problems with shimano st-4500 left lever

[alebleicker]

Well, my problems seems a bit common as I started to read onthe internet about it, as my lever is able to cope with 2 and 3 wheelchain,there is always a change to force it to the 3rd one without having actually it,like in my case. I now that the only way out will be replacement of the lever,but I don't want to get the same lever and end up with the same problem in thefuture, so I'm considering upgrade to a better lever for the left side, or evenreplace both as seems a bit difficult to buy them separated. Also seems theST-4501 is designed only for 2 wheelchain, so this problem could be avoided butwho knows if it is going to work exactly as it says?

Could you guys advise me on a good upgrade? I've found a single st-4501 leftside lever for about £70-80, but I'm really considering to upgrade to somethingbetter, but I just don't want to waste money on something I don't need. Thebicycle is used for diary commuting (18 miles) and occasional weekend usage. Iwas thinking about ultegra, do you guys recon its a good idea to use a betterleft lever on my set up? Thank you very much for your help!!!

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

my lever is able to cope with 2 and 3 wheelchain,there is always a change to force it to the 3rd one without having actually it,like in my case. I now that the only way out will be replacement of the lever

Replacement of the lever is by no means the way out IMHO. All you need to do is to adjust the cable tension and limit screws on the front mech to ensure that it shifts sweetly while can not move beyond either chain rings' position.

The point is that your current problem would not go away even if you had an RD-4501 or indeed any other shifter if your front mech is badly adjusted.

 

[alebleicker]

the problem is that I believe I've broken it trying to force the lever. The chain was constantly touching the wheelchain, the I always used a bit of force on the lever to resolve this, and then a few days ago I force to much and the lever broke. When I try to lower the gear, is requires extreme force on the lever and it just doesn't work as before when was smooth and easy to change gears :/

 

[jarushby]

the problem is that I believe I've broken it trying to force the lever. The chain was constantly touching the wheelchain, the I always used a bit of force on the lever to resolve this, and then a few days ago I force to much and the lever broke. When I try to lower the gear, is requires extreme force on the lever and it just doesn't work as before when was smooth and easy to change gears :/

Despite Shimano claiming the sti levers are un-serviceable, it is possible to take apart, diagnose and fix.........however, please, please. please , for the love of god, do not try.

Very frustrating!!!!!

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

Left/front levers are available for sale, such as this and this (and a 3 speed lever properly set up will work with a 2 speed chainset just fine). Some are also available on ebay.

 

[alebleicker]

Left/front levers are available for sale, such as this and this (and a 3 speed lever properly set up will work with a 2 speed chainset just fine). Some are also available on ebay.

but what about the quality of SORA vs TIAGRA ? I'm willing to replace it with another tiagra because I'm very familiar with the quality of lower quality one as sora, but I'm wrong about this?

I'm willing to take a dual chainwheel one to avoid being stupid again forcing it, but I can be wrong about this again.

Thanks for the tips