Shifter adapters?

Thom Davies has an “older” bike with down tube levers and he wants his gear change to be nearer his hands, up on the handle bars. He has a couple of options, but one is expensive and the other could be difficult. Our Thoughts:

Message: I have a 1990 Schwinn LeTour which I am getting to stiff for.

I would like to move the shifters up to handlebars or even the modern
brake/shifters to make them easier to reach. I have heard they exist
but cannot find them. Maybe I am missing another option. Your
suggestions.

Thanks,

Thom.

Hi Thom,

I guess you are thinking of brake and gear shifters that are combined and now are probably the norm on most road bikes, there is a problem with fitting these to your older bike and that is you will need to change many parts of your bike, let me explain:

A 1990’s bike will be 6, 7 or maybe 8 speed, so you would need to change the rear wheel to take 9, 10 or even 11 gears. Then you would have to buy the new levers, probably a new rear derailleur, the sprockets, and the gear cables and as you are going for brake/gear shifters then brake cables too and a new chain.

At worst you may also need a new chain wheel set and front derailleur to go with everything else, so you can see the price is mounting up. The brakes might work OK though!

There used to be a stem fitting for gear levers that clamps the stalk of the stem just above where it goes in to the frame, these are not made any more as they will not fit to the new style A-head stems, so where you could find them I have no idea, unless you know an old bike shop that has old stock lying around the place.

Another possibility could be a pair of mountain bike thumb shifters, these are also difficult to find as the new gear levers are part of the brake levers, similar to the road shifters.

It may be time to think of a new bike, it could be a cheaper option and you would have all the new equipment, if you are getting a little stiff maybe a more up-right position on hybrid or mountain bike could be a good idea, lots to choose from.

I would think seriously before trying to change to combined brake/gear levers, it will cost you a fortune.