So I bought an old (mid eighties I believe) Miyata road bike at a garage sale. It's missing cables, handlebars, saddle and seatpost, but the lady sold it to me for $10! I am trying to get it ridable again so I can have a bike with gears, and I have some questions. I'm hoping that you ladies and gentlemen can help me out.

The components are old Shimano 105. They don't say 105, but they have the bow and arrow engravings. I think the shifters are friction shifters. Are these crap? Worth replacing? I would like to keep the bike original if possible (aka I want to spend as little $$$ as I can).

The other question of mine is about the rear wheel. It has a Heliocomatic hub, which I want to can. I have a Phil Wood rear wheel sitting around that I would like to use, but I'm having trouble finding a NOS 6 speed freewheel. Anyone know where I could find one besides e-bay?

Any other advice on fixing up an old road bike? I can work on bottom brackets and headsets and brakes and whatnot from building and maintaining my fixed gear, but I have no experience with derailleurs or shifters.

Thanks!

*At the same garage sale, I picked up a Shimano 600 eight speed wheelset for $2! She must have been pissed at her husband or something.