This '86 Nishiki has (probably) non-original Suntour Superbe DT shifters, with Suntourt XC Sport derailleurs...including the rare triple pulley wheel RD. I'm thinking of swapping out the shifters, putting on a mid-level set and using the Superbe shifters (with the VO adapters) as bar-ends for another project, or putting them on the auction site.



So, should I put these very cool Shimano Finger Tip shifters at the base of the stem? Now, before an uproar from the anti-stem shifter crowd, I've read several threads refuting the usual arguments against stem shifters. Plus, these shifters are really nice, with micro-ratcheting on both sides, a spring-assisted return,good looks, and little tiny stops to temporarily lock the levers in an upright position - but I don't know what this feature is for!









Or, should I put these Shimano Unishift on the downtube?





Last question: Can either of these shifters be disassembled from their clamps and mounted directly to the downtube braze-on bosses?

Here's what the shifters will be directing: