Front shifting question

[neilob]

I am building a steel Orange MTB into a go-anywhere touring bike. I want to use drops and STI levers if possible, and have found a pair of 7 speed double elderly (but excellent!) shifters. The chainset is a Shimano SG 46/36/24. I am hoping to set it up to use just the inner two rings and an LX rear with a 7 speed cassette. Front shifter I understand has to be a road version and it can be a Sora or 105 double, or a Tiagra triple. First question is will it work, and second question is double or triple at the front. Thanks in advance for your wisdom.

[Valbrona]

Put the stem and drop bars on first to save you a load of trouble … reach is usually too great to make things workable. Maybe revert to butterfly or similar bars.

[neilob]

Top tube is the same length as my road bike....I checked that but thanks for the warning.

[peetee]

Have you checked that your STI shifters have a cable pull ratio compatible with the brake callipers?

[neilob]

Yes.....or at least I think so. I will be using LX cantis which are the same as road pull ratio?

[Brucey]

Yes.....or at least I think so. I will be using LX cantis which are the same as road pull ratio?

er, which road pull ratio is that? There are about three...?

Oh, I see you might be using older 7s STIs; they should work OK with LX cantis.

cheers