Originally Posted by hobkirk

My guesses about the critical issues would be:

• Width at rear axle If your frame is steel a good shop or frame builder can coldset it to accept a 130 or 135mm axle for 8+ spds
• Is the brake mounting in the front fork and the rear cross piece the correct depth (my two 2007 bikes have recessed "nuts") Tektro makes great nutted brakes
• Is handlebar diameter an issue for modern shift/brake levers? unless you have steel or very cheap Alloy bars it should not be
• Will an indexed triple FD work with an old triple crankset? the spacing between the chainrings may be an issue but with Campi type Ergos it should. for shimano STI it may be tricky
• Will an indexed 7-speed RD work with old 7-speed cassettes? it should
• If I need a new crank, is bottom bracket compatibility an issue? you BB shell is very likely English but even if it is Italian you should have little issue finding a BB to go with your new cranks

It would be very nice to have a usable second bike. I really don't like riding the Lotus now because of the PITA shifting* and horrible brakes. I can probably scavenge many of any parts needed.

Thanks

* Shifting - the SunTour friction levers NEVER worked properly. And downtube shifters aren't great for inflexible, 65-year old me.