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I am trying to build a road bike up for my lad and I have hit a stumbling block with the STI levers. I have searched for cheap ones but they all seem to be around the £100 mark. I have had a look on ebay but most of those seem to be 105 standard and hold their price.
What is the cheapest model Shimano make?
You should be able to pick up some of the old style Sora levers fairly cheap. They're 9 speed though so the rest of your drivetrain would need to be compatible.
Not shimano but compatible are microshift, they seem to be well thought of. No personal experience as I went second hand 105 but if I was buying new or going up to ten speed they're on my watch list.
Try microshift. I have use their stuff and it is faultless.
I'd heard Microshift had a longer throw on the shift than the bigger brands. Depending on how old the lad is, they may not totally be perfect. Perhaps neilsonwheels can confirm/deny as I've never used them myself
I'm just about to list a new 2300 mech, Sram cassette, 2300 shifters, Sq. taper triple chainset & BB & chain for sale if you're interested, 8 spd but massive gear range on the triple, email in profile.
James
The throw is slightly more than Shinamo. It is noticeable on the left hand shifter but not a problem, this may be more noticable with little hands. The right hand shifter can shift 3 gears at a time if you use the full shift or just knock the lever over a wee bit and it changes one gear at a time. I prefer them to my Tiagra shifters.