Bicycle Mechanics - Old Bikes and STI

Hello all,

Long-winded newbie post, so bear with me.

I would like to upgrade my everyday ride to STI, but there's a catch. Many years ago I built a set of Phil Woods/Mavic Reflex wheels that have been absolutely bulletproof. As you might guess, the PW rear hub is freewheel threaded. The rear dropouts are spread to 130mm and I currently run a Sachs 7spd freewheel. I am also trying to avoid depleating my "get a new bike" budget so I'd like to keep costs in check.

As I see it, there are three basic options:

1. Keep the 7-spd freewheels and install something like Shimano Sora STI shifters (Harris Cyclery has these in 7 spd vairety).
2. Locate NOS 8-spd freewheels (road cogs, 12-24), install, tinker with Phil Wood axle spacing if clearance issues arise, and install "lightly" used Ultegra 6400 STI or Sora 8spd shifters.
3. Install 8 spd shifters and keep the 7 spd freewheels, setting the travel stops so that the 8th click goes nowhere.

My questions:
1. Any feedback/experience with the Sora components, especially compaing to a used Ultegra option?
2. I believe the cog spacing between 7 & 8 is slightly different (0.2mm). Any feedback/experience using 8 spd STI (or other indexing systems) with 7 spd clusters?
3. Anyone have a reliable source for NOS Sachs 8-spd freewheels that they're willing to share? My LBS can get 7spds fairly easily, but the 8s seem to be getting scarce.

Thanks for any input.

2. I believe the cog spacing between 7 & 8 is slightly different (0.2mm). Any feedback/experience using 8 spd STI (or other indexing systems) with 7 spd clusters?

Yep, .2mm difference.Close enough it usually works. I've done it and it was flawless.YMMV. If you should use an 8 speed DA shifter,you also have to use a pre 9 speed DA RD with it. Other shimano 8 speed, and shachs shimano compatible 8 speed stuff mixes and matches ok.

Yep, .2mm difference.Close enough it usually works. I've done it and it was flawless.YMMV. If you should use an 8 speed DA shifter,you also have to use a pre 9 speed DA RD with it. Other shimano 8 speed, and shachs shimano compatible 8 speed stuff mixes and matches ok.

Just so i understand correctly..... if I adjust derailleur limits to prevent a shift to the non-existant 8th cog (smallest) on a 7 spd, the last click will do nothing and I'll have give it 2 up clicks to move back up the cluster. Bottom line, I get better choices in 8 spd STI shifters and can make it work with my 7 spd freewheels until I find good supply of 8 spd freewheels.

Just so i understand correctly..... if I adjust derailleur limits to prevent a shift to the non-existant 8th cog (smallest) on a 7 spd, the last click will do nothing and I'll have give it 2 up clicks to move back up the cluster. Bottom line, I get better choices in 8 spd STI shifters and can make it work with my 7 spd freewheels until I find good supply of 8 spd freewheels.You adjust the LOW limit screw to block the shift to the non existant 8th large cog. That way you use 7 clicks of the shifter for 7 cogs.I said it works most of the time for most people.I don't guarantee results for others.8 speed freewheels have issues with breaking axels,due to lack of proper bearing support with the wider cluster. I personally would not go there.

Nashbar has 7 speed freewheels for short money.