I am in the process of updating some components on my 1979 Schwin Traveler III and have everything sorted out EXCEPT getting a hold of some indexed Stem mounted shfters that are 7 speed capapble. AT this point im not so sure they exist, at least not anywhere near me or on the internet. Can someone help me out, or maybe suggest an alternative to stem mounting?



My setup consists of now;

11-34 Shimano Mega cassette
Deore LX Rear Derailleur (replacing 440 Shim.)

Any help is greatly appreciated. I cant wait to get this thing on the road again.

Friction, not indexed.

http://www.thethirdhand.com/index.cgi?d=single&c=Shifter&sc=Road%20Shifters&tc=Friction&item_id=SR-STEMF&id=148308526166

If you're okay with friction operation, you don't got to worry about no stinkin' speeds, 6 or 7 or whatever. Friction levers will shift anything. You're aware, I assume that "friction" and "indexed" are not the same thing. In fact, in this context, they're opposites.

You could also use clamp-on downtube-mounted levers. These might work. They're cheap.
http://www.lickbike.com/productpage.aspx?PART_NUM_SUB='0520-06'


You could use bar-end levers, too.

Well, I was under the impression that I could use some sort of "indexed" shifter that didnt cause me to "search for the right spot on the derailleur" with the shift lever.

Maybe something like this doesnt exist?

Well, I was under the impression that I could use some sort of "indexed" shifter that didnt cause me to "search for the right spot on the derailleur" with the shift lever

that is indeed what indexing refers to. Most modern systems are indexing. Prior to sometime in the late 80's, nearly all were friction, which as you note has the disadvantage of requiring you to "search" for the shift point (not that hard to do, really), but also has the advantage of allowing disparate parts to work together. With indexing systems, the shifter, derailleur and cogset have to be matched, so that the "click" in the shifter moves the derailleur just the right amount.

Stem-mounted shifters such as you have were used mainly on less-expensive "sport" bikes. Your Traveler III may have been one of the better-quality bikes to use them. Road biking has become sort of a higher-end niche now, and stem-mounted shifters have about disappeared. As far as I know, there was never an indexed stem shifter. I could be wrong.

However, the downtube-mounted shifter I linked to says it's Shimano 7-speed compatible. It should work. Maybe some Shimano expert could chime in, but the spacing and action should be right.

For a bit more money (not sure the bike is worth it, but that's up to you), you could get more modern still and get integrated levers (brake and shifter levers in one unit). Shimano makes a 7-speed version of their Sora line.
http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/shifters.html#brifters

Integrated brake/shift levers (some call them "brifters") are a real advance in function. They make shifting easier and safer, and most people find they enable the rider to shift more frequently, making for a smoother and more efficient ride.

One thing you might want to try is remove the shifters from the stem shifter clamp. The clamp might have shift tube bosses. If it does, you can use any downtube shifters on the clamp..

I use the Sunrace 7 speed index shifters from Lick, a Shimano Deore rear derailleur and 14-34 MegaRange Shimano freewheel on my beater. it works perfectly. Click the lever, the gear shifts everytime and never slips. It's a very nice inexpensive upgrade. Just clamp the shifters onto the downtube. Highly recommended.

I use the Sunrace 7 speed index shifters from Lick, a Shimano Deore rear derailleur and 14-34 MegaRange Shimano freewheel on my beater. it works perfectly. Click the lever, the gear shifts everytime and never slips. It's a very nice inexpensive upgrade. Just clamp the shifters onto the downtube. Highly recommended.


:thumbsup:

yet again, I am endowed to your experience and helpfulness.


Just bought a set of the sun race clamp-ons. for $15 shipped on ebay.


Should have the whole bike put together and possibly painted next weekend!

"As far as I know, there was never an indexed stem shifter. I could be wrong."


Shimano made a few stem mounted models that were indexed.

"As far as I know, there was never an indexed stem shifter. I could be wrong."


Shimano made a few stem mounted models that were indexed.


It will be easy and effective to just relocate to the downtube, especially when it will only cost me $20