shifter swap
 

This '86 Nishiki has (probably) non-original Suntour Superbe DT shifters, with Suntourt XC Sport derailleurs...including the rare triple pulley wheel RD. I'm thinking of swapping out the shifters, putting on a mid-level set and using the Superbe shifters (with the VO adapters) as bar-ends for another project, or putting them on the auction site.

http://i.imgur.com/wWd1rh4.jpg

So, should I put these very cool Shimano Finger Tip shifters at the base of the stem? Now, before an uproar from the anti-stem shifter crowd, I've read several threads refuting the usual arguments against stem shifters. Plus, these shifters are really nice, with micro-ratcheting on both sides, a spring-assisted return,good looks, and little tiny stops to temporarily lock the levers in an upright position - but I don't know what this feature is for!

http://i.imgur.com/XKJP3MN.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/n6kL9ap.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/tzRVbtv.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/84rwOm7.jpg

Or, should I put these Shimano Unishift on the downtube?

http://i.imgur.com/C4PLugV.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/iKrFvrE.jpg

Last question: Can either of these shifters be disassembled from their clamps and mounted directly to the downtube braze-on bosses?

Here's what the shifters will be directing:

http://i.imgur.com/JKj1a7j.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/cge6NiJ.jpg

The original shifters and derailleurs look like a matching suntour group. What are you trying to accomplish by changing the shifters?

Ha...what a confusing mess I made!
Thanks for noticing, I have since rewrote the original post to make more sense.

I like the Suntour levers :thumb:

Would there be any chance of finding cable housing in this unusual orangish-reddish color?