Mixte flatbar conversion, which shifters?

[retro-rich]

Hi

My other project is a Raleigh Wisp mixte frame I'm converting to a flat bar for the OH.

I've put new bars and levers on it to make sure she likes the idea and found it comfy but I have one issue, I need to get some handlebar shifters that are easy to use, so the current stem or downtube or bar end are out but want something easy to use and indexed like a trigger shifter.

Any suggestions for a set that will operate a 6 speed rear and potentially double or triple up front (single at the moment and not decided on changing this yet).

Any suggestions for something that won't look too awful on an old bike like this?

Thanks

 

[Jonny69]

Mountain bike ratchet shifters or Gripshifts? The ratchet shifters come in a nice all-in-one unit with the brake lever part of it.

 

[milko]

Thumbies of some description?

 

[Piperdave]

Try...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6-SPEED-RIGHT ... 3cc511ca53


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PAIR-EARLY-MO ... 4164cc6998

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SHIMANO-MOUNT ... 416467056f

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/JOB-LOT-5-FAL ... 416508ef26


Not my shop.....

Dave

 

[milko]

This could be of help http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/t-238478.html or if you have money to burn Paul's thumbies

 

[retro-rich]

Thanks for the links and suggestions guys, I think it's going to be some kind of mtb shifter, will see what I can get that looks half decent.

Cheers

Rich

 

[tonyf39]

The main problem is sorting out the cable stops on the downtube, you've got one as per the photo but you'll obviously need a double clamp on if fitting a front derailleur.
there are some new type clamp stops that can be had for about £8 off ebay to fit 28.6mm tubes

As for the gearing, Suntour did nice indexed 6 speed bar mounted levers, DON'T get gripshift unless you like ugly, unreliable & not very accurate shifters.
You could get 3x6 rapid fire shifters with integrated brake lever but they weren't readily available and the bar clamp was for a junior bike though adult sized bar clamps can be fitted
As it happens I've a set of new ones

 

[retro-rich]

The main problem is sorting out the cable stops on the downtube, you've got one as per the photo but you'll obviously need a double clamp on if fitting a front derailleur.
there are some new type clamp stops that can be had for about £8 off ebay to fit 28.6mm tubes

As for the gearing, Suntour did nice indexed 6 speed bar mounted levers, DON'T get gripshift unless you like ugly, unreliable & not very accurate shifters.
You could get 3x6 rapid fire shifters with integrated brake lever but they weren't readily available and the bar clamp was for a junior bike though adult sized bar clamps can be fitted
As it happens I've a set of new ones

Good tip for the cable stops, another item to sort
Definitely won't be grip shift, had them on our first adult bikes and were awful. Found these which I think may look not too bad http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/shimano-tour ... prod26057/

Do you have a pic/price for the ones you have? And how difficult to source and fit the correct clamp?

Thanks

 

[tonyf39]

Those retro fit shifters look spot on to be fair.

I'd bought them to do exactly the same thing as you, I accquired a Raleigh Wisp for my new partner (blue bike she referred to it as..lol) I did fit some revoshift gears which were okay but in the end decided to get her an all singing all dancing specialized with CF stays/forks/seatpost, put some anodised purple bling on it and that was the end of the blue bike.

I did source one clamp off an old mtb sti set I had, never bothered to find another but I would think the MTB section here would be able to rustle one up no problem.

Realistically I'd want £27.50 posted for them, minus the one full size clamp as mentioned though it isn't shown in this photo

 

[retro-rich]

Hi

Thanks for the pic

I'll get the Mrs to have a look and see what she prefers, and I'll drop you a PM if interested.

Thanks again