gear shifters

Yes, it is probably possible to make that change. If you ride in the drops then bar end shifters might be the cheapest and best thing. More information about current gearing and brakes on that bike would help in assessing the possibilities. Perhaps a trip to your LBS is in order.

i don't think they are compatible, you probably have 6 or 7 gears while modern Brake/Shifter levers work from 8 gears at least

An even less expensive option than bar end shifters (a pretty good option) would be a set of stem-mounted shift levers ... often available on eBay for under $20 ...
[INDENT]30+ years ago, stem-mounted shift levers were only found on the less expensive bikes because they were an accommodation to the infrequent riders & therefore disdained ... but, anything other than downtube shifters were disdained by the cognoscenti.
[/INDENT]The BEST option would be to install a set of 10-speed Campagnolo (non-QS, non-PowerTech) shifters -- the 10-speed Campagnolo shifters can be mated to almost any drivetrain combination with MINIMUM additional cost ...
[INDENT]That is, you might have to buy a new Freewheel (e.g., SunRace) + different rear derailleur ... possibly, a new chain.
[/INDENT]What's your budget?

downtube shifters were cool,
i sometimes miss them !

vspa said:

downtube shifters were cool,
i sometimes miss them !

I use them every time I ride.....

😄

64Paramount said:

I use them every time I ride.....

😄

As do I on all 3 of my bicycles.

Thanks for the replies.
It's a 6 speed, so I assume that probably means that brake shifters are a no-go. I'll get down to my local shop and ask them to have a look and see what they think.
Coley

coley said:

It's a 6 speed, so I assume that probably means that brake shifters are a no-go.

What's your budget?

AGAIN, for what you want, the BEST option would be to install a set of 10-speed Campagnolo (non-QS, non-PowerTorque) shifters -- the 10-speed Campagnolo shifters can be mated to almost any drivetrain combination with MINIMUM additional cost ...
[INDENT]Your 6-speed Freewheel simply needs to be replaced with a 7-speed SunRace Freewheel -- 7-speed & 8-speed indexing is virtually the same (i.e., close enough) ...

You will then choose either a 9-speed Shimano MTB rear derailleur or a 9-speed Shimano ROAD rear derailleur + a new chain (e.g., Shimano HG53).
[/INDENT]When the 10-speed Campaganolo shifters are mated with an 8-/9-speed Shimano rear derailleur, the result is equal to 8-speed Shimano (and, Campagnolo) indexing ... and, therefore 7-speed indexing, too.

If you do the changeover yourself, then the cost can be less than $200(US) ... if a shop does it for you, then you should anticipate the cost being 2x as much.

NB. If you were to get QS or PowerTorque shifters, then you will need to buy a new front derailleur + a specific chain.

in theory sounds doable... but where to find each one of those accessories you propose ? also watchout aesthetics, you could end up with a Frankenstein bike (sometimes its cool though), just afraid that the lack of one single accessory could ruin the whole project

vspa said:

in theory sounds doable... but where to find each one of those accessories you propose ? also watchout aesthetics, you could end up with a Frankenstein bike (sometimes its cool though), just afraid that the lack of one single accessory could ruin the whole project

Well, in North America, everything is readily available on eBay ...

Here's the simplified shopping list:

• 7-speed SunRace Freewheel (current production)
  
• Shimano HG53 chain (current production)
  
• Shimano 8-/9-speed rear derailleur (current production)
  
• 10-speed Campagnolo non-QS/non-PowerTorque shifters (readily available USED or NEW)
  

Choosing between Shimano or Campagnolo downtube stops which fit on braze-on bosses may be the biggest hassle (I'm pretty sure they will fit on the downtube shifter clamp) since I don't think most shifters come with them, now ...

And, getting a simple Campagnolo/SunTour/whatever-brand clamp-on, downtube cable stops may be difficult to find.

Gear lever is the part of the gearbox, which has changed the fork and allows access to the master synchronization. These are the parts that it is possible to automation. Moreover, these parts can be designed compact, it is also possible to build a very modular transportation system with less weight.

Gear lever is the part of the gearbox, which has changed the fork and allows access to the master synchronization. These are the parts that it is possible to automation. Moreover, these parts can be designed compact, it is also possible to build a very modular transportation system with less weight.