Help to understand brifters

[RobynE 🚵‍♀️]

Our tandem has the Shimano brifters that you swing to the side to shift, and a little pokey switch to shift the other way. 

It is 2x8 which works well for our needs for the moment.  

Brakes are mechanical. 

The reach is a bit long for me but I think that can be adjusted. 

What brifters would I be looking for that will give me cleaner shifts and where up and down are closer to each other? 

This is my first drop bar adventure since I was 11 years old 😂 And I’m coming from 12 speed Shimano MTB which is super crisp, and while not expecting quite that crispness, I’d like to have the controls more centralised while keeping the drops. 

Thanks! 

[HdB]

It sounds like Shimano Sora shifters.

The newer Tiagra 2x10 should already be a lot better, ex: https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/complete-groupsets/815096/tiagra-4700-groupset-with-mechanical-disc-brake

But 2x11 Shimano 105 or Ultegra shifts really nicely, ex: https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/shifters/815613/selling-shimano-105-shifters

Whether your current wheels' hubs can work with 10 or 11 speed is another matter.

[Eugene]

As mentioned, it sounds like Shimano Sora 8 speed. They are old and entry level, which would explain the poor shifting. 

If you want the gears "closer together" you will need more gears (cogs) at the back. This could be costly as you will need new shifters, maybe rear derailleur, new chain, new cassette and maybe a free hub. You'll need new chain rings depending on the number of gears you want. It is probably not worth the exercise. 

Or...... The purists will hate me for this.... Order a LTwoo groupset from Alliexpress. They are cheap, reliable and have smooth shifting. 

Again, your issue could be the freehub as it may not accommodate any cassette bigger than a 9 speed. Maybe someone here on the hub can advise on this

[RobynE 🚵‍♀️]

Hey, thanks gents. I appreciate your explanations. 

I’ve done a bit of reading up and now have better context.

I may have to buy myself a new gravel-type groupset for Christmas (it is being converted into a “light off-road” tandem and our first even is Race To The Sun next weekend). It’s clear that the options for keeping the 8 speed are very limited. 

(… Though, the tandem is for my daughter and I so surely she could get me one for Mother’s Day 🤔 but she’s 10 and that may be a bit of a cheeky ask 😂 😂)

[Barry]

The old Sora 8-speed shifters are generally solid but can become a bit sticky over time as the grease hardens and dirt builds up. You might try breathing new life into them by flushing them with boiling water and plenty of WD-40, along with replacing the inner and outer cables.A good cleaning should result in a crisper and smoother shift.

Edited May 10 by Barry

[David Marshall]

What Barry said.  If the bike has an 8 speed Sora it is likely somewhat dated and not worth replacing the groupset.  I would rather service what you have and keep it running with what you can get.  Save the money for the replacement bike - preferably one with disc brakes!

Mixing parts can get a little tricky especially with the likes of a tandem.  Later parts (like the 8 speed Claris) will not work with the Sora derailleurs. However most 8 speed mountain bike parts will, as well as some Chinese road parts.

Before you buy get someone knowledgeable to assess what you need.