Originally Posted by
Homebrew01
You have a wide variety of choices (and prices), many good ones already mentioned.
I did a couple of budget conversions to 10 speed for about $350-$400 each, by shopping for lightly used or NOS drivetrain parts.
If it's just a gearing issue, switch to a triple or compact and leave everything else alone. You may find that 7 in back is enough once you have lower gears up front.
You can also put an 8/9/10 wheel on the back with an 8/9 or 10 chain, and stick with friction shifters.
So, Homebrew (great name BTW), can I put on a new 9 or 10 cassette and chain as long as I use the friction option on my DT shifters? I assume I would have to add a spacer on the back??? I'm still trying to nail down my options for upgrading. For sure I want to upgrade crankset to a 48/34 Sugino, replace old cassette (7-speed 105), chain, brake pads and cables/housing. I'll probably upgrade wheelset in awhile, too.
I think that's all I'm going to do for now. No need for brifters at this point.