Some random thoughts. I didn't enjoy stem shifters on any bike because I had to let go of the handlebar and put force on something that's in the center of of the bike. This pushing in the center of my steering axis felt....weird....unstable. So I think I'll put that on hold for now.

The downtube shift levers are long and I'm envisioning them mounted to either a VO thumbie mount or a Paul Components thumbie mount. Those levers are darned long for thumb shift levers. I have a set of Suntour Non-ratcheted thumb shifters that are less bulky looking that the XC Pro shifters. Hmmm.

How has it worked out using downtube shift levers as a shifter elsewhere? I tried some on a Shimano modern bar end shift pod and they look odd because of the length.

I have a feeling this is going to cost more than I imagined. On one hand trying to use what I already have, and on the other wanting it LO look "right" as well as being functional.