STI shifters for XT drivetrain?

[jharriganca]

I am in the process of ordering components for a Rivendell Atlantis frame.  I want/need the gear ratio of XT gearing but would like to use drop bars with STI ultegra shifters.  Any experience with this good or bad?

[jim]

Hi,
   I built up a Jamis Nova frame with a XT crankset and cassette using a XT rear derailleur and a Dura-Ace front derailleur and Dura-Ace STI shifters, and it works fine. I put a chain keeper on the seat tube so the chain won't drop off when shifting to the small chainring.
Jim

[Dan&Linda]

That's basically the setup our Santana tandem has.  Works well.  A chain keeper helps some.  Tweaking by a good bike mechanic (like Mark at Walt's Bike Shop in Columbia, MO, if you're ever by this way) helps more.
Dan Vinson

[brad]

i have a jamis nova built up with full xt as well, not an issue. i am using ultegra sti shifters with v brakes as well.

jim what rack do you use for the front? i have a transit front rack i use with rei panniers on the front and back but have issues getting them on the front easily. just curious what you have going.

[DaveB]

STI rear shifters will work with almost any 7,8 or 9-speed road or MTB rear derailleur and with any cassette with the proper number of cogs. The only exception is 8-speed Dura Ace and you are unlikely to have to worry about it as it has been obsolete for years.  

STI front shifters require a road front derailleur to index properly.  However, this isn't a problem as road front derailleurs work fine with chainrings much smaller than they are designed to mate with.  For example, an Ultegra triple front der is designed for a 52T large chain ring but shifts fine with an RSX triple crank with a 46T large ring.  My son's older Trek 1200 came stock with this type of setup and shifts very well.

This message was edited by DaveB on 10-3-04 @ 6:08 PM

[jharriganca]

Brad:

I do only light (Inn to Inn) touring so I just use a rear Jaand rack and panniers.

[markw]

Ok, just want to put my .02 in.  Do a google search on STI failure, STI repair, STI broken, etc.  I didn't believe it until my right Dura Ace (the $$$) one stopped shifting.  I would go with Campy, and that's I did.  As for the rest of the drivetrain, Shimano all the way for cost and durability.  Besides, it was a full DA bike.  Jtek engineering http://www.jtekengineering.com/shiftmate.htm makes a ratio changing pulley that lets campy levers shift a shimano drivetrain, or visa-versa.   Besides, there's no cables to interfere with a handlebar bag on the campy brifters.  Unlike the bike on the front of the latest Adventure Cyclist magazine.

[billybear]

I have STI/Campy ergo on most of my bikes, but on my Atlantis I went with DuraAce bar cons...I am very glad I did...for a million reasons, but mostly with the friction option, I am sure they will always work, no matter where I am...my 2 cents....