Originally Posted by marqueemoon
Unless you are fully in love with STI that is the place to cut costs IMHO. Downtube or bar end shifters are much cheaper, and allow you to run whatever brake levers you want. You could also go with
Kelly Take Offs or
Paul Thumbies for different shifter placement options. I personally would not skimp on the rear derailleur, crank, or wheels.
The Surly green is really classy and would look pretty slick with some red bits I think.
+1
Personally, I use Suntour Barcon bar-end shifters ($10 at a swap meet
) and I looooove them. No maintenance ever, no finicky parts. They just work work work. With modern ramped cogs and stiff derailers, friction shifting is easy. Unless you plan to ride in a fast paceline, bar-end shfiters are the way to go!