Possibly controversial frame grinding question.
 

Pretty sure I'm gonna do this, but I just wanted to make sure it's not a big deal first. There were a ton of Miyata 914s and it's not a particularly awesome bike, right? I mean, it's a nice bike, but I'm not going to hell for filing off a downtube shifter on one before a repaint since I know I'm going to have this bike for a long time and use bar end shifters?

Also, there's still normal tubing under the downtube shifter, right?

So if you are using barends, where is the cable going to stop if you file of the shifter boss? Do you actually understand how barend shifters work (not being a smart azz) because with this post it seems that you don't.

:popcorn

Buy these and save yourself the trouble of grinding.

This is a weird question. If you're running bar-ends, you either need to keep your DT shifter braze-ons and convert them to cable stops like this:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5162/...dc0cdf6a91.jpg


...Or you grind them off and use a clamp-on cable stop like this:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3183/...63c8374ccb.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3013/...1e71d3f7d9.jpg


Why you would begin by grinding them off is beyond me.

yes, cable stops are the way to go.

Nothing looks cooler when cruising past the chicks than to reach down and adjust the tension on your cable.

Apparently, Alabama beach's are different than Florida beach's.

Is this some kind of joke? Tons of Miyata 914s? Not where I live, there aren't and even if there were lots, I would not start butchering them.

+1 3Speed, I'd leave the braze-ons and get these: http://www.loosescrews.com/index.cgi...d=765179611498

There's no reason to whack on that 914...you might want to do downtube at some point...never know. Or sell it, etc.

The reason for getting rid of the left side braze-on is because I plan to run it as a 1x9 and don't want to always have that left side sticking out, being all ugly and out of place.
Not a joke, and I didn't mean to upset anyone. I thought they were common enough, mass produced bikes that it wouldn't really be a big deal. I'll look into it.
I really don't think I'll ever want downtube shifters on this particular bike, and I Really don't think I'll ever sell it. It fits me really well. Better than any other bike I've found so far. I'm going to have it painted and build it up with nice parts and keep it for a good Long time.

Southpawboston put a bell on the bare boss on his wife's mixte build.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5308/...0f87ce59_b.jpg

Grind it off, who cares!

I put a 'phantom' shifter lever on on the left side DT of my 1 x 8 conversion (have a bar end on the right with cable stops)
I'm waiting to find something decorative to screw in there at some point. I like my bell right where I can ring it on the stem (I use it about every 30 seconds on the paths around here). I didn't care to reach down to switch gears... I didn't see myself reaching down to ring the bell BUT it is totally cool at the left side shifter position.

I'm with the others. Don't grind it off. One never knows when it will be repurposed BACK to a front DER changer.

By the by... my LBS gives me down tube cable stops fer free.... guess they pull them off so many bikes that they have baskets full of them. Just ask yours.

Jeremy, try these to cover that left side boss: http://problemsolversbike.com/produc...r_boss_covers/

Split the cost with someone also looking for a single! :)

Most low end bikes back in the day had a plate under the downtube to keep a stop or shift levers from moving. The boss mounted stops are much better

Hmm... I notice you're also in Madison. What shop do you use? I asked if they had them and the answer I got was $26. And I frequent the place enough that they recognize me immediately, so it's not like I'm just some guy. Maybe I need to switch shops?

While I appreciate it, not really my style. I think it kinda just makes the unused shifter boss stand out even more. Maybe I could find a decent, low profile bell. I like the idea, but like on the bike above for example, that thing is sticking way out there. I'd only want something that barely sticks out at all.

You own it, it's not a living creature, do what you want.

^^^ True. It is still a goofy idea though......

Don't do it. You may want to put another chainring on there some day. There will come a point in your life where a 24'' gear sounds really, really good. And, to be honest, a 914 is a fantastic machine.

Do with it what you will.

Just realize that sometime in your future you might be posting this thread under nearly the same title.

"Hey guys, I've got this Miyata 914 that I want to turn into a touring rig. Only problem is I stupidly ground off one of the downtube shifters and now I need another brazed on. Anyone in Madison know someone who could do it before another repaint?"

Make it useful. Mount a bottle opener on the left braze-on.

just put the matching cable stop on the other side.. it won't look that bad and will give you the option for a front derailleur later if you decide you want one.

Alright. Gonna leave it on and try to do something with it before the repaint(bike won't really be ready until next spring anyway). Hopefully I can figure out a nice, small bell for it. Otherwise maybe a small, home-made flask holder or something just for fun.

On the other hand, it would be cool to see a cute girl on a sweet vintage bike(as if that's not enough) reach down to adjust her cable stop while riding.

A cute girl on a sweet vintage that even knows how to tune it!? Yes, please.