Modernising a geared road bike

It's often more cost effective to buy a new bike when the 'repair' bike isn't something boutique/special.

The sad truth ^^^

My first race bike used downtube shifters.. if an unco like me can get used to them so can anyone else. How bumpy is it near you? Is an SS for the kid feasible? How old is your son? Have you asked him what he'd prefer?

I've never used STI's but that is what our man here asked about! Also if it's a first road bike he might not be so smooth with downtube shifters and dropbars and toeclips and getting him into it might be easier if easier to ride. On the other hand I wouldn't bother myself, I'd stick with the accushift if it works. . . SS anyone?

I learn't to ride a bike on an old peugeot with down tube shifters with simplex kit. Scary taking your hand off the bar when you only just figured out how to balance it with two.

That's why god gave me a third hand. Although my mum say's I'm not allowed to get it out in public.

My mum say's I'm not allowed to get it out in public.

Quite right too.

My first race bike used downtube shifters.. if an unco like me can get used to them so can anyone else. How bumpy is it near you? Is an SS for the kid feasible? How old is your son? Have you asked him what he'd prefer?

He's a small 13. The frame may not really be good for him for a few months (assuming he grows a fair bit as I did at his age. We discussed the relative merits of SS and gears and he came down in favour of gears because he thinks SS will be too tough and therefore unenjoyable until he's got stronger legs.

I also learned to ride with downtube shifters but I must say, I never liked the fact that you have to go one handed to change. I think STI's are much safer and that's why I'd prefer to convert if it's feasible.

I've got a pair of shimano sora shitters in my parts box, they won't be used unless I magically have a kid I don't know about. If they are suitable you can have em for a good price.

Think I paid £30 a few years back; could deliver them to drinks for £20.

No rush though they'll just sit there untilli stop being lazy and put them on eBay.

Riding one/no-handed = must have skill.. so he takes some skin off in the process? Dettol ftw

I'm so never gonna be allowed to breed.. ;)

also having something resembling 'the proper kit' will increase his enjoyment immensly, so if it's achievable then I'd say the effort is worth it.

Brand new Sora bike is £450. So there is a big price difference if you can get this working properly.
But a shiny new bike.. ;)

Did almost exactly this a while ago on an old tourer for my ex - stuck Sora STi shifters on it, and it worked fine with the old block and mechs. Sora are great for folk with small hands because they have reach adjustment - or at least did at that time ...

Now, the caveats. I think it was a six speed block, and I think it was a Suntour mech. I can't remember whether they were 7 or 8 speed shifters: obviously there was a ghost shift or two at one end.

Further, the shifter won't pull enough cable to shift the mech over the greater spacing between six-speed cogs, unless you re-route the cable at the mech, which changes the movement ratio. I used one of the methods outlined on this CTC page (either 'Old DuraAce' or 'Hubbub Shimano') but I can't remember which. http://www.ctc.org.uk/desktopdefault.aspx?tabid=3946

In short, I'd get the shifters (especially if you can get the cheap ones from Sainsburys_Ed above) and give it a go. There was a wee bit of trial and error, but I found it pretty easy to get it working quite well - bear in mind, I didn't have to ride that bike, but I did have to fix it if there were complaints...

There's some chat here which might help:
http://www.ctc.org.uk/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabID=3808

Shimano Sora 8 speed STI shifters FTW.. perfect! easy to fit, trial and error on the adjustment.. your son will be pleased.. I have all this to do next year for my daughter on an old peugeot racing frame.. peace