I just bought an old Diamondback (Centurian) Master TG from a guy in Tucson. It came to me with no wheels. I want to update it with modern parts but I don't want to spend a ton.

Here's my ad. --- https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/bik/1495558475.html

Anyway. I was thinking of buying this bike for parts. I called the guy and he told me that the shifters "don't shift". He's stuck in the middle ring on the front and on the smallest cog on the back. He says that the shifters move but that there is no "click" and they don't do anything. He says that they don't flap around or anything. The shifting mechanisms have normal tension. This doesn't really make any sense to me but then I don't understand gears all that well. I've never built a bike with gears. This will be the first time.

Here's his ad. --- https://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/bik/1504385679.html

Does this make any sense to you all? I figure worst case scenario everything but the brifters are working. I could probably find a pair of Sora 8 speed brifters somewhere for cheap and hook my Centurian up with a modern entry level gruppo and donate the frame to the local co-op.

Thanks.

Probably cables frozen in the housings. Easy diagnosis, easy fix.

But his listing is gone so Never Mind.

derailuers could be gummed up. if the bike has down tube shifters, it's either derailuers or cables or both. replace cables, flush and lube derailuers. minimal expense.