svoynic48

I am new to cycling and have been riding an early 80s Univega Gran Turismo that is too big. I have no complaints about the components, rather fond of the vintage downtube shifters, but would like to get a smaller frame (probably 52cm) to temporarily move components over to until I can afford to upgrade them. Many newer frames have cable stops on the downtube, but these do not look compatible with downtube shifters. Does anyone have any suggestions for putting old DT shifters on a new frame?

bikeman715

what are the diameter of the down tubes of both bikes ? if they are both the same then it will work . The cable stops can be remove so you can mount the shifters there . if they are on a bracket .

svoynic48

I have not purchased the new frame yet, but aluminum frames have larger tubes or shaped tubes. My Univega has a bracket for the shifters. Several new frames set up for STI have little braze-ons on the bottom side of the downtube. Since I am unfamiliar with these, I wanted to know, generally, if there are either downtube shifter brackets available for various tubing sizes and shapes, or are these STI cable stops compatible with downtube shifters. For reference, the frame I was most recently looking at is the Scattante XRL Comp at performancebike.com. It has a teardrop downtube. Thanks for the help!
https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=3020

HillRider

Clamp-on downtube shifters are pretty much limited to the old "standard" steel frame downtube diameter of 1-1/8" so you are unlikely to find either clamp-on shifters or a clamp with shifter bosses in any other diameter. You are certainly NOT going to find adapters for non-round tubes.

As you noted, most newer frames are set-up for either STI/Ergo brifters or bar-end shifters and have dedicated, non-removable cable stops/barrel adjusters on the downtube or headtube. These will not accept downtube shifters.

I'm afraid downtube shifters are becomming harder and harder to fit to new frames and if you insist on them, you will have to look for an old frame or have one custom made.

svoynic48

That is what I feared. Thanks for the input!

ijgrant

Surly makes 3 frames with downtube shifter bosses. The Pacer (Road) Long haul trucker (Touring) and Crosscheck (Cyclocross)

knucks

Depends on where you are located, but if anywhere near a framebuilder you could get those done for about $20-30 ..

maddmaxx 

Try the aluminium road frame from Nashbar.............still has downtube shifter bosses.

HillRider

Not on a thin-wall aluminum frame. Then, of course, there would be the cost of repainting on any frame.

svoynic48

I think I will probably go with the nashbar "framay". They have it in my size and have free shipping through tonight. Thanks!