How To Convert From Downtube Shifters To STI Shifters (Brifters) On Vintage Bike

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

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[@santiagocalderon5205]

would Shimano Tourney ST-A070 2x7-speed shifters work?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

@@santiagocalderon5205 Yes.

[@beans392]

Is it the same process with sis thumb shifters?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

@@beans392 Pretty much, yeah.

[@edstud1]

My local bike shop told me this was an impossible upgrade to do on my vintage touring bike, thank you so much for your video.

[@TheWorldLaughter]

Yeah bro my shop said the same thing. I'm planning on restoring my dad's old Nishiki bike for him after watching this video.

[@edstud1]

@@TheWorldLaughter well, I have to say after awhile I got him to say that it can be done, but the cost was very prohibitive. I just shopped around for a new bike instead!

[@TheWorldLaughter]

@@edstud1 really the cost was that high?

[@edstud1]

@@TheWorldLaughter about $600 US.

[@TheWorldLaughter]

@@edstud1 Damn, yeah I would do the same thing too

[@JQPOINT]

You are one of the best instructors in this area.. You pay so much attention to small details to prevent problems later!

[@robotfun666]

Thank you from 7 years in the future. This video has been my main guide to understanding and completing an upgrade of a 80's Treck 560.

[@lexian2348]

After my local bike shop guy saying this won't work, and not finding any videos, you are the light at the end of the tunnel

[@kates3691]

Amazing!!! I would just like to thank you for all of your videos. I've learnt so much from you. I've watched this video about 20 times preparing to upgrade my bike. I recently bought an old Peugeot with downtube shifters and I didn't even know how easy it was to convert it to brifters. I ordered everything, (new derailleurs, crankset, barrel adjusters, Shimano shifters etc )and I worked on my bike as I watched this. Now it's looking amazing thanks to you !!!! I could watch your videos all day. They are so clear and easy to follow. I especially love watching you solve problems. you are the best !!!

[@MoMM-m1u]

Lmao, I took my Vintage Fuji to my local bike shop to convert from 2x6 to 2x7. then I asked them to upgrade from down tubes to brifters and they said it would be "hard" and could be impossible to do so. I bought a pair of Shimano Tourney 2x7 from ebay, and watched and followed your instructions, now they are working GREAT!!! I live in minnesota so still got a month of so to enjoy biking.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Awesome!

[@markallen8856]

Just wanted to say Thanks! Your video guided me well through the upgrade. 1984 Trek 460 frame to 7spd Microshift brifters. Total redo on this bike including beautiful powdercoat job in original paint w/ metalic flake and Jagwire cabling. Had to use Suntour clamp style cable stop w/ Jagwire inline cable adjusters. Original frame and calipers only. Everything else upgraded. Rides like a steel dream, 26 miles today and loving life. Thank you RJ! You Da Man!

[@michaelkirwan177]

This particular conversion should prove quite valuable to the enthusiast who is very fond of his current bike, but wishes to modernize it markedly with new componentry. The adaptation is both well explained and incorporates a few time-saving short cuts that facilitate a smooth conversion process without compromising the final result. The 'brifters' are a great improvement and a significant safety up-grade as well. The sequence of the changeover was impeccably logical.

[@madradsprad]

I feel like I owe you a consultation fee for this. Walked through every step I needed. Thank you, sir!

[@kevinsweeney562]

You are a national (international?) treasure. I've already built a fantastic city bike with your help, and now this video will help me build a nice crit bike on a budget.

[@reginaldbaticulon4856]

Friend gave me his Binelli (Forza) 700c road bike to get me into cycling, this is exactly what I need to convert to sti shifters. Thanks for this sir, you're a gem!

[@MarkLaFond-jr7ph]

Thanks so much for this! EXACTLY the information I need to convert my 1989 Centurion!

[@a-n-d-r-e-w-k]

Darn you and your bike wiring, I can't stop watching.

[@chainsawenthusiast]

no matter what bike problem, rj knows what to do. this video was again a big help. thank you sir!

[@moi7748]

Clear and concise like the rest of your videos. I like the fact that not only do I learn what's in the video title but also a whole load of other hints that can be used to do other work on the bike. Thank you for your time.

[@sbtlchrchky8977]

Thanks for all the great videos. Not only are they pertinent but they are interesting and thorough. There are things I used to just take my bike to the shop for and I am now empowered to do my own work. Cheers!

[@Azav312]

Thanks a bunch for this video. I bought a similar trek 1100 aluminum for $50. With new continental tires, cables & shifters, i have a very nice modern bike for less than $300.

[@jusufsarancic]

Easily one of the best instructional videos I’ve ever seen. I have the exact same bike and am getting ready to do the same thing. Thank you so much! Will share pics of my update.

[@arneadmiraal5358]

I just upgraded my trek 5500 to sti shifters today, your video was of a lot of help. thanks a lot.

[@elmarko9051]

Was wonder if a part existed to convert down tube shifters to something on bar...and here it is. Excellent video. Can find older, high-quality bikes cheap, but I don't want to go back to non-index shifting. Was also working on putting a new handlebar, stem, and all cables on my road bike today. It would have gone easier if had watched your presentation first, heh!

[@ryangillies8064]

thanks, nice video, that ~1974 Raleigh Grand Prix was my first bike (a 1972); I also upgraded to an aluminum rims almost right away, back in 1973. I found some minor errors 1. huret = "hurrr - eh" is the proper french pronounciation 2. when you bent the rear dropouts, I wouldn't have put the 2"-side of the 2x4" against the seat tube, on some tubes you could dent the tubing, it would have been much safer to put the 4" edge of the 2x4" against the tubing ( yes I know it's a 1.5" x 3.5" these days with lumber companies skimping on the wood.) 3. the shimano derailleur-hanger spacing (distance from the axle) is actually larger than on huret, as Shimano set the standard when they invented Shimano Index Shiftings (SIS) which is another reason why you need a shimano hanger. 4. too much cable housing on the rear derailleur, roughly 1" too much. 5. you might want to mention that new cables are BETTER than the original ones as they are (a) lined with lubricating plastic and (b) SIS cables with vertical (not spiral) winding inside so they don't stretch or compress compared to original spiral cables.

