Originally Posted by
dynaryder
Retro Grouch hit the nail on the head. Brifters are meant for modern bikes;I don't think they were even made in 7spd.
relnix: what are you looking to do? If you just want to replace the shifters,the quickest/cheapest solution would be barcons,which plug into the ends of the handlebar. Set to friction they'll work with almost anything. If you're looking to get your shifters up with your brake levers,they do make adapters for barcons or old thumbies that mount them next to the levers,but they can be kind of pricey as well(around $150).
I converted a downtube-shifted 7-speed rear to an RSX-shifted bike for the cost of the brifters and some new cabling. For more than that, though, you'd save money and end up with a better product by buying a new(er) bike with the features you want.