Gear Ratios

[Baron]

 

Shimano  Dura-Ace Gear/Brake 10!speed Shifter Set

Model: ST7801/ST-7803 

 

can be use with double or triple chainset.

 

[DieselnDust]

21 minutes ago, Baron said:

 

Shimano  Dura-Ace Gear/Brake 10!speed Shifter Set

Model: ST7801/ST-7803 

 

can be use with double or triple chainset.

 

you now they don't make those anylonger right?

Neither the ST7801 nor the ST7803 and they're not the same lever. They only share the brake lever and rubber hood. 

Edited September 30, 2025 by DieselnDust

[Sepia]

I am closing in on your age fast and had the same problem on my road bike.  Went to a compact crank with 11/36 rear.  Solved most of my problem but the hills got steeper every year......ebike?

[Baron]

52 minutes ago, DieselnDust said:

you now they don't make those anylonger right?

Neither the ST7801 nor the ST7803 and they're not the same lever. They only share the brake lever and rubber hood. 

[Baron]

Just now, Baron said:

53 minutes ago, DieselnDust said:

you now they don't make those anylonger right?

Neither the ST7801 nor the ST7803 and they're not the same lever. They only share the brake lever and rubber hood. 

See now  OP say levers is 105 and and drive train Dura Ace, so he can check if his 105 levers is tripple compatible as most pre 2017 105 levers was tripple compatible he can just fit tripple crank set and his problem is solved.

[DieselnDust]

30 minutes ago, Baron said:

See now  OP say levers is 105 and and drive train Dura Ace, so he can check if his 105 levers is tripple compatible as most pre 2017 105 levers was tripple compatible he can just fit tripple crank set and his problem is solved.

he needs a triple left front shifter as well.

There is no way a mechanical shifter can be 2x and 3x compatible at the same time. These units have completely different cable pull.

If you're confused by the ST7801/ST7803 designation that is listed as such because the Left hand shifter is ST7803 for triple and the right hand shifter is ST7801 which matches the 10speed RD7800 rear derailleur

[Baron]

1 hour ago, DieselnDust said:

he needs a triple left front shifter as well.

There is no way a mechanical shifter can be 2x and 3x compatible at the same time. These units have completely different cable pull.

If you're confused by the ST7801/ST7803 designation that is listed as such because the Left hand shifter is ST7803 for triple and the right hand shifter is ST7801 which matches the 10speed RD7800 rear derailleur

 

Edited September 30, 2025 by Baron

[Baron]

8 minutes ago, Baron said:

 

I have a bike with the Shimano 9 speed Ultegra ST-6510 STI Flight Deck 2/3 Speed Shifter,  so you do get a mechanical shifter that can be used for 2 or 3 chain rings.

[Mongoose!]

7 hours ago, Baron said:

  so you do get a mechanical shifter that can be used for 2 or 3 chain rings.

As a roadie I agree - 👍.........🙃

[Mongoose!]

8 hours ago, DieselnDust said:

 

There is no way a mechanical shifter can be 2x and 3x compatible at the same time. These units have completely different cable pull.

 

no sir - you are unfortunately wrong here  😜

[Martin PJ]

Besides the ebike I agree with the triple suggestion. I know shifter is an issue, Micronew on Temu or Aliexpress are very good, I have a few sets. You also need a derailleur at the back with a long cage. I built a 3x8 road set up once, 26 smallest on front and 30 at the back, it was very nice for climbing.

[DieselnDust]

52 minutes ago, Mongoose! said:

no sir - you are unfortunately wrong here  😜

There’s a few ancient front shifters that could do double duty. Friction shifters, campag’s original ergo power front shifter was also just A fine ratchet. None are available over the counter any longer 

[Mongoose!]

1 hour ago, DieselnDust said:

There’s a few ancient front shifters that could do double duty. Friction shifters, campag’s original ergo power front shifter was also just A fine ratchet. None are available over the counter any longer 

105 5600 sieres. (10 speed) dating 2005.

Had a double click. With cable tension you could used it with a 3 by crank at the front or 2x (increased cable tension) and then use the second click for trimming . 

Not a botch but per Shimano specs.

Yes. Done it myself when the groupset was released back in the day ( on a few of my bikes) 🤷‍♂️

 

 

[JoeMerida]

The OP could also consider a Gravel Bike.

[DieselnDust]

1 hour ago, JoeMerida said:

The OP could also consider a Gravel Bike.

or gravel gearing for the road bike if it can accommodate the chainline

[Baracuda]

76 is a great age to get a new gravel bike. Better gearing, more comfortable, better brakes, easier handling.... I just went from a 20-25 year old road bike to a Giant Revolt and the difference is incredible. Everything about it is better. 

Edited October 1, 2025 by Baracuda