Ideas on how to get rid of the brifters ?

[Panza]

This isn't a very retro question, other than the fact that I really like my downtube shifters.
And here is the problem: The new frame I bought doesn't have downtube shifter mounts. "Why did you buy it then ?" I hear you asking. Sadly I had never ridden with combined brakelevers and shifters before and I thought I'd get used to them. But no such thing. The more I ride them the more I hate them. So much so that the old 8-speed bike with DT-shifters is still very much in use. Both the ergonomics of the grips and the shifting itself sucks with the brifters.

So: Any ideas how to get the shifting done with my old Dura Ace BL-7402 brake levers in place ? Welding mounts onto the downtube is the last option I think as I'm pretty sure the metal is too thin for that.

 

[yo-Nate-y]

Why not bar end shifters?

If you really wanted them on the downtube, you could raid parts from (or just use) and old clamp style mount for the down tube. Both Campy and Shimano had them.

What brifter set up are you using? I have both vintage and mid to modern road set ups....and I have to admit that brifters are pretty great. I like Campy's ergonomics more than Shimano's however.

 

[paininthe]

So: Any ideas how to get the shifting done with my old Dura Ace BL-7402 brake levers in place ? Welding mounts onto the downtube is the last option I think as I'm pretty sure the metal is too thin for that.

Check this link,

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewto ... highlight=

 

[foz]

Clamp on DT shifters will work, but it depends on the frame.... I think by the time frames without DT shifter bosses on started to appear, frame tubes in general were much larger than they were with a standard steel tubeset, so band-on levers might not actually fit on the tube. If they aren't an option, then maybe something stem mounted? or barend shifters. or SS...

 

[hamster]

If the shifting is poor, it's probably more about the setup and cabling than the shifters. Any of Shimano or Campag's brifters work well. If the bike is secondhand, then try replacing the cable outers. The cables go through tight bends and outers can wear out quite quickly.

As to the ergonomics, the levers may be positioned in the wrong place on the bars (I see loads of bikes like that). Remove the bar tape, fit the new cabling and then try different lever positions until you find something comfortable.

 

[yo-Nate-y]

These, for instance:

http://www.loosescrews.com/index.cgi?d= ... 1329582118

 

[west green]

Conversly, my bike doesn't have braze ons, but I want to use STi's. Any suggestions for a clamp on that I can tehn attach cable stops to? I did see something on ebay USA, but they won't post to UK. Also - somthing from Ireland - but he was charging £30! Any suggestions appreciated

 

[hamster]

You can use something like the Origin 8:
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/origin8-clam ... rc=froogle
There are several sizes and double cable ones also exist.

Type frame cable stop into Google...

If you have an ovalised down tube you are going to be in trouble and the only solution is brazing I suspect.

 

[TyrannosaurusALAN]

Conversly, my bike doesn't have braze ons, but I want to use STi's. Any suggestions for a clamp on that I can tehn attach cable stops to? I did see something on ebay USA, but they won't post to UK. Also - somthing from Ireland - but he was charging £30! Any suggestions appreciated

Something akin to this?:

(PM sent)

 

[west green]

Excellent - honestly I spent hours searching google and didn't find those - cheers