+1, barcons are the way to go, cheap, easy to install and will last you forever. If your fork is threadless, consider an adjustable stem to bring up the bars for more comfort in the drops. Agree with new brakes, I have a box of lower end Shimano brakes with cracked spring retainers
Originally Posted by
oddjob2
Bar end shifters or barcons can be had for $40 a set used. Although there is a lot of derision of stem mounted shifters, they can be found very cheaply and will do the job as well. I would liik at new cantileve brakes too, in particular if your Altus brakes have the gray platic spring retainers which are known to crack and irreplaceable.