Shimano ST EF51 Shifters - Cantilever Brake Compatibility

Shimano ST EF51 Shifter/brake levers are good shifters and can be gotten pretty cheap on ebay/amazon, etc. But there are some questions about whether they are compatible with cantilever brakes. There are actually two different types of EF51 shifters. With 2 finger grip levers and with 4 finger grip levers. Only the 4 finger grip lever models are compatible with cantilever brakes. I show the difference between the two types of EF51 shifters and how to change from V-brake setup to cantilever setup.
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[@RJTheBikeGuy]

For more bike repair videos hit the subscribe button 🛑 and click the notification bell ► bit.ly/SubRJTheBikeGuy

[@adanb.4278]

RJ The Bike Guy Do you have a link to where I can buy the cantilever compatible shifters? I can’t find them anywhere.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

@@adanb.4278 No I don't. They used to be available on ebay and amazon. Keep checking ebay.

[@stick9078]

Used to ride all the time and now it's been YEARS since I've been on a bike. A recently acquired friend is really into biking so I'm starting to get into it again. With my new bike coming Friday man I must say I've been binge watching your videos all day. Not only did this video keep me from buying the wrong EF-51s (which I had saved in my wishlist on amazon) but they all have taught me a loooot of things I hadn't known or forgotten as well as inspired me to go farther than I had before. RJ, you're videos are awesome and I appreciate the hard work man!

[@KarlosEPM]

I just found this video in spite of being a long time fan. Just what I needed for refurbishing a 90's bike with cantilever brakes. Awesome stuff this channel!

[@MelSoCal2011]

yep, this answered my question! I'm thinking of getting those exact shifters for cantilever brakes, now I know which ones. thank you for the great info!

[@unrealcyberfly]

Thanks for showing how to select the correct mode for the brakes. Your videos are really great!

[@brucebird133]

Love your work. Just rebuilding an old school 1990's mountain bike, and this is spot on info for what I'm lookin for.Its almost a trap for new players the 2 versions... specially buying off Nastybay!Thanks again

[@dota2rage217]

thank you so much for this i was looking all over for this brake

[@ichibangold]

Thanks for the video, RJ. A while back when I was learning how to fix my bikes, I bought v-brakes to resurrect my '95 GT Outpost Trail All Terra. I had cantilever levers running to v-brakes. Those didn't mix at all. No stopping power. I wish I'd noticed the four finger version EF51 combo levers in my search. I got the 2-finger version. There are no braze-on cable stops to run cable appropriately for a v-brake set-up on my GT so I went with the EF51 w/ canti brake combination. The braking power is pretty good considering the set-up. I can only imagine how much better it will be once I install the v-brakes and some Origin8 cable stops down the road. Your vids are always helpful.

[@KarlGo]

This was super-useful, thank you!!

[@nadianawshin4043]

Thanks for the video l used this to adjust for my trek4900 brakes

[@jdillon8360]

super cool tip. didn't know about this

[@sapporoj6379]

very helpful! almost bought the wrong one.

[@kenbrown8401]

Thanks so much! The instructions are not really clear about this important step.

[@settingfree]

Found your video very useful, many thanks :)

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joen3992]

Shimano U2 Deore XT Cantilever Brakes are the best brakes for feel and power I've ever used! Have used this ST-EF51-7R with Cantilevers without a problem...

[@droppingcoconuts]

good to know,,, thanks!

[@datwolfe3512]

thank you!

[@jackadamsdaniels6719]

Thank you

[@paulstelling3099]

Hi great video . Is it possible to get these levers in 7 speed and still have the switch so can switch from v brake to cantilever? All I can find are 8 speed. Many thanks. Paul

[@dalison1]

Very helpful

[@frundlemud]

Helpful

[@muhammadriduan3901]

Is there any way I can adjust the lever reach for the first brake lever? Is there any adjustor or ideas to do so? My son fingers are too short

[@ronandavies9672]

Will the one with v brake on works for hydraulic brakes or no

[@kenlee5270]

The 7 shifter on ST-EF51 doesn't have barrel adjuster. Do you know what part should be used to secure shifter cable housing into the shifter (in place of a barrel adjuster)? Mine is broke but couldn't seem to find the right replacement part.

