Short version: What all is involved in changing over from friction shifting to indexed shifting?

I'm sure others have asked the question before, so I don't necessarily want you folks to have to repost stuff. It's just that I'm having trouble sifting through the results. So... maybe just some suggestions on terms to search for in the search function (and how to cut down on the noise)?

For background: I've got an 80s road bike that I'm happy enough to keep. But I'm not beyond making the bike as rideable as possible (I've already done some basic/mild frankenbiking on it).

Here's the thing... only just today... I rode a "modern bike". (Nothing special, a Trek 7.x that LBS loaned me while I kept my wife company on a test ride of a new bike for her.) And I was kinda blown away... God, those indexed trigger shifters were fun!

I currently have a Campy Victory set (friction/downtube) and would want to switch over to whatever Shimano's entry-level is (or maybe one or two steps up from that if the entry level really is crap/fragile).

What needs replacing to make that happen?

Shifters, obviously. Derailleurs, sure. Sprocket/cassette? Crankset? Chain? Would I need to rebuild the rear wheel with a new hub?

Money isn't really an object--but that's not to say I need/want high-end components (lower-level will be fine since I don't intend to race, and if the price gets high enough, I'm obviously better off just buying a new bike)--but I don't mind putting in just enough to make this bike fun to ride (and interesting for other riders to look at).

Thanks in advance!

EDIT: Obviously, doesn't have to be Shimano, if there's a better recommendation.

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...i-s-ergos.html

https://www.bikeforums.net/search.php?searchid=13204071

The built in search function is lacking... I use google search. Add "inurl:www.bikeforums.net" to limit results to this site, or "inurl:www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion" to limit it to this subforum.

Thanks.

Awesome thread. Thanks!

...this ^^^

[h=2]Help using the search function?[/h]

Open the General Cycling Discussion subform (where you've posted this thread).

Look all the way over to the right and a little way down from the top. You'll see "Search Forum" with a down arrow beside it. NOT the Advanced Search with white text on dark blue background, if you see that, keep scrolling down until see "Search Forum" in black text on a grey background with a down arrow beside it.

Hover your mouse over it.

Select Advanced Search.

Type a Keyword.

Then scroll down. Under Additional Options choose the forum you want to search ... General or all the forums or whatever.

Make other selections as applicable.


You'll get one of three responses ...

1. the result.

2. a message saying the term you typed is too long or too short.

3. a message saying the term is too common.


Good luck!