I'm a newbie - aren't all Shimano 105 shifters the same?

[badgercat]

From 2000 they will be 9-speed shifters, and now 105 (and all shifters that Shimano makes) are for 10-speed. So they are different and potentially hard to find.

Pardon the hijack, but from what I'm seeing on Shimano's website, Sora and Tiagra shifters are still 9-speed... I had to go and research because my 2009 Jamis has 9-speed Sora and I was scared that it was already completely obsolete.

[Susan]

I don't know how much you'd have to pay for the bike, but 300$ + seems not to be a good price for a 11 year old bike?

[ridebikeme]

I have am having the same issue with several of my customers here. They all have 9 speed bikes, and have anywhere from Ultegra-105 drivetrains. As others have mentioned, only Tiagra and Sora are now nine speed. Each year it is becoming increasingly more difficult to get 9 speed shifters, and if you are able to find them, there certainly are less choices.Another option is to use 9 speed bar end shifters, and to continue to use your current shift levers for brake levers only.


My suggestion is that if you intend to "buy" the bike, then I would buy shifters now regardless of whether you need them. At some point, you will need them, and you'll have the peace of mind of having them.

IMO, I would suggest, if any of you own a 9 speed bike, and there are definitely some great ones out there, buy yourself a set of shifters....You can always save your money and buy 10/11 speed, but also remember that your costs will increase dramatically and always will.