[@bktourer1]

ST-EF500-L4A SHIMANO - EZ FIRE PLUS - Shift/Brake Lever - 4-finger lever size - 3x Front Speeds This is the flavor my bake shop is putting on. Look into the install guide for the info for the canti use

[@AtamanKes]

If I remove the pin, is the brake lever also removed? I want to buy Magura HS33R but I don't want to change my shifters.

[@meeram7478]

plz post the video how to remove shimano st-ef41-7r

[@ciprianwinerElectronicManiac]

Typical of Shimano stuff. There is very little info about some of them products and non existent for others especially for their lower end series like Tourney. Thanks for sharing :)

[@briantran9972]

Pls help!!! So on my mongoose bike i cant shift gears i have to shift them manually what do u think the problem is ? Pls link vid if have one

[@darkestlight6784]

I have got the same model, i think. I'm just confused about it having a bleed port? The lever is spongey and my bike has disc brakes so i figured i need to bleed brakes but... I dont see the bleed port on those shifters??

[@pr306]

Can the Shimano St-ef51 be used in place of the Shimano St-ef41-7r ?

[@BrianMax]

Shimano also makes a ST EF51-8 Set for 3x8 gearsets

[@brendaleetv]

I am working on the Alivio, 2 finger model and the brake handle broke. No screw to losen, it looks like its a rivet or something that resembles a rivet. Would you know how to remove the brake handle?

[@jamessilverman4887]

Does Shimano or any other brand make an equivalent to the Shimano EF 51 for straight bar use with 8 cluster gear rear derailleur and 3 ring front?

[@castlecallahan1769]

Will any mtb brake levers work with calliper brakes?

[@henryigbuhay443]

Thanks also

[@hippohoppa]

Will these work on a Chinese 6 speed freewheel?

[@bassel.m2988]

i have the set with v-brakes on it, but if you look closely under the leaver you'll find a little rubber blug, it can be removed easly to show whats inside, anyway is it made to put grease through it? or to spray wd-40 in it ?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

You don't want to put grease in these. You can spray some Tri-Flow in there though.

[@11rollercoaster]

Great video.Thanks.

[@mansonboys]

I bought the wrong ST-EF51 set but was able to modify it for cantilever brakes. I drilled out the compression end of the rivet and removed the cable clip. Then I drilled a hole in the cantilever position of the handle and reassembled. The rivet/pin not being re-compressed still works. Be sure to drop it in from the top. My first clue that this was the wrong brake setup was a loss of stopping power over the original handles.

[@ItsVideos]

By dropping the pin in from the top, are you relying on gravity to hold the pin in place when the cable clip is exposed during braking?

[@mansonboys]

@@ItsVideos Yeah, it seems weak but I have been riding with both handles like this for 6 months, over rough trails and have yet to have anything give. The pin does not get exposed during braking so it has nowhere to go. If a proper rivet could be found and installed it would be a more reliable fix for sure. But, like I said, it has worked with no issues and I ride on rough trails with a non-suspension mountain bike.

[@ItsVideos]

@@mansonboys When you drilled the hole, did you just guess where it should be based on the video?

[@mansonboys]

@@ItsVideos I took some video when I did this so I put one together for you! Here it is! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJOmqWSdZb9mq8U

[@ItsVideos]

@@mansonboys Nice. Your video had the information I needed. Drill the new hole 1/2" down along the edge from the old one. I was able to preserve the flared end of the rivet. I could squeeze the clip a bit with a locking pliers, which created some play around the flared end, and it allowed me to get a small pliers on the flare. I squeezed the flare at different points to "unflare" it as much as I could. Then supporting other end of the rivet on the hole of a nut, I drove the rivet out of the lever with a finishing nail punch and a hammer. I drilled the hole in the location you suggested (using a drill press to ensure the hole was perpendicular), and relocated the clip and rivet in the new hole. I "reflared" the rivet a little using a larger diameter finishing nail punch, and finished the new flare by squeezing it flat with a channel lock pliers.

[@DhafinFausta]

Hi RJ. I have M310 Altus 7 Speed shifter that just broke after 13 years of usage. It's so beaten up, even the clear plastic cover for the gear number indicator turned yellowish. It won't shift to lower after the 4th gear and now I'm looking for a replacement. Is this a good one? I'm trying to buy this online and I find most of them are came from China. The M310s are also the same. Some said they are fake. Is that true? Can you help me to spot the difference? Thanks!

