Many mechanics get in bike shop snob mode and forget how to experiment.

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    Nothing to lose except lots of money if it doesn't work.

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    And lots to save if it does. Plus a group is cheaper than a bike. Your bike is great!

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    I mean you can't just go buy a new group without knowing if your bike can take it. It most likely won't take wider hubs or if your keeping the original hub you have to make sure it can take a larger cassette… measuring the stays is important.

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    Sorry to go off topic, but to my cycling friends across the pond. What is a Brifter?

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    I put a 10sp 105 group on my old Nishiki circa 1983. New 700c wheels. its a little snug, but manageable. love the extra gears and ease of shifting with the classic steel frame.

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