eappleton

I'm trying to unconvert a single-speed Univega back to multi-gear and am scavenging parts off of a Cannondale road frame. The derailleurs and shifters are Shimano SL-A500. Though I haven't tried yet, it seems that the derailleurs will fit. The shifters, however, are mounted on a bolt that passed through the frame on the Cannondale. Here's my question: Is it crazy to think that I can drill the Univega frame to mount these shifters? Will it damage the frame? How do I do it? Or should I just get new shifters? If so, what kind should I get? Where do I mount them? I would rather scavenge old parts than buy new ones.

Thanks for the help.
Eric

supcom

There's no need to drill holes in the frame. Get either bar end shifters or stem mount shifters. I believe there used to be (maybe still are) clamp on down tube shifter bosses but you'de have to get the right size for your downtube.

I'd go with barends.

eappleton

You're right. Thanks for stopping me from doing something stupid.

eappleton

Is $50 what I can expect to pay for bar end shifters? Damn.

meb

If this is a steel Univega frame, the biggest problem should be introducing a rust point-should be strong enough otherwise. If a more exotic material I'd try the alternative shifting mounting possibilities.

sydney

Try ebay or www.loosescrews.com. If you can live with friction shifing, clamp on downtube friction shifters can be had for next to nothing.LBS might have a box full of old ones.Clamp on index stuff is harder to come by. FWIW, the FD off the cdale won't fit the univega. Univega has a 11/8" seattube and the cdale is 11/4" clamp or possibly a braze on tab if it's older. There are 11/8" braze on adapter clamps.

MichaelW

Don't drill, you WILL ruin the frame.
My lbs gave me some old clamp-on friction levers.