I just did this to my bike, the shifters (brifters, damn them) didn't work, and I got stuck in the highest of high gears last night and couldn't get home. my fiancee came and rescued me. I said F' this, and took all that stuff off. It's going to be fixed/free hopeufully soon.

I'm surfing ebay/webz for cheap wheelsets (yes, I know where to go... I'm just waiting for one ebay auction to end)

If you're doing any sort of long-term solution, or doing any really serious riding other than beating around town, I'd definitely listen to the advice above.