INSTALLATION
Installation really could not be easier. Brakes install just as they normally would with the slight exception (See tip number 4) and shift cables can be installed or swapped out without the need to remove your bar tape. Below are a few notes that we think will be helpful. If you don’t see an answer to your needs below please do not hesitate to contact us.
1. Shimano Shift Washers.
First check to make sure you have the right washers for your Down-tube or Bar-end shifters. Both sides for either type should use a flat standard size flat washer. They can be had from our product page or your local bike shop if needed. Standard washers might well have horizontal sides (not always sloped as shown below) but are not as thick in height as the FAT washer.
Many older Down-tube shifters have curved washers (though current Shimano 10sp Down-tube shifters ship with standard flat washers) and if you have these you will need to replace both with standard flat washers. Newer Shimano 10sp Bar-end shifters will often have one ‘FAT’ washer which will need to be replaced with a standard sized one. Shimano 9sp tend to be ok but do check.
2. Mounting Options.
Bar-end: You have a couple of options on how you mount your left Bar-end shifter. Which you choose will just be a matter of personal preference but the Outside position might be required for some triple front chainring set ups. Picture 1 shows resting position for shift lever on small front chainring for a double. Picture 2 shows resting position for shift lever on small chainring for a triple.
1. Inside. 2. Outside.
Down-tube: Some Shimano Down-tube shifters require you to pre-load the spring in the left shifter. Easiest way to show this is with a short video:
Additional info on Shimano shifters and this pre-load can be found at:
http://techdocs.shimano.com/techdocs/index.jsp
3. Brake cable Install Tip.
Install of brake cable is done as you would expect however you may find that putting a slight bend in the end of the cable will help you get it inserted into the guide hole inside the brake body. See picture of end of cable in the palm of our human below. Just about a 20 degree bend at about an inch from the end should do it.
4. Small Bag O’ Washers.
You may have noticed a small bag of with one or two small and very small flat washers in your bag when you received your Retroshift units. These are generally not needed but will be of help if you have Dura-Ace 10sp 7900 shift units. 7900 can be identified by not having a friction option (like the 7800). When mounting the 7900′s you may find your mounting bolts are a tiny bit too long. Utilizing these washers under the bolts will provide a fix. A drop of blue thread-lock is also recommended to make sure it all stays snug if using these washers.
5. ADDITIONAL TIPS?
If you find any other tips to help with install or otherwise please shoot us a note from the Contact page. We will be happy to pass it on!
One of the crew taking time off from the CAD department.
Always happy to be of service. Pauli here just finishing up on a windshield wiper repair. Large Lugi was causing a squeaking and smearing issue. All gone now.