Component compatibility Q for the wrenches

Hi Cindy,

There is a compatibility chart at the Shimano web page.

http://bike.shimano.com/publish/content/cycle/sac/us/en/technical_service/compatibility_charts/road_compatibility.html

However, this page may win the prize as the most confusing piece of documentation on the web.  Boxes contain lists of components by number.   Boxes that are connected by a solid line are compatible.  

I don't know the answer to your question but a lot of things do have to match up for the shifter to work well.  Good luck. 

TW

There should be no reason you can't use the sora triple FD with your sora triple front STI.  It's the rear STI and derailleur when you get into trouble when mixing and matching 8sp and 9sp components.

I was looking at the compatibility chart....confusing, yes.  It seems to say that the Sora and Tiagra stuff is pretty much only compatible with each other....so I would have to switch out my crankset and hub too? 

Or am I reading the chart wrong, since Daremo you say the sora shifters can be used with an Ultegra FD?   I'm beginning to think I'm just screwed, and I am starting to wonder if it's worth all this on a Cannondale CAAD4 frame...although I like the frame and it fits me well.

I don't really know what "indexed" means.  Would you explain?

I have wrestled with this for a couple of years, and had made up my mind to wait until I'm out of school and then buy a new bike.  But I don't think I can ride it like this for 2 more years.  From what I"ve been told C'dale is known for making good frames and putting shoddy components on them.  I don't have any problem with the frame, I suppose it could be lighter but it isn't super heavy now.  And coming up with ~ $800 (prices from Performance Cycle, no labor included!) for components is still easier than coming up with a couple of grand for a new bike.  THen when I graduate I'd look for a tri bike.

 As someone who only rides a double front, I cannot comment on the need for the small chainring, but going to a double would solve your problem. It just makes climbing a bit more "challenging."

I had pretty much already decided that I don't need the triple...in 3 years I may have used it 3 times...maybe.  I didn't think I could just switch to a double without changing out shifters and derailleurs anyway though?  And I'm still stuck with the 8 speed cog, which doesn't appear to be compatible with ANYTHING?  I can't even find a derailleur to go with it online....

Rick, you have been enormously helpful !  Some of this stuff is so technical that even when I try to read it online I just get more confused, so you explaining it is forever appreciated...

Would I still have to change out my shifters?

Rick - thank you - you've been a huge help.  Last question then I THINK I can finally leave you alone.  Where did you get the prices for the 105 stuff?  I've really only had time to look at Perf. Cycle,  they didn't have much 105 at all. 

I don't trust my LBS - bad experiences - so I've decided it's time to find one that I like/trust.  MarkK and I are on our way out the door to poke our heads into one that is further away but highly recommmended by some good friends/experienced cyclists.  I'm going to talk to him and I will definetly have him price up what you just told me to include labor.  Thanks again

sWEET!  Unfortunately, I don't have the know how.  I went to a different bike shop today, the mech there thinks that just shifters will do the trick so I ordered some.

 I wish I could do ebay but especially for something like this it scares me...I could spend a lot of money and still not fix the problem