Can You Use an Ultegra Cassette With a 105 Derailleur?
Condensed Answer: If the derailleur and the cassette are designed for the same number of speeds, then in most cases, it's totally acceptable to combine a 105 rear derailleur with…
Can You Combine a Shimano Ultegra Group Set With Flat Handlebars?
Basic Knowledge The main source of incompatibility complicating the conversion of a road bike with an Ultegra group set to flat bars are the shifters. Modern bicycles have indexed shifters.…
Can You Combine Shimano 105 with an 11-42 Cassette? (fast answer)
Condensed Answer: Even long cage 105 Shimano derailleurs cannot "climb" a cassette with a 42T large cog. Consequently, it's necessary to use a derailleur hanger extender when integrating an 11-42…
Are Shimano’s Quick Links Directional? (fast answer)
Condensed Answer: Yes, Shimano's quick links are directional. On the quick link, you will see an arrow. If the link is installed properly, the arrow will pointing in the direction…
Are Shimano’s Quick Links Reusable? (fast answer)
Condensed Answer: Officially, Shimano's quick links are designed for single use only. Therefore, the safest approach is to never reuse a quick link. That said, there's a lot of anecdotal…
Can You Use a Shimano Cassette With a Campagnolo Derailleur? (fast answer)
Condensed answer: The spacings of Shimano and Campagnolo cassettes are different and so are the rear shift ratios of both brands' derailleurs. Consequently, a Campagnolo derailleur will not move the…
Can You Use Campagnolo Rotors With Shimano Calipers? (fast answer)
Condensed answer: The braking surface of Campagnolo rotors is slightly wider than that of Shimano models. Consequently, the brake pads of a Shimano road caliper would cover about 4/5 of…
Can You Put Slick Tires On an MTB? (fast answer)
Condensed Answer: Slick tires can be installed on an MTB, although the number of available models is lower in comparison to knobby tires. Once an MTB is equipped with slick…
Can You Use Shimano Mineral Oil In Campagnolo Brakes? (fast answer)
Condensed Answer: If the Campagnolo brakes in question are designed to operate with mineral oil, then one can use Shimano’s mineral oil. That said, ideally, one should rely on the mineral…
Can You Put Shimano Oil In SRAM Brakes? (fast answer)
Condensed answer: Most of SRAM's hydraulic brakes rely on DOT fluid and therefore cannot accept the mineral oil of Shimano. There's also a SRAM brake line (DB8) that operates with…