Expert: Dave - 8/6/2008

Question
QUESTION: My 11 year son is uncomfortable shifting gears with his downtube shifters.  Is there a relatively inexpensive conversion for his road/drop handlebars?

ANSWER: Hello Terrence. There is nothing that is going to be inexpensive. You will need new shifters, cable stops, cables, housing and possibly even more. Your looking at about $75. If you do want to continue to getting your son new shifter I will be glad to help.
-Dave

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: $75 price range would be acceptable - any suggestions?

Answer
Hello again Terrence. STI shifters incorporate the brake system and the gearing system into one brake lever. STI is more expensive than bar end shifters, which are like the downtube but on the ends of the drop outs.

It all depends on how much money you want to spend and how much work you would like to put into the bike. I just now remembered, will require you to replace your handlebar tape. If the bar end shifters don't have an external route, you will need to drill exit holes in you bars

You have to be sure though that if you have Shimano derailleurs, to match with Shimano shifters. Same thing for Campagnolo. Some shifters are compatible with Shimano or Campagnolo.

What you will need:
Gear Cables
Gear Cable housing
Cable stops
Handle bar tape
A drill bit (Bar end only [possibly])
A drill (Bar end only [possibly])
Brake housing (STI only)
Brake cables (STI only)

Most bicycles these days use metric sized hardware so you may want to consider that when you are assembling the bike. When you have the parts and are ready to start work on your son's bicycle, write me again so I can take the time to make diagrams to show you how to assemble the shifters that you have purchased.
-Dave