Originally Posted by
canklecat
Nice. Just go through the bike to check cable tension and the barrel adjusters to ensure reliable index shifting. I'm curious whether the SIS stem levers included indexed shifting for the front derailleur. Some Shimano SIS thumb shifters for triple chainrings were indexed.
My 1992 Univega Via Carisma had SIS thumb shifters. Worked really well for awhile, but by 2017 it was worn out and too difficult to repair. There was some complex gearing and the axle pins and support holes wore out. Eventually I switched to bar end shifters.
But that won't be a problem with your lever shifters. They're dirt simple and reliable.
At some point you might consider moving them to the downtube, but don't feel pressured to do that just because all the cool kids do. Stem shifters work just fine for casual recreational riding.
My 1976 Motobecane Mirage had stem shifters (friction only, no indexing back then) and when I realized I'd never be one of the cool kids I replaced the stem shifters with Suntour downtube shifters. It didn't really improve shifting feel, but did enable shifting from the drop position so I didn't lose any aero advantage during time trials and crits.
My Centurion Ironman has downtube shifters and I'll probably leave 'em that way. But for a casual riding bike I wouldn't turn up my nose at stem shifters.
Ditto, those "turkey leg" safety brake levers. Don't feel pressured to remove them. There are exaggerated claims that they're mushy or unreliable. Not true in my experience. They work just fine for casual or commuting rides while using the top of the bar. For fast rides in groups or downhill blasts, sure, move to the drops and use the main levers.
Good quality new pads will make more difference in braking. Kool Stops are great but Jagwire pads are better values and work just as well in my experience. The only exception would be Kool Stop Eagle 2 (formerly Eagle Claw) pads for cantilever brakes for mud and wet conditions -- there's nothing else like them by any other manufacturer. But your bike has sidepull brakes and you can find good new pads easily from a dozen different manufacturers.
Yes, both derailleurs are indexed. And both work perfectly. No need for any adjustment. Personally, I like the brake safety levers and have added them to bikes of mine where they were absent - even my Fuji Team which has more of a racing pedigree. I doubt my riding will ever go past the "casual" state.