Shimano R8000 / 6800 compatibility

[johnniecakes]

Is it possible to use a 6800 rear derailleur with R8000 shifters?

Thanks

[jtbadge]

Yes, and vice versa.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by johnniecakes

Is it possible to use a 6800 rear derailleur with R8000 shifters?

Thanks

yes..11s ROAD stuff from shimano is intercompatible..5800/7000/6800/8000/9000/9100, etc...

[johnniecakes]

Great news, thanks guys. I am going to switch out a R8000 RD for a 6800. My theory is the cable angle on the R8000 is creating too tight a bend a creating some lag in upshifts (smaller cog). The cable attachment on the 6800 seems more favorable to a better radius on the housing bend.

[weiwentg]

This link should take you to Shimano's official compatibility page. If you select the rear drivetrain compatibility page (C-454, not sure I can direct link), it confirms that R8k shifters are officially compatible with anything from the 9k/6800 generation, the Metrea city bike RD (!), and even the 800-level GRX RDs.

Unofficial compatibility is wider than Shimano would suggest (already alluded to), but it doesn't apply here.

[madsciencenow]

Just as an FYI, the newer Shimano 11 speed FDs are easier to set up than the older ones (e.g. 6800), in my experience. I found the older ones more challenging to get enough tension on.

[pjbaz]

Originally Posted by madsciencenow

Just as an FYI, the newer Shimano 11 speed FDs are easier to set up than the older ones (e.g. 6800), in my experience. I found the older ones more challenging to get enough tension on.

I agree! I've done one 6800 and now two 8000s and the 8000s were bang, done.

[joosttx]

Originally Posted by oldpotatoe

yes..11s ROAD stuff from shimano is intercompatible..5800/7000/6800/8000/9000/9100, etc...

thank God, I broke my 6800 RD this morning and could not find a 6800 mid with a short turn around. So, I ordered an 8000 just guessing.

[jtbadge]

Originally Posted by madsciencenow

Just as an FYI, the newer Shimano 11 speed FDs are easier to set up than the older ones (e.g. 6800), in my experience. I found the older ones more challenging to get enough tension on.

I’ve gotta label this with an emphatic YMMV. While the R8000 etc is nice for better tire clearance, I’ve found it even fiddlier and more sensitive to setup than the previous generation. Also the built in cable tension adjuster is pretty much worthless.