Friction Shifters: 6 Speed to 10 Speed With Old Derailleur

Switching from Index to Friction shifting allows you to change gears without limits, today I’m going to upgrade the drivetrain of this road bike, from 6 speed to 10 speed, without changing the derailleur.

Indexed shifting has click stops, each shift moves the derailleur with the same amount of spacing.

Friction shifting doesn’t have any click stops or indexing, the shifter moves linearly and it’s compatible with any amount of gears. The shifting can be accurate when you get used to it.

(Other benefit to friction is you can shift through the entire range of gears in one shot.)

7-Speed cassette:
The 6 speed and 7 speed have different sprocket spacing, therefore you cannot use the indexed shifter with the 7 speed cassette.

By putting a 7 speed cassette, you need to set the limit screw to allow the derailleur to shift to the lowest gear, make sure it doesn’t shift into the spokes.

10-Speed cassette:
For the 10-speed cassette, the limit screws have to be readjusted but most importantly, the chain is too wide and therefore you need to change it with a 10-speed chain.

Other than that, the shifting can be precisely with a little more practice.

Bike: 1987 Bianchi Strada LX
Shifters: Suntour Accushift Downtube Shifters

#friction #downtubeshifters #10speed

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