Building a semi-retro bike, need compatibility help
 

I'm about to build up a mid 1990s Ciocc frame.

First off, I will use downtube shifters. I would prefer indexed. Shimano seems to have 9spd DA indexed shifters. Only Campy shifters I find are 8spd indexed or else friction. I'd go 8spd index if I was sure it'd work with what else I've got to deal with - the bike already has an Octalink BB. I thought I'd use a Ritchey crank. Will this work with an 8spd Campy system?

What about 3rd party chains like Sram?

What about wheelsets? What's compatible? Does 8spd Campy use the same hubs as 9 and 10spd Campy?

Since it is an old Italian bike, I thought I'd try to use at least mostly Italian components, but if it's a big pain in the buttocks, I'll just throw some Ultegra/DA stuff on it in addition to the Ritchey cranks.

Campy made 9 speed downtube shifters,and the barend shifters will work with downtube.10 speed barend can also be converted to 9 I believe.The Ritchey crank does not care what speed you use. Sram chains work well. Campy 8 speed cassette spline pattern is not the same as 9/10 speed.

Were those Campy 9spd DT shifters indexed, or just friction? I have yet to find any indexed ones either by froogling, googling, or ebaying. The bar end shifters have those big ugly plastic handles.

Thanks for the info. :)

Yeah, if they are 9 speed,they are obviously index.