Shimano Ultegra shifter rust?

[Organic]

I've developed quite a nasty rust spot on my Shimano Ultegra 6700 left shifter - see the picture attached below (hopefully). The right shifter is not affected, although it has some very minor spots in other places.

 

Is this a common problem? The shifter and the bike on which it came are just less than 2 years old, and I kind of expected more from Ultegra components. The shifter will probably last the rest of the year before the rust spreads to more important parts or rusts through the lever, but in the mean-time it's quite uncomfortable - like having sandpaper on my finger when climbing.

 

Is it worth replacing with another 6700 shifter? Are the latest generation of 6700 shifters more rust-resistant, or is it just going to be more of the same? Are the Dura-Ace 7900 shifters also prone to rusting?

 

Thanks

 

[W3RN3R]

Looks like poor electro plating

[Johan Bornman]

That is very unusual and certainly not normal. You are at the coast, which exacerbates plating problems but the question is, do you use this bike on a stationary trainer too? Trainers with their resulting sweat waterfalls are deadly to bikes.

 

I think this is a gaurantee issue. Take it up with your bike shop.

[Organic]

Thanks for the replies. The bike is only used on the road, and very seldom in the rain. I don't use it on a stationary trainer.

 

As for the guarantee, the bike shop tells me that the agents are unlikely to replace it. They will try once the agents are open again on Monday. Even if they do replace it, I don't fancy spending a few weeks without riding while I wait for the replacement, although I'll see if I can convince the shop to give me a stock part while they wait for the replacement.

 

I would have thought that they would use a more rust-resistant steel alloy, but apparently not. I never had even a spot of rust on previous generation Ultegra components.

[walkerr]

Yowser, damned nasty. Been looking at Ultegra 6700 myself and this is really putting me off. Did a web search, and you are not alone - others have reported it too, seemingly in US and elsewhere. Sounds like mixed reports on LBS/Shimano treating as warranty replacement. This may just tip me towards SRAM if it's not a 1st gen thing.

 

Edit - should have added sorry to hear you've had such *** luck and hope they sort if for you.

Edited February 3, 2012 by walkerr

[Organic]

Sounds like mixed reports on LBS/Shimano treating as warranty replacement. This may just tip me towards SRAM if it's not a 1st gen thing.

 

 

The Shimano rep, via the LBS, has kindly agreed to repair the rust after the racing season so that I don't have to spend two weeks without a bike. I'll follow up once that's done.

[walkerr]

Thanks, would be good to know the outcome. My pref is still towards Ultegra, but I need something that can survive a fair amount of wet weather use.

 

SRAM might be ok, but I'm not a big fan of their FD shifts or cassettes - even Red users seems to complain about it which is crazy if you consider the price. I guess I could go hybrid with Ultegra FD, chain and casette, and Force shifters and RD. I'm building an audax oriented bike up, so will prob need long drop brakes anyhow (Shimano R650 most likely), so prob won't use Ultegra or Force calipers.

 

Oops ... went a bit OT there. Apols and good luck with getting the shifters replaced. Feel free to use my future business as a reason they should fix your free

[Organic]

An update for anybody interested:

 

I took in my shifter (to the LBS) after the Argus, and after 4 weeks, it's back in my hands. They apparently replaced all of the metal bits inside, although I haven't looked too carefully. Cost R90 or so for transport.

 

I still need to re-install it.

[walkerr]

Cool, good news.

My new frame just arrived - so build-up with my shiny Ultegra 6700 groupo will happen next week

Edited April 11, 2012 by walkerr