Hello out there,

I'm wondering a few things...

Is it possible to switch from downtube shifters on say, an older Trek, to indexed rapid fire shifters? I'm thinking of how feasible/cost effective it would be to buy an older road bike and switch drops to flat bars and downtube shifters to rapid fire shifters. A new bike can be had for $450-$500 on end-of-season close outs. But, an older bike in excellent condition can be had for $300 or so.

What would the cost be? I know what shifters go for. I wonder what the cost would be to do the realignment of the bike and take off the downtube shifters for rapid fire on flat bars. I have some handlebars. I'd need the shifters and would likely have to pay a shop to reroute the cables. I don't know how hard it is but am limited by living in an apartment (not much work area/ no work stand) and having a modest tool box.

Any experience with this or advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,
ryan