Shifters are an essential part of a transmission. It is they who are more conducive to accurate gear shifting, since only the mechanism has a shift index. Today on the market you can find shifters in one case with a brake handle, such as the Shimano ST EF51, referred to as monoblocks.
Is this technology useful?
Monoblocks are an irrelevant topic, starting from the middle class of bicycles or from the moment you learned about the existence of hydraulic brakes. Yes, there are hydraulic monoblocks based on Dual Control technology, but such a system is absolutely not for everybody and has not received universal respect.
The design of Shimano ST EF51 is much simpler than that of advanced and professional level shifters, and the safety margin is enough to shift gears until the switch itself surrenders.
Shifters, in principle, are repairable, but on condition that you find such spare parts. Sometimes you can return the dummy to life by spraying an anti-corrosion agent into the slot, and if this does not help, the candy bar is likely to go to landfill.
Characteristics
Monoblocks Shimano Altus ST EF51 belong to the low class of spare parts - Altus. This means that installing them with switches above the level does not make sense. But there is a positive side - this type of spare part is ideal for teenage bicycles. They are reliable enough for this and do not require serious maintenance. Shimano ST EF51 EZ Fire are built on the basis of EZ Fire shifters and adopted all their positive qualities and weaknesses.
The version is suitable for in-break and disk mechanics, the inscription “V-Break” flaunts on top of the lid. Universal steering wheel mount. There is a modification for installation paired with cantilever brakes, but has a switch inside, on which the V-Break position is present. The brake handle in this variation is designed for four fingers.
Monoblocks vs normal shifters
There are no differences in operation between Shimano ST EF51 monoblocks and conventional EZ Fire shifters. The principle of operation and the structure of the mechanism are the same, with the exception of some technical points, which helped to fit everything into one “box”. Of the advantages, it can be noted:
- The space occupied on the steering wheel is slightly less than when installing the brake lever and shifter separately. It will be useful for fans to hang various flashlights, speedometers, etc. on the steering wheel.
- They look beautiful.
- Monoblock consists of a trigger shifter, which increases ease of use.
- It has a window for visual speed control.
- Like all initial equipment, the Shimano ST EF51 is designed for 3x7 / 8 speeds, which is enough for most modern transmissions.
The main disadvantage of all monoblocks is the impossibility of a point upgrade of the bike. By installing a paired system, you cannot replace the brake lever separately when switching to higher class brakes. The same thing awaits when switching to a transmission of a different level. In any case, you will have to buy either a pen or a shifter, or both at the same time.
Such a system is difficult to fix. In theory, you can find parts in the same broken monoblocks bought in the secondary markets, but in practice this is not the most working option.
Cable replacement, care
Replacing the cable in the Shimano ST EF51 is not the easiest task, and to carry out repairs in the field is a matter of torture. Monoblocks do not have openings for quick cable replacement, like the older brothers of the line, when you can remove it without disassembling the cuff itself. The procedure is as follows:
- We unscrew the upper protective cover, which is held on two bolts under a thin Phillips screwdriver. Try not to lose small parts in the process.
- We set the highest gear.
- Next are attempts to remove the cable head from a special groove. This can be done with a sharp thin strong object. It is worth noting that in some shifters of different series the cable is so drowned that it is really difficult to pry it off. To remove the cable completely, simply push it from the outside of the candy bar and pull it to the end.
- It is advisable to clean the mechanism and grease the roller with grease for plastic parts or any other that does not harm polymers.
- Tighten the cable and stretch it until it clicks.
- We adjust the switching, see if everything is in order with the mechanism of the shifter. Shimano Altus ST EF51 can be adjusted in the same way as conventional shifters.
- Put the protective cover in place.
The whole procedure takes about 5-10 minutes. There are no special tips for caring for candy bars. It is enough to clean and lubricate them at the beginning of the season or after serious contamination.