9001 Vs. 6800 STI levers

[merckx]

Shimano 9001 STI levers have a reported appetite of eating shift cables. Do the 6800 STI levers also have a voracious appetite for munching them too? I plan to mount some Shimano kit on my next frameset, but pause at the decision between the levers. It seems that reports indicate it is a good investment to replace 9001 shift cables every 2-3K miles. Any idea if the 6800 levers can coast longer?

[bcroslin]

I run both and have not had any issues with cables. From what I've read here the only shifters that ate cables were the original 9000's.

[kgreene10]

9001 eat them too. Shimano seems ever-hungry.

[guido]

I don't have issues with the 6800 levers...

[Blown Reek]

Zero issues with ST-9001 here.

[Gummee]

I don't have many miles on any of my shifters because I swap between 5 bikes, but FWI hear, using the long-nosed ferrule greatly cuts down the chances of having a problem

Having said that, I've used the long-nosed ferrule on all my bikes and haven't seen any indications that things are going awry in there.

AFA feel: D/A is a titch nicer feeling. Its not much, but its there. Hard to justify the price difference if you're paying retail. ...unless you just want D/A (which I get 'cause... well... its D/A!)

3 of 5 bikes have D/A. The other 2 are Ultegra. There's also a pair of 105 that *was* on a bike. The 105 doesn't feel the same as the other two. Gummy-ier. Not as nice feeling when you shift. Not bad stuff. Different feel tho

HTH

M

[mktng]

+ 1 zero issues with 6800

however.. ive made a habit of changing out cables once a year.

[merckx]

9001 eat them too. Shimano seems ever-hungry.

I've heard this. How many miles did you reach before they went pear-shaped?

[kgreene10]

I've heard this. How many miles did you reach before they went pear-shaped?

It takes a good long while, just like it did with 7800. I would guestimate that I get 6 months or more of 10-hour training weeks plus racing before they go. And by that point, I should replace them anyway, so not a big deal. FWIW, the problem has been with the 9001 front shifter so far, not the rear.

Also, perhaps worth nothing that during the last two cycles, I have replaced with stock LBS cable (probably Jagwire) instead of the super-pricey Shimano ones and the shifting is still perfect once dialed in.

[tumbler]

No issues on my 6800 set.


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[nate2351]

I've been using the shifters for two years(obviously not the same cables) with no issues, but I'm big on preventative maintenance.

[Dead Man]

3500 miles on my 9001s .. Original cables

Just because it happened to some dude and then one other dude doesnt mean its a failed product.

[beeatnik]

3500 miles on my 9001s .. Original cables

Just because it happened to some dude and then one other dude doesnt mean its a failed product.

^And another dude, and another, and another and another and a dudette and a bunch of other dudes. Then, Shimano began to call them 9001 cos it happened to one more dude.

[jimoots]

I put about 10,000km into some cables with DA9001 levers.

Swapped them out because I was getting anxious after hearing a few stories about DA levers chewing cables.

They were more or less brand new. No signs of wear.

[oldpotatoe]

3500 miles on my 9001s .. Original cables

Just because it happened to some dude and then one other dude doesnt mean its a failed product.

I wouldn't say anybody is calling it 'failed' but these and also 7800/6600 DID eat cables, many having the head break off inside the shifter.

I think any bike shop that sees a bit of 6600/7800/6800/9000(1) would agree.

But so what, check your cables, replace before they break.