JMANNIEUS972

Ok, I have done some searching on here and this topic hasn't been covered in several years, let alone completely laid out as to what all is involved.

So, what is involved in converting from downtube shifters to a handlebar system? I saw something about having cable stops being mounted in place of the downtube shifters, but that was about all. I just don't want to spend $$$ on something that might work. I would really like to hear from the guys who have done this before and exactly what they did. Is it such a simple process that I am overthinking it?

I am not sure what handlebar shifter system I will change to, but it looks like an STI system. Mostly because it's an all inclusive package at your fingertips, but also because it makes the bike look so much cleaner.

Thanks in advance for the help!

BentLink

I converted my 1990-ish Shimano 105 from DT shifters to STI. The Rear Derailleur was compatible, an SIS indexed system with a 7-speed HG cassette. I stuck-on used 8-speed brifters, since the spacing on the 7 speed cassette is identical, I just used the limit screws to stay away from a jammed chain. Got some cable stops, and new cables (and more index-shift housing). Installation is pretty straight forward, if you've ever played with setup of an indexed RD.

OBTW, I think DT shifters look much cleaner. I'm willing to have the spaghetti tangle of pre-2011 Shimano stuff on my handlebars just for the convenience...

DOS

Downtube stops are the easy part ...https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-Housin...d_sim_sbs_sg_1, but going from DT to STI is more complicated than just changing the shifters.

Depending on shifters you get, (I am assuming current set up with DT shifters is non indexed with fewer than 9 speeds), you will need corresponding rear derailleur, rear hub, and cassette, chain, and chainrings.

Edited to add: Oops, just read Bentlink: He is correct that if your current system is indexed, you could make the change work with some of the existing components).

HillRider

I've done this conversion on a '92 Trek 1420 and it was pretty straightforward but much more information on your current setup is needed to see what you will have to change:

Year, make and model of bike.
Rear droput spacing (120, 126, 130 mm)
Current drivetrain make and model.
Current drivetrain "speeds"
Currently indexed or not.
Cassette or Freewheel.

The conversion could be as simple as just adding the new shifters, downtube stops and cables or you might have to change everything in the drivetrain which could be VERY expensive.

As DOS noted, the downtube cable stops to replace the dt shifters are the easy part. Buy them if necessary or most bike shops will have a box full of extras.

Puget Pounder

Giving us info on your current setup would help us a lot.

Homebrew01

Actually, it comes up quite a bit. But each situation is different. There are quite a few threads on the topic, here & Classic & Vintage forum.

wrk101

+1 There are hundreds of threads on this topic. Will be pretty costly, cheaper to just seek out a used bike set up the way you want. While I have converted many bikes, it starts with finding a deal on a donor bike, a really hot deal. Just bought another STI donor a couple of weeks ago to convert another bike in the family fleet.

It is usually not a simple process.

ThermionicScott 

Oh man, I assumed from the thread title that the proposed conversion was to DT shifters and got all excited.

Homebrew01

I've converted 2 older bikes to Campy Ergos. Ran me about $350 each for the budget version. It was worth it to me because I like the bikes. If your bike is nothing special then might not be worth it ... depends.

xenologer

Simplest thing to do is, buy the dt mounted cable stops. These fit where the levers used to be and let you add a flex housing up to the bars.
Then buy a pair of rivendale barcon shift pods, remount your dt shift levers onto the pods.
Just get some longer shift cables and housing and you're all set. Don't even have to unwrap the bars or change brake levers; barcon cables work better free floating.
will probably cost 80$ or so.

JMANNIEUS972

89' (I believe this is right) Centurion Facet. I currently have a Shimano Exage (Biopace) crank and derailers, no wheels or cassette/freewheel yet since they are in the mail.

I purchased some DT shifters and when I got them in they don't fit. The metal piece that goes inbetween the dt mounting point and the shifter itself (the metal piece with one arced side to go against the bike and one flat side with notches in it for the shifter side) does not sit flush against the bike and is going to cause shifting issues. Rather than spend more time searching for the exact part that will fit, I wanted to purchase a kit that I can fit onto the bike to get it running and THEN search for the part after I am up and riding. If this isn't making sense I'm sorry, I start the graveyard shift tonight and I am already tired. I am going to take some pictures and post them when I get 10 minutes.

JMANNIEUS972

I have no clue how to get the pictures to be a part of my post instead of an attachment.

Here are a few pictures of the issue I am talking about. The spacers/adapters whatever they are, are meant for a flush mount mount, not a stand-off mount. I have not clue where to even begin looking for these let alone what style I need.

BentLink

Ooops. Help us help you. Check out Posting your Pictures: How to! for step-by-step with screen shots.

HillRider

Exactly what did you order. Hub OLD and freehub and cassette "speeds"?

Older dt shifters came with curved base plates intended to fit "standard diameter" (1-1/8") downtubes while newer dt shifters had flat base plates to use on larger diameter tubes. You can convert your curved bases to flat ones with a sheet of sandpaper on a flat surface. Just sand off the curved part until the bases sit flush on your frame. Here is one source for commercial "flat" bases" if the DIY approach isn't attractive:
https://retroshift.com/store/products/flat-washers/

JMANNIEUS972

JMANNIEUS972

No, I purchased some used parts from jstewse. He has them installed on another Centurion so I assumed they would all fit perfectly. Once again, assume makes an ass out of u and me. I had thought about sanding them down, but I wasn't sure if it was gong to cause any issues. I'll give that a shot first and let yall know.

JMANNIEUS972

Ok, so I finally had some time to sit down and try to sand them down. Turns out they are metal, so sandpaper that I had didn't pan out. I took them into work and used our bench grinder. They now fit, but they look like crap since I had to use some pliers to hold them while I ground them down.

I am going to go ahead with the STI conversion when I get some $$$ to spend. I appreciate all of the help though!