[@esparza86bl]

Hey RJ, can you put a link to the cantilever break? I can not find that certain one. Thanks

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I usually find them on eBay, but you have make sure you are getting the four finger model. Make sure it has the longer lever like in this video.

[@minpin0119]

I tried ordering a four finger version the other day, seller said, no red adjuster tab. (I hope they knew what they were talking about). The o lay thing that made me believe they understood my concern, was the V-brake label, was on the four inch picture.

[@iliesboughaddou4157]

can you please make a video of disassembly of these two shifters!! 😃

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Why disassemble them?

[@iliesboughaddou4157]

@@RJTheBikeGuy because I have ones dissassembleb, and I want to assemble them don't know how😱 it's quite difficult for me , I'am not a professional 😅 , thought you could help me !😁 thanks for your videos ... you are doing a Great job , and Hello from Algeria 🇩🇿 (north africa) .

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

@@iliesboughaddou4157 That is why I don't disassemble them.

[@iliesboughaddou4157]

@@RJTheBikeGuy why not ? 😂

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

@@iliesboughaddou4157 Why take them apart? If it's broken, you will unlikely to be able to get replacement parts. So just replace it. If it's not broken, flush and lube it.

[@PrashantSharma-rr6se]

which liver is best

[@salinaawang4311]

I have this shifter

[@t_cmusic4887]

Is it possible to remove the brake and replace them with hydraulics? If possible please respond as it will be my next project to my bike.

[@bikewondo7688]

No. You'll have to buy different units.

[@t_cmusic4887]

ye I thought so. I pulled apart these brakes and they are connected to each other.

[@placesaroundus]

Is it possible to swap 2 finger levers onto the 4 finger units?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

No.

[@Ocrepair]

Is it possible to get a link to the four finger can't deliver model for some reason I'm having a hard time locating

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

They used to be more available. I don't have any sources. Keep searching. Maybe ebay sometimes.

[@whatsgibbythinkingabout6702]

Do these work with a bike with a front mechanical disc brake, and a rear v-brake?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+Chrono™ I believe mechanical disc brakes have the same pull rate as v-brakes.

[@whatsgibbythinkingabout6702]

+RJ The Bike Guy Thanks!

[@87sancheezy]

@@RJTheBikeGuy so we should just use the 2 finger brake lever

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

The 2 finger brake should work with mechanical disc brakes and is easier to find than the 4 finger version.

[@Inertia888]

at about 2:45 your thumb(his thumb) is resting on a little adjustment screw. What is that little adjustment screw for?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

It adjusts the brake lever closer to the bar when it is in the released position. Maybe useful if the bar is curved, or for small hands.

[@Inertia888]

thanks

[@joseandrade8142]

Hi RJ, Thank you for the video. It was really helpful as I am currently working on a project like this. I can't find the 4 Finger version on eBay or Amazon. Can you share a link where you get yours please?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I don't have a link. You can find them on ebay sometimes. They were more available when I made this video.

[@joseandrade8142]

@@RJTheBikeGuy Thanks for the info, but I cant find them anywhere :(

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

@@joseandrade8142 Keep checking ebay.

[@joseandrade8142]

@@RJTheBikeGuy Thanks.... I will keep checking :)

[@beddyboy]

aliexpress has loads cheap to. take a while to be delivered but the do come. i just bought a set.

[@andryihzamahendra2170]

hi rj,where did you get it,i want to buy cantilever brakes..?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Ebay or amazon.

[@n1chr0me6]

Can one use these 7-speed levers with a 6-speed freewheel?

[@n1chr0me6]

Thanks RJ, that's a good idea.

[@peterpowers4851]

Are the brake levers metal or plastic?

[@fasilaziz9566]

Where can you get the four finger EF-51's from?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Ebay sometimes. Amazon sometimes.

[@francorizza3570]

My son has 3x7 MTB with grip shift and mechanical disc brakes. Which levers to you recommend I use? It's got altus front and rear derailleur. Mechanical tektro disc brake. Help will be appreciated

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

The Shimano EF-51s will work.

[@francorizza3570]

Is the 51S the 4 finger brake?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

@@francorizza3570 No. Ef-51's. You don't need the 4 finger model. Regular EF-51 levers will work. Mechanical disc brakes are long pull the same as V-brakes.

