Technical query, triple STI shifters

I have finally admitted defeat and bought a triple chainset for my
Audax bike. The existing shifters (RSX) seem to have 3 positions, as
there is currently a mid position between the high and low positions
on the double shifters. There is also a gizmo gear indicator in the
cable with 3 positions marked although I have only ever used 2. My
other bike has RX100 shifters which are not indexed as such on the
left; they have a ratchet mechanism which works fine with a double. Do
I need a special drum in the RSX shifters to use all 3 positions or
are triple and double shifters fundamentally different?
Thanks in advance
Martin

MartinM wrote:
I have finally admitted defeat and bought a triple chainset for my
Audax bike. The existing shifters (RSX) seem to have 3 positions, as
there is currently a mid position between the high and low positions
on the double shifters. There is also a gizmo gear indicator in the
cable with 3 positions marked although I have only ever used 2. My
other bike has RX100 shifters which are not indexed as such on the
left; they have a ratchet mechanism which works fine with a double. Do
I need a special drum in the RSX shifters to use all 3 positions or
are triple and double shifters fundamentally different?
Thanks in advance
Martin

Ultegra STi LH shifter is 2 & three compatible so there is a good chance
yours will be.

This is a parts pdf for the RSX shifters
http://www.shimano-europe.com/cyclin...ew/ST_A416A.41
7.pdf
It seems to indicate different models for double and triple
Maybe you could just remove part number 9...though it would take a braver
man than me...
The site has lots of service instruction leaflets as well - but I didn't see
one for your levers. might be worth having a deeper hunt.

PeterK

"MartinM" wrote in message
om...
I have finally admitted defeat and bought a triple chainset for my
Audax bike. The existing shifters (RSX) seem to have 3 positions, as
there is currently a mid position between the high and low positions
on the double shifters. There is also a gizmo gear indicator in the
cable with 3 positions marked although I have only ever used 2. My
other bike has RX100 shifters which are not indexed as such on the
left; they have a ratchet mechanism which works fine with a double. Do
I need a special drum in the RSX shifters to use all 3 positions or
are triple and double shifters fundamentally different?
Thanks in advance
Martin

On 21 Feb 2004 09:45:13 -0800, in
,
(MartinM) wrote:

I have finally admitted defeat and bought a triple chainset for my
Audax bike. The existing shifters (RSX) seem to have 3 positions, as
there is currently a mid position between the high and low positions
on the double shifters. There is also a gizmo gear indicator in the

This sounds strange to me - If you were using a triple shifter with a
double chainset then you wouldn't have a gap in the middle: Rather the
gap would be in position 1 or 3.

Sorry, I haven't helped have I :-)

Love and indices from Rich x

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Richard Bates wrote in message . ..
On 21 Feb 2004 09:45:13 -0800, in
,
(MartinM) wrote:

I have finally admitted defeat and bought a triple chainset for my
Audax bike. The existing shifters (RSX) seem to have 3 positions, as
there is currently a mid position between the high and low positions
on the double shifters. There is also a gizmo gear indicator in the

This sounds strange to me - If you were using a triple shifter with a
double chainset then you wouldn't have a gap in the middle: Rather the
gap would be in position 1 or 3.

Sorry, I haven't helped have I :-)

Love and indices from Rich x

I'm trying to research this before I rip the bike to bits to find it
won't change on the front. The RSX gears originally came from a French
hypermarket bike which was available as a 21 or 14 speed; I bought the
14 but as it had the 3 position indicator and also a triple mech on
the front (without the 3rd gear on the chainset)assumed that it was a
triple changer. The way it currently works is that the lowest position
moves the mech slightly nearer the tube whilst still in the lower
ring; I use this for the granny gears. Presumably if I slackened the
limit screws either end I would get a wider range of movement. I think
the difference between double and triple is that double shifters use a
rachet mechanism like on my RX100, so that when you release the lever
the shifter goes down to the lowest position; not a problem on a
double. The RSX shifter does not go all the way back when you release
the lever so is presumably a triple.
To solve the worst case scenario has anyone seen a cheap set of Tiagra
shifters (don't like the Sora ones)?

"pkhoo" wrote in message ...
This is a parts pdf for the RSX shifters
http://www.shimano-europe.com/cyclin...ew/ST_A416A.41
7.pdf
It seems to indicate different models for double and triple
Maybe you could just remove part number 9...though it would take a braver
man than me...

Thanks for that, looks like it could be the way to go. Actually I have
had the front off before, it's only the spring that is tricky to get
back (famous last words) ;-)

Richard Bates wrote in message . ..
On 21 Feb 2004 09:45:13 -0800, in
,
(MartinM) wrote:

I have finally admitted defeat and bought a triple chainset for my
Audax bike. The existing shifters (RSX) seem to have 3 positions, as
there is currently a mid position between the high and low positions
on the double shifters. There is also a gizmo gear indicator in the

This sounds strange to me - If you were using a triple shifter with a
double chainset then you wouldn't have a gap in the middle: Rather the
gap would be in position 1 or 3.

Sorry, I haven't helped have I :-)

Love and indices from Rich x

Yes it was a triple changer. The limit screws on the front mech were
tightened right down, I just had to slacken them off to get all 3
positions.
Thanks for your help.
Martin