You should have no problem with the front shifting if a double - if need be the cable hangs slack and the mech on the stop for the inner chainring. I've managed to get Campag Xenon Ergos (which only have a crude shift) to work that way.
My Dawes Edge with drops - I kept the 26" wheels: https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/dawes-edge-xt-purists-look-away-it-has-drops.465985/
My Dawes Edge with drops - I kept the 26" wheels: https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/dawes-edge-xt-purists-look-away-it-has-drops.465985/