[@francorizza3570]

@@RJTheBikeGuy thank you for your assistance

[@gearhead2017]

i have the shifters that say v brake and they work perfect on my trek3700

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

speedjunkie66 If you are using the v-brake shifters with cantilever brakes, they will work, but the braking won't have the same power as if they have the proper brake levers.

[@gearhead2017]

+RJ The Bike Guy they're v brakes

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Okay, then no problem. They are good mechs.

[@mediamuverz7016]

Any alternatives. ? Hard to get on Amazon etc

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Ebay sometimes. They were a little more available when I made the video.

[@cup_and_cone]

eBay and Amazon are absolutely flooded with knockoff Shimano EF-51 shifters now.... I'm looking to do some upgrades on my mother's hybrid and stumbled upon the prevalence of knockoffs. RJ, do you have a decent priced source for genuine Shimano EF51's? LBS wants $50 for a pair... :-O

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I usually buy them from ebay or Amazon. Yeah, I have seen all knockoffs that are there now.

[@awildtomappeared5925]

can these be used for 6 speed ?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

No. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rn7ZdWSKadZ5Z6c

[@pec1739]

too bad can't buy one of these anymore :(

[@Zraupp10]

my bike is a Mongoose 29in Torment Mountain Bike, ive gone through 3 "STOCK" sifters so i bought Shiman Lever Set - ST-EF51 3x7 and the 3 doesn't shift right at all, i am stuck on 2, :-( i can get it to shift 1 2 3 OK-ish on stand but wen i ride it it doesn't like it :-( soo sad i went from over 120 miles/week to 0 (it is called Torment because it Torment the owner/USER)

[@carlosamador8085]

Hey RJ I have a fixed gear freewheel on my read (obviously) and I want to remove it as I have no use for it, tho uv been searching for a freewheel remover and can't seem to find one that looks like it would fit it has 8 notches on the freewheel I love blu see 2,3,4 and some 6 notch freewheel removers... Please can you reply with a link or a website where I can buy please and thanks you if you do! Love the videos been watching for 2 years ! 😊

[@carlosamador8085]

Rear*

[@TheRunescapeslayer]

+Fixed Gear How To's what is a fixed gear freewheel??? That makes no sense

[@damian33dc]

+Fixed Gear How To's it's possible to have a fixed gear on one side and the freewheel on the other side called a flip flop hub ...I guess anything is possible:-) Cheers

[@damian33dc]

+Fixed Gear How To's I have about 10 styles a freewheel removers:-) you need to be more specific on the name of the free wheel / hub :-)

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Fixed Gear How To's Can you post a photo of you fixed gear freewheel over on my facebook page. I am not quite sure what you are referring to. facebook.com/RJTheBikeGuy

[@TheJsntowers]

Does anyone know about compatability of ef 51 with a double crank? I'm more into road but rebuilding a bike for a friend to get around and already have to replace brakes, cassette, rear derailleur, cables and shifter. If I start getting into changing to a triple crank and derailleur it just wouldn't be worth it

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+Jason Towers They will work with a double crank. You will use the limiting screws to limit the derailleur movement. And you will have to use a mountain front derailleur as road and mountain front derailleurs have different amounts of cable pull and these are mountain bike shifters. Also, if you plan to use these with road brake, you will need the ones to that will work with cantilever brakes as road brakes are short pull.

[@TheJsntowers]

RJ The Bike Guy it's definitely not a road derailleur. It's an old mountain/hybrid style bike I actually found abandoned in the woods a while back. Just refreshing it for a friend so she can get around town. It's got a 6 speed cassette and rear derailleur, cables and brakes are pretty much trashed so I figured these are a relatively low cost option for the issue at hand. Thanks for the info

[@linhle9321]

Bao nhieu tien

[@MyriadVidz]

Hey RJ, I own the V brake version of these EF51s, can they be used with alivio T-4000 v-brake sets or do i have to use them with the alivio brake levers?

[@suzannfulbright5652]

How can you tell if you are actually getting a Shimano part or if it is a knock-off on Amazon and Ebay?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Shrug. Most knock offs I have seen say stuff like Shimango, Shinamo, etc.

