Convert down tube shifter to STI shifters with Campag 980 6 x 2 speed

[JoeHigh]

Hi,

I want to convert my Raleigh Rapide from downtube shifters to STI shifters.

(top bike)
http://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Catalogs/Raleigh83/ral83_08.jpg

So I have Campagnolo 980 derailers, 6 at the back and 2 at the front.

(front)
http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/download/file.php?id=88763

(& back)
http://velobase.com/CompImages/RDerailleur/F2CE4FD9-B863-4ED2-AEA8-9EB0781D616D.jpeg

I have been looking on ebay for '6 speed STI shifters'.

Would all of them be compatible with my derailers, or are there extra details I need to be looking out for? Do I need to upgrade my derailers in order to have STI shifters?

Thanks!

[DaveM]

I'm not super familiar with campy stuff, but I suspect this is going to be a lot harder than you're anticipating.

There no such thing as 6 speed STI, it basically started with 7 and most have moved on to 9,10, and 11 speed now. I think you would need at least, new shifters, new derailleurs, new rear wheel, cassette, chain. And you would probably have to get your frame widened to accommodate the new hub.

You could maybe switch to bar end shifters if reaching down is really an issue for you. But I'd say "embrace the classic setup" unless you want to invest some real money.

[nfmisso]

Joe;

Sorry, can't get there from here.

STI refers to Shimano equipment which is not compatible with Campy; unless you use an adapter.

Campy does make STI like shifters.

[DaveM]

(09-08-2014, 12:16 PM)nfmisso Wrote:  STI refers to Shimano equipment which is not compatible with Campy

I would assume he's using "STI" as a generic term to mean "brifters". But I think the answer remains the same anyway.

[JoeHigh]

I think I may abandon the conversion idea due to the cost.

Someone suggested for me to check out Gevenalle levers?

http://www.gevenalle.com/store/products/shifters/

Would the CX-1 be compatible with my friction shifters, or would I have to get the Audax? Anyone know of anywhere I could look for second-hand ones, other than ebay?

Toying with the idea of just getting the one lever, and having just one chainring on the front.. I am cycling in traffic in a city so wanna try keep my hands on the brakes/bars, but could go down to one chain-ring on the front as there aren't that many hills about here.

(Basically, I used to have a Fondriest, which i managed to get for a bargain, it got stolen a few weeks back, so I've gone for this Raleigh for the time being.. desperately trying to get it similar to what my old bike was, maybe thats not the best move!)

[DaveM]

Oooooh! That's a good idea.
All their shifters are made for Shimano 9,10,11 speed. So none of their indexed shifters will work.
The Audux would work well. You may be able to get the brake levers only and use your down tube shifters, but you would need to go through the compatibility section a bit to make sure.

[nfmisso]

If it were my bike; on tight budget, I would:
* 7 speed freewheel, add what ever shims are needed so that small cog does not rub. http://www.amazon.com/SunRace-Freewheels-Sunrace-7-Speed-Freewheel/dp/B003LHMJRQ/
* Shimano A070 brifters http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-Tourney-ST-A070-7-Speed-Lever/dp/B00GQCC8X8/
* Shimano RD http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-RD-A070-Road-Rear-Derailleur/dp/B007Q4PGPM/
* new cables
* cross levers http://www.amazon.com/Tektro-RL720-Cross-Brake-24-0-mm/dp/B0015HH6AE/
* no change to the FD

I feel that cross levers are a huge safety requirement; so that you can actuate the brakes from any hand position.