Shimano Ultegra 11 compatibility?

[DRZRM]

Want to take advantage of a good deal for my gravel bike. Any problem using using the Ultegra ST-RS685 levers with a R8000 front derailleur? I generally assume all fronts work about the same, but wanted to check.

I'm going to run a 2x11 and otherwise I'm sticking with a 6800 rear derailleur because they work with the Wolf Tooth roadlink and a 11-40 cassette. I already have the 6800 crankset (running 34-46) so the only R8000 drivetrain upgrade is the front derailleur.

Thanks

[oldpotatoe]

Want to take advantage of a good deal for my gravel bike. Any problem using using the Ultegra ST-RS685 levers with a R8000 front derailleur? I generally assume all fronts work about the same, but wanted to check.

I'm going to run a 2x11 and otherwise I'm sticking with a 6800 rear derailleur because they work with the Wolf Tooth roadlink and a 11-40 cassette. I already have the 6800 crankset (running 34-46) so the only R8000 drivetrain upgrade is the front derailleur.

Thanks

No issue, just must match '11s' shimano with '11s'....wet or dry

[andrewsuzuki]

Apparently it works fine. The rings on the R8000 crank are apparently further apart from each other, but I've read some accounts on reddit that the toggle-style FDs will work fine with 6800. If you want to save a few dollars, you can instead get the FD-5801 FD which is the only update to 105 so far.

Also, if you haven't purchased your RD/roadlink yet, I'd recommend just getting the R8000 RD (GS). It works fine with a 11-40 cassette without the roadlink: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICNOvgzd7xI

[DRZRM]

Wow!! I don't mind dumping the 6800 RD, I got a good deal on it and would likely make most of it back selling, especially if I sell it will the roadlink for someone who wants 11-42 capability (or 10-42 which some folks say works fine with SRAM cassette). The RS 685 lever will play fine with the M8000? Very tempting.

Edit: Yeah, I did it. PM me if you need a a new in box Ultegra 6800 med cage with a roadlink (kidding, I'll list it in the Classifieds, unless you PM me first). Until tomorrow, Steep and Cheap has SAVE30 coupon to take $30 off $150, so up to 20% off what is already pretty good pricing.

Apparently it works fine. The rings on the R8000 crank are apparently further apart from each other, but I've read some accounts on reddit that the toggle-style FDs will work fine with 6800. If you want to save a few dollars, you can instead get the FD-5801 FD which is the only update to 105 so far.

Also, if you haven't purchased your RD/roadlink yet, I'd recommend just getting the R8000 RD (GS). It works fine with a 11-40 cassette without the roadlink: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICNOvgzd7xI

[andrewsuzuki]

The RS 685 lever will play fine with the M8000?

Well, it'll work with a M8000 cassette yes, but not the M8000 RD. It's only the R8000 RD (long cage version) that'll work without adapters. It's a sweet deal.

[DRZRM]

Oops, yes, sorry for the lack of clarity. My question was meant to be if the RS 685 lever will play fine with the R8000 RD (long cage). I will be running it with a M8000 11-40 cassette on a I-9 Torch hub, but I already understand that should work fine. Pretty much all 11 speed shares spacing.

[andrewsuzuki]

Oops, yes, sorry for the lack of clarity. My question was meant to be if the RS 685 lever will play fine with the R8000 RD (long cage). I will be running it with a M8000 11-40 cassette on a I-9 Torch hub, but I already understand that should work fine. Pretty much all 11 speed shares spacing.

Should be fine. Spacing between the cogs are the same, although 11spd mountain cassettes are narrower overall than 11spd road cassettes, so you'll need a 1.85mm cassette spacer if that's a road hub.