Stem Shiftrs to DownTube Conversion?
 

Six months ago, I bought (first mistake) a 1980s Fuji Absolute from Ebay and the bike was shipped (another $70 mistake) from California. It is fitted with Stem Shiifters which I failed to notice (third big mistake). Therefore, the bike sits in the corner of my workshop doing nothing useful.

I wonder if any C&V fan has ever done a conversion to move the shifters to the "normal" position on the DownTube? It can't be that difficult? Just buy some parts and install?

That's about the only way that I'm going to find a buyer .... Your thoughts, please .... I was going to post this in 'Mechanics" but it's more of a C&V thing ....

Buy some clamp on downtube shifters and appropriate cables w/ end fittings that mate w/ the shifters, and install after removing the other shifters of course. Retain or replace the short bit of cable housing at the rear derailleur. Ride.
Are your stem shifters indexed or friction?

You can do that, there are plenty of clamp on DT shifters - however, you can also find some bar end shifters and put those on instead. It would be a much better way to spend money, IMO, especially of the bike has braze on cable stops where your DT shifters would go.

They are right.

+1 I just bought some NOS Suntour DT clamp on shifters on ebay to do just that. They cost me $8 plus shipping....

I made this conversion with my wife's Centurion mixte. Easy change.

Barcons are great as well, but they cost a lot more!!

I would vote for barcons in this situation -- that's what I converted my wife's Peugeot into my commuter. The downtube shift conversion is also quite easy.

Hello Jim. you just say an '80s Absolute but does it index? of course you would need index downtube shifters. also unless you really want to add new cables you can always shorten the older housings and cable. however as I am sure most home mechanics know SIS cables can be difficult to cut without proper tools.

why was it a mistake? while it is not a sought after collector piece there is nothing wrong with any bike that is safe rideable.

I did the exact same thing to my '80's Fuji Absolute (converted it to downtube shifters). I got a set of suntour racheting downtube shifters and clamped them on. I don't remember what the original derailleur was but there's a suntour V GT Luxe on it now, and it's great. sure, it's no where near a high end bike, but I love mine, and have put more miles on it than any bike i've ever owned. most comfortable bike i've ever ridden.

I converted my '83 Puch Odyssey to downtube shifters. I bought some NOS Suntour Cyclone shifters (still in the box!) off Ebay and installed them along with a NOS Suntour Cyclone MKII RD (also from Ebay). My bike has a little stop welded on the frame where the cable stop was on the downtube to keep it from slipping. I used that to keep the new shifters from slipping and it worked great. Shifts much better now as well, plus it looks cleaner. Switch it over and ride it!

why was it a mistake? while it is not a sought after collector piece there is nothing wrong with any bike that is safe rideable.

Most intelligent thing I read in this entire thread

Please consider trying out Simplex/Spidel retrofrtiction type, DT shifters. Simplex made these in both for brazed on and mounting band applications. I have used both and have the brazed on version on my Peugeot PSV.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44...cture005-1.jpg
Best thing about the retrofriction shifter is, it has a balance spring and tensioning that you will neve have to adjust after installing them. That's why it became one of the most popular shifters with many competition riders in the 80's and early 90's. Makes for quick shifting during ride much easier and more accurate because you are not fighting too much derailleur spring tension when you shift.

Chombi
84 Peugeot PSV