jgcycle

Thanks! I don't what you mean by crossing the cables (slight newbie). I really like using a bold color in the mix. The silvers are VO brand. The red was already there and also had red on a LeMans RS that looked cool.

On my Holdsworth I have red going to the first top tube cable guide and then black going the rest of the way. I wish those cables ran underneath the top tube.

Somewhere I saw where someone used a "cable collector" that connected to the stem and kind of gathered the cables so they all were guided to that area before going there separate ways, kind of looked like a pump umbrella. Anyone know of this?

non-fixie 

If your shifter cables run under the BB shell, you can cross them below the down tube so that they come up on the 'wrong' side. You can then run the cables around the head tube, back to the correct side. This wil give a gentler curve to them which, especially with stiff modern housing, will make steering a little easier and look less 'forced'. One of the many things I picked up from this forum that I like.

Velocivixen

Hmm, well I finished the project and didn't cross any cables. Oh well. I don't think I had that much Shimano PTFE shifter housing laying around anyway. The Paul Thumbie mounts went on simple as pie, as did the shifters. Once I got the derailleurs cabled I did test rides up and down the street and moved/angled the shifter mounts as ergonomically as possible and they are wonderful.
Miyata One Twelve Mixte 21" by velocivixen, on Flickr
Paul Thumbie & Shimano SIS Shifters by velocivixen, on Flickr
Paul Thumbie Mount by velocivixen, on Flickr
Downtube Shifters on Paul Thumbies by velocivixen, on Flickr
VO Porteur, Nitto, Paul Mounts by velocivixen, on Flickr
Rear Cluster '87 Miyata Mixte by velocivixen, on
Flickr


I have a new set of SKS Longboard fenders in Silver, along with SHeldon Fender nuts since the brakes are recessed mounted. It's supposed to rain hard this weekend, so perfect time to open the garage door, drink coffee, put the bike in the stand and tinker around with fenders. Heck, I might even go so far as cleaning the rims and lubing the chain (hint - wheels are new & hardly used, as is the chain).

jyl

That looks very nice!

non-fixie 

Looks great! I like your use of black cable housing. It makes for a less cluttered look than when they'd all been red.

Velocivixen

Thanks! If you notice in the last photo, I used heat shrink tubing instead of a metal cable tip. Looks much cleaner too - invisible. I didnt use on the brakes because I couldnt find the tubing.

I hope to get some fenders on today and go tear up the town! Or at least my neighborhood.

jgcycle

Very nice! I'm building up a mixtie and hope it turns out as nice as yours, nice touch on the bars by the stem. Do you like that Brooks better than the B67(?) sprung model?

Velocivixen

I tried to like the B67, but it rubbed in the part where my legs met my body (crease) so as I pedaled I felt irritation there. Just the wrong shape for my anatomy. I also found that I prefer non-sprung saddles. B17 works on many of my bikes. It didnt work on my new Straggler with drop bars, so went a different route.

Good luck on your build. You'll have to post here so we can see.

capnjonny 

I definitely recommend thumb shifters for your mixte. Earlier this year I bought a Nishiki mixte that I re built using chrome upright bars with a 2 inch rise, 6 speed freewheel, suntour derailleur. and Shimano friction thumb shifter. To make things simple I removed the large chainwheel and front derailleur. For a city bike that still gives lots of options for hills and for speed. It sold to the first person that saw it.

I have also replaced the drop bars on my Raleigh Record Ace with a similar set up but retaining the front deraileur. I find I am much more comfortable riding with this set up. The thumbies are very easy to use and you never have to move your hands off the grips.

The next step for the Raleigh will probably be to move to a new rear wheel with a Shimano hyperglide cassette and compatible chain as this should make shifting even easier.

jeirvine 

I'm planning on putting upright Allrounder bars on my Supercourse. I'm thinking down tube shifter for the FD, and Paul thumbie for the rear. I'll post pics when I get to it.

imabeliever1

I put stem shifters on my touring bike and on my drop bar MTB. The ones on the DB MTB are Suntour like you mention. I think they look fine and and work great. They are pretty bulletproof also. Haven't impaled myself yet, as many warn. Just another web hoax

Velocivixen

Yeah, those Suntour stem shifters are a sight to behold for sure - big. Mine were new okd stock and had the rubber caps on the ends, so impalement would be easier to take.

BigChief 

Very well done! Looks great and shifting from the hand position on the bars has always been my preference. I always liked that about my old 3 speeds.
I've been planning on a conversion like this for a while now, so many thanks for sharing your experience. It's been very helpful.
I've been riding bikes since 1959 and I don't plan on stopping anytime soon. Unfortunately, giving up on drop bars is one of the many "adjustments" I've had to make lately. But then, it's an excuse for another project.

Velocivixen

@BigChief - I'm excited for you because you get to do a new project! I'm all about changing things and trying stuff out until it's "right"...even if right is temporary. Make sure to post what you're doing. Autumn is here and we're all going to get cabin fever soon.

For me, changing handlebars, grips/tape, etc. is like changing earrings, heels and lipstick! It can really change the bike's "outfit" and make a big difference.

I spent yesterday installing silver SKS Longboard fenders on the bike and I'll take some pictures and post later today.

Velocivixen

Final Update: Added the Crane bell back to the handlebars and installed SKS Longboard fenders in silver. Front is extremely long, so I ordered the short mudflaps to try. In the past I have simply cut the bottom of the fender & reinstalled the long flap, but I just wanted to try something else. Also my first time using Sheldon Fender Nut. Worked great!
Photos:
SKS Longboard Fenders by velocivixen, on Flickr

Sheldon Fender Nut by velocivixen, on Flickr