Thread started by tree fitty at 12.13.10 - 11:27 am

quick questions.

can i have STI shifters on a old DT shifters frame? if so, how?

will the rear drop outs (chain stay and seat stay) of the frame be different than the new ones that are out now? thus having to get new wheels.

is it possible to install new modern parts (derailleurs, shifters, crank set, tires, cassette, wheels) on an old frame, and not have any problems?

Thanks.






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oh, loaded question


Yes, you can put STI on an old frame, you just need to replace the DT shifters with cable stops, but compatibility with the derailers may be an issue.

Yes, the rear triangle will be different. New bikes have a wider spacing because they have more gears 8,9,10,11 vs. 5,6,7

It can be done but it will be expensive and if you don't know what you're doing then it can be problematic. You're probably better off buying a new bike or consulting a shop and knowing exactly what you'll need.





Gav
12.13.10 - 3:07 pm

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Most older frames will accept 7 speed wheels without a problem. I'm running integrated shifters on a 1975 Raleigh frame - works great. The dropouts aren't an issue, but you'll probably have to change your derailer.

As always, check Sheldon Brown for more info.



mr rollers
12.13.10 - 3:39 pm

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can i have STI shifters on a old DT shifters frame? if so, how?

You can buy a cable guide that goes over your old DT shifter boss, that's how.

will the rear drop outs (chain stay and seat stay) of the frame be different than the new ones that are out now? thus having to get new wheels.

The spacing for an old one will be around 126 MM and most road bikes are now 130 or a few are 135, either way you can shoehorn a wheel in there without much trouble.

is it possible to install new modern parts (derailleurs, shifters, crank set, tires, cassette, wheels) on an old frame, and not have any problems?

Yes if you know what you're doing and NO! if you do not. However it can be done, has been done, and I'd encourage you to try and do it yourself so you not only come away with a nice bike, but the know-how as well.

Thanks.

You're welcome.







rev106
responding to a comment by mr rollers
12.13.10 - 4:02 pm

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I have done it. It is all possible and beautiful. The only problem and it is a big problem is the width (as explained above) of the rear triangle where the hub goes into the dropout.
I went from a six speed to a nine speed. The wheel kept on coming out. It needs to be wider to take and hold a hub designed for more gears. If it is steel it can be spread out.

I don't know of shop in LA that has the machine to do this (not to say it a store that has the machine doesn't exisit in LA, I just don't know of a place). It was a nightmare until I found a shop that new what the problem was and how to take care of this and had the machine to do it. I heard you can do this with an acutal block of wood on your own.

It happen to be in San Diego at Velocult. If I know what the problem was and where to fix it I would have gone down there when I first had the bike put together. If you can't find a shop around here who does the stretching, it worth to go down and have them do it. Checking out the shop is worth the trip to San Diego alone. (it is also in the hip night and day life area of San Diego) It is the only store I have ever been in that had everything that I would want for a road bike and nothing that I didn't. It also is eye candie if you love bikes. If you go down to have the work done I would suggest that you call and tell them your coming, what you want done, so they can put you at the top of the list and get the work done that day. Since I was from out of town they put my work first. The manager had such a good time when he came to LA for a midnighridazz ride, that also helped get me preferential treatment.

They take old steel bike and refurbish them for sell, if anybody is looking. I'm not talking some yahoo on craigslist who takes an old bike and jack up the price without doing anything specific accept put on some matching colored tires and tape. They actually refurbish the bikes and make them like new riding condition. The store is a real treat, architectural design of the store, merchandise and museum.

www.velocult.com



sexy
12.13.10 - 7:01 pm

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Thank you all for your help and advise.

The frame I wanted to do the rear spacing is aluminum. According to the Sheldon Brown website, it is really difficult to spread an aluminum frame because there is a big possibility it might get damaged.



tree fitty
12.13.10 - 8:15 pm

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Why not run an older drive train then?



rev106
responding to a comment by tree fitty
12.13.10 - 9:16 pm

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I'd suggest measuring your current frame spacing, that'll give you an idea of what size wheel will fit. If your spacing is 126mm, you'll be able to run a 7 speed cassette with integrated shifters.

http://sheldonbrown.com/gloss_sp-ss.html#spacing



mr rollers
responding to a comment by tree fitty
12.13.10 - 10:01 pm

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http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php?10-Bicycle-Mechanics
also a good place to ask



Gav
12.13.10 - 10:50 pm

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i wanted to build that frame with all the components i already have. I wanted to swap frames but i guess it was not possible. due to the lack of extra income i have right now i doubt i can afford an old drive train.

I can always have this as an extra project. i guess i can work on it and buy the parts one by one

@mr rollers- sheldon brown was a huge help. thanks

@gav-thank you, will do.



tree fitty
responding to a comment by rev106
12.14.10 - 12:14 pm

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