[@suzannfulbright5652]

@@RJTheBikeGuy The only REAL ones available now are the 41's in all plastic, I think, which leads to the desire to return to separate components. Maybe the Altus M315s 3x7 with the Deore V brakes and Deore three-finger levers instead. This bike is used for Touring. I pack 75lbs on back and 25lbs on the front usually. The guy who rebuilt my Myata Triplecross Hybrid years ago put an SRAM twist shifter on it even though all of the other parts are Shimano. Don't know what he was thinking. I hope the 315's are mostly metal. It is hard to shop these parts online not knowing what they feel like. The Shimano standard brake cables and housing are out of stock everywhere and with this Hybrid, I never know when to take Road vs MTB seriously so I don't know if I am looking for Road or MTB cables. One vendor suggested a basic Jagwire set. Your thoughts on this set up would be appreciated. It's not a fancy bike but I am a huge fan of rebuilding rather than trashing.

[@stevechang3045]

@@suzannfulbright5652 Back then SRAM 7 speed twist shifter is compatible with Shimano derailleur. I think it was 9 speed twist SRAM brought out 1:1 exact action pull and therefore two options for the twist shifter. I stay away from Shimano and one reason is not being able to mix match lever and shifter.

[@henryigbuhay443]

Sir I'm a bit confused at ebay can you please send me a link for your supplier's

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Google images of four finger EF-51 shifters.

[@November62184]

ST-M360 vs ef51 ???

[@seanyvanramos707]

Can i use it with 18 speed mtb

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

No. Not without converting to a 7 speed freewheel and maybe a new derailleur.

[@ellegendme]

Which is better st-ef51 or st-ef500 ?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Sorry, no idea. I haven't messed with a st-ef500.

[@ellegendme]

@@RJTheBikeGuy thank u very much for fast reply. I wanna order one of these modeles

[@gesar2918]

so these wont work for dual pivot or side pull?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Caliper brakes have the same cable pull as cantilever brakes.

[@gesar2918]

@@RJTheBikeGuy okay thank you!

[@mediamuverz7016]

@@RJTheBikeGuy I have looked everywhere for the side pull versions ..any links.? I want to use these for my conversion im.doing

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

@@mediamuverz7016 You mean the 4 finger levers? Ebay sometimes, or other places. They were more available when I made the video.

[@VictorRodriguez-sj9wm]

@rj the bike guy can I use these on a road bike

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Maybe. Mountain shifters are not compatible with road front derailleurs. So you would have to install mountain front derailleur. And the v-brake levers won't be compatible with most road brakes, so you would have to get the cantilever (4 finger) versions.

[@VictorRodriguez-sj9wm]

+RJ The Bike Guy what if I don't have any of those?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

They will only work if you have compatible stuff. End of story.

[@VictorRodriguez-sj9wm]

+RJ The Bike Guy well it has a shimano derailer

[@hotdogbelike822]

But still almost the same right?

[@danielkostovski4517]

Are there shifterslike this but with 6 speed and v-brakes?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Maybe, but probably not. 6 speed is older technology and V-brake is newer tech. I don't know if they overlapped. And indexed shifting was around for 6 speed, but is more common on 7 speed and newer.

[@danielkostovski4517]

+RJ The Bike Guy will it work if i have 8 speed shifters?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

8 speed shifters won't work with a 6 speed freewheel. Only with 8 speed cassettes.

[@VictorRodriguez-sj9wm]

+RJ The Bike Guy can I use these on a road bike?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Only ask once!

[@lotzwatches]

why the hell would these not have different model numbers, just realized I bought the wrong ones...

[@3DNightmare]

Shifters is in the title... yet You never touched upon or even addressed. information on the difference in the 2 styles of brakes was Good though. WelderX

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

The video is about compatibility with cantilever brakes. Right there in the title. Now maybe if the title was something like All About Brakes. But it's not.

[@davidmclamore3492]

4 finger will work on trek 3500 disc?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Both versions will work with mechanical disc brakes. They have the same pull ration as v-brakes.

[@davidmclamore3492]

@@RJTheBikeGuy thank you, I appreciate your fast response.

[@PrashantSharma-rr6se]

2ginger nnd 4finger

[@marksanchez818]

first

[@t_cmusic4887]

Is it possible to remove the brake and replace them with hydraulics? If possible please respond as it will be my next project to my bike.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+T_C Music Sure, it is possible.

[@t_cmusic4887]

+T_C Music HOW?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Do you have disc brakes now?

[@t_cmusic4887]

Yes i do thy are mechanical tho

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Remove them, and then follow the instructions for installing the hydraulic brakes that come with them.