Bike Forums - Need help on selection of components

Hello Everybody,

I am very new to road cycling, so I need a little bit of help picking out some components that would make my ride a little bit easier.

The bike I would like to upgrade is an older style bike with friction style shifts and the smaller spacing between the dropouts. I am comfortable with welding and can make a bracket for the shifter cable, and I am confident I can increase the spacing between the dropouts for current cassettes. So with those two obstacles out of the way, I believe I can outfit my cycle for current components, let me know I am wrong.

Basically, I would like to update the cassette, derailers, crankset, and shifters for this bicycle for the lowest price possible. I am unsure of which sets "mesh" with each other, and it would be a pricey mistake if I chose the wrong components. I am shooting for under 300, as the bike I am putting this on is only worth a fraction of the components I am likely to put on.

I would like to have an "all in one" shifter and brake set if possible, preferably the trigger system. I am aware of the higher priced systems, with lateral shifting which is very nice, I would prefer to save that kind of project for my other build which will most likely take place next summer.

I am sure I am missing some critical information, if I am just ask me and I will measure it!

Thanks in Advance,

Branden