StreetApe

I have a Peugot from the 70s. Both of the derailleurs are broken, and while I replace them I am wondering if there is any way to change from the downtube shifters that are currently there, to some other type of gear shift. I am not worried about keeping the bike "vintage" or anything, I'm just wondering how difficult it is to mount a different type of shifter, if I can at all. Thanks.

FastJake

Easiest/cheapest/best on that bike would definitely be bar end shifters, IMO. Especially since you have friction shifting. Right where you need them without reaching. All you'll need is new cables and housing (which you'd need on an old bike like that anyway.) You might need some sort of clamp on cable stop in place of the original shifters.

oldster

nothing wrong with DT's,,Mine are even indexed 10 sp..Other bike has thumb shifters, that you can set to non/indexed.

3alarmer

You can change to bar end, thumb type MB shifters will
work if you go with straight bars.

But your best bet is to learn to use DT shifters. Simple
and pretty bombproof. I too prefer them to any of
the alternatives because they work well for me and
there seems to be little to go wrong.

HillRider

I've ridden with nearly every shifter option on the market and my PERSONAL choices in order of preference are:

1. Combined brake/shifters (aka brifters). By far the most convenient and easy to use. The downside is cost and the requirement that the other components match and they are all indexed.

2. Kelly Take-offs combined with indexing or friction downtube shift levers. Nearly as convenient as brifters at lower cost.

3. Bar end shifters, either indexed or friction. Not nearly as convenient as brifters but better than downtube shifters and do offer a friction option.

4. Downtube indexed or friction shifters. Far behind all of the others in convenience and accessability but the cheapest alternative.

frantik

downtube shifters have the advantage of shorter cable lengths which means less cable slop and more attractive front end. you can also change both front and back with only one hand

you do have to take your hand off the bar to switch gears though.

Burton

Downtube shifters are like every other component - they`re available in a wide range of build quality - everything from junk to jewelry. Good downtube shifters are hard to beat and are still made.

There are no issues changing to any other system - you`ll just need adapters to convert the existing shifter mounts to cable stops - and lots of money for the other components.

JReade

The rear hub spacing could come into play if he upgrades the rear cassette/freewheel.

wrk101

Cheapest by far option (other than keeping what you have of course), is to pick up a used set of stem shifters. Bar end shifters are great, but are quite a bit more expensive. Fitting other DT shifters onto that Peugeot is tricky due to the unique braze on configuration.

Scooby214

If you are set on doing away with the DT shifters, my vote goes for bar end shifters. While you could possibly overhaul your original DT shifters and get them working, they will never be as easy to work with as modern indexed DT shifters. My Specialized Allez Steel Double has indexed DT shifters that are much easier to work with than vintage DT shifters. I don't mind the DT shifters in my case as I can simply bump the shifter to switch gears. I wouldn't want my hand down on the DT shifter long enough to shift a vintage friction 10-speed.

If I had to choose between a vintage DT shifter setup or converting to bar end shifters, I would go with bar ends. If I could upgrade to modern indexed DT shifters (like my bike has) I would keep the DT shifters as they aren't bad to use when riding, are easy to maintain, and look clean on the bike.

fietsbob

There is a fairly cheap set of ratchet/friction thumb shifting , set, sold thru QBP ,
at your local bike shop.