Thanks, guys! Thank you, Steve, for you in depth description and offers. I had anticipated some of the suggestions and actually expect Monday or Tuesday a 7-speed freehub body and short axle to put on a spare wheel I have. We will see how it goes from there. Steve, I see no way to get in touch with you privately. You don't have private messaging or email enabled. Would you email me at RainmanP@att.net

Mike, I actually like the downtube shifters. But if I do try some group riding, it is just one more variable that I would just as soon not have to deal with.

I would prefer not to mess with this bike at all, but it will be at least a year before I can buy a suitable bike.

Will the boy ever learn to leave well enough alone? sigh