Hello guys!

Before you read on I just want to say this is going to be very long winded and the questions I am about to ask have probably already been covered a hundred times already. It also probably not worth your time. However if you are in the mood to help a dummy out then you are my hero!

I know by the time I finish this project I will have spent enough time and money to buy a decent second hand bike but I want a project!

So here we go..

What I know is that I have a vintage puch road bike, it's 10 speed and has downtube shifters. Unfortunately I cannot age the bike or find out the model becsuse the hooligan who owned it before me sprayed the poor thing and ruined it, they didn't even do a good job of it which rubs salt in the cut.

What I want to do is upgrade the bikes gear system. I love the look of vintage frames but I cannot get on with downtube shifters atall, I've tried to get used to them but I cant. My friend very kindly gave me some dropbar shifters but they are shimano 3 x 8s (I'm planning to stick with shimano for all new parts) and not for 10s but I fancy a challenge making them work on my bike. I have the time and money to do so and I already have a decent road bike so I'm in no hurry for this one to be on the road.

What I'm wondering are which other parts will I need for the bike?

I'm thinking I will need a rear freehub which is obviously 8 speed, does anybody know what width these come in and how wide I will need the frame for this? I think my bike is currently 130mm wide and I'm wondering if I will need to cold set the frame?

Next part is the rear Derailleur, the one on the bike currently is a rather old looking shimano. What type will it need replacing with?

Next thing I need to know is if I get a triple crankset will any type of shimano crankset made for roadbike fit or do I have to get specific one for a vintage frame? And along with triple crankset what front Derailleur and chain would I need?

Also if you can think of any other problems I may encounter along the way I would be greatful advice.

I understand that was alot of reading and if you do choose to reply I would be ever so greatful!

Thanks for your time!

Chris