Originally Posted by
Jeff Wills
If they're "7-speed", they're index shifters. However, Shimano shifters of that era could be switched to friction- there's a little lever that changes them from index to friction. They should work for you- the only possible bugaboo is if they don't pull enough cable to shift the derailleur across the entire cassette. The only way to find out is to try.
Thanks. I rode the bike last night and I think I can deal with the big sweep for my "no rush" touring endeavors. ---Just another excuse to get another fast-shifting bike for group rides!