So I am new to Index shifting, I have never owned a bike that uses itnor have I worked with installing index shifters.. I mean I get the concept and everything. But friction has always worked for me.

Anyway I am building a road bike and I have 7speeds (13-28) in the back and 2 (34-48) up front. I know my chain capacity (29 btw)and everything else and so on.


I am looking at shimano ultegra short cage RD and ultegra FD for my bike but I want to use downtube shifters.

And for my shifters I found a 7sp shimano sante, or my other option would just to go with a dura ace shifter.

I found some a couple places selling some Dura Ace downtube shifters but they are rated for 9 or 10 speed. I found a couple used ones and some NOS that are rated for 7speeds.

Do I have to go with shifters that are rated for 7sp or can I use a 10sp one, and modify it in some way**********