Originally Posted by
altbike
Yes, this might be the most reasonable approach. It basically eliminates the major question mark of the build and using a bar end shifter for the FD would probably be manageable. I wonder if I can buy individual Microshift shifters.
I am using a downtube friction shifter on my rando bike for the front derailleur. I generally hate downtube shifters, I planned on it being temporary but that was four years ago and it is getting less temporary every day.
Some bike shops have a bin or bucket of vintage used parts that they did not want to throw away that they will sell for a cheap price.
Does your bike have a downtube shifter boss or not, some newer bikes don't.