[@franciscohm1984]

just upgraded my bike from down tube shifters to sti shifters. thanks for your videos, they helped me a lot in the whole process.

[@alleywatson]

i'm gunna do the same , was it easy ?

[@franciscohm1984]

alex watson yeah! it was easy and fun, lol. it works pretty good.

[@alleywatson]

cisco hernandez thanks

[@LochnessMonstaa]

Thanks so much RJ!! I upgraded my Bianchi Campione from downtube to STI ST-R2000 with the help of your video and link to the adapter. I really appreciate it!

[@derLenno]

New summer project unlocked ✅ Appreciate the video!!

[@Hustlebyday]

I just noticed that you’re wearing a Segahunda sweatshirt from the inaugural race! I was there too! So cool. Great video, and very easy to follow along! Thank you!

[@guyaldrich5878]

Lesson to be learned here,don't fix what does not need fixing,some of these upgrades are not upgrades,they are just a more complicated way of doing things ! I despise indexed shifting ! I'm sure bike shops and Shimano loves it ! Great job on the video rj, I do enjoy watching your video's !

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+Guy Aldrich Personally, I love indexed shifting. Old bikes would have had it if they had figured out how to do it back them. And having the shifted mounted on the bars is safer than reaching down to the downtube.

[@guyaldrich5878]

+RJ The Bike Guy I'll agree it is safer than having to reach down to the down tube ! On my bikes I converted them to friction shifters on the handlebar ! I just feel they are much easier to set up and maintain.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Indexed shifters work amazingly once set up. Just click, click, click.

[@mattylevo]

RJ, Just want to say thanks for the video....I just finished my update on my Fuji Roubaix to RSX brifters using this video as my guide...I had no idea this was possible & after finding the RSX brifters at a swap meet and re-lubing them, my Fuji feels like a fresh bike! Cheers!

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

mattylevo Cool! I like the RSX shifters. Those are what I have on my main road bike (1990 Trek 1000).

[@emil1950]

Thanks for the video. I am doing the same on a Gazelle from the 80's. I think, a steel frame with 7 x 2 speed integrated shifters is very good. It keeps the character, but it is more comfortable. Emil Sydney, Australia

[@augustinee.salazar8742]

Best and most comprehensive "How-To" video on the subject seen; thanks very much!

[@bobwilson7464]

Damn! That barrel adjuster tip is genius!

[@xxpkr3ap3r]

Just the vid i been waiting for. I have not see other youtubers done this type of video. Great job i will be doing this soon for my vintage bikes, bring some new life into them.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I have been wanting to do it for a while now. I converted my Trek 1000 over a few years ago, but didn't make a video. I finally got a good candidate to do the conversion on, and got the shifters. Actually I got some better shifters (RSX), so I upgraded my bike, and moved the Sora's to this bike.

[@ygtcbee23]

Great video - Now in 2019 some people may say converting a Vintage bike like this Trek is Heresy but hey you did a good job

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I have done a bunch of retro-mods. They are cool.

[@hansihintersoos7581]

Didn't find any german tutorial for this, you're awesome! Thank you for this video

[@markmatienzo7100]

This video just encouraged me to convert a Tri bike into road bike with STI shifters. Thank you!

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Go for it!

[@BlakjeKaas]

Thanks man! Because of your vid, I was able to upgrade my 2x7 speed Trek 2100 Composite to a 2x9 with brifters.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+BlakjeKaas Cool. Wasn't the 9 speed wheel wider? 130mm vs 126mm? Or are you just squeezing a wider wheel in?

[@BlakjeKaas]

+RJ The Bike Guy For some reason, it was a perfect fit. It could be that one of the previous owners had already squeezed in a wider wheel, but it was sold to me with the original 7 speed wheel installed.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Is the rear triangle steel?

[@BlakjeKaas]

+RJ The Bike Guy I'm pretty certain that it is aluminum.

[@joesawmiller2125]

I have ordered mine and with your help with this video, I feel confident I can change them. Thanks

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Joe Sawmiller Cool!

[@bait3027]

This is the build we dream of doing: old with new!

[@doztacos8913]

I am rebuilding a 1987 trek elance 400. Thank you for your videos. The updated parts are expensive especially the groupset.

[@mr.actiongal1017]

This is a all in one video! Very very informative!:)

[@b1lf435]

Dude, awesome video! Detailed, yet not droning on for ages. I've already watched a lot of your videos, but this one is just icing on the cake as I wanted a clear explanation of everything involved in converting a vintage Bianchi of mine. Still undecided if I want to take the plunge, but if I do, I'll be using this video! Thank you for all of your videos & hard work!

[@godfreytan1001]

This is so helpful. Much appreciated. The cable stops are just what I was looking for.

[@chuckdamage]

Please re title this video "Go ahead and Convert From Downtube Shifters To STI Shifters (Brifters) On Vintage Bikes." All kidding aside Thanks for the highly informative video. I think that I'm gonna go ahead and try this!

[@vivianpimenta8807]

Thanks, RJ, helped me in my 7x2 upgrade from Shimano A 050 to MicroShift shifters.

[@electronicexposure]

Yes! Definitely doing this for my diomandback centurion! This is exactly what I was hoping to find

[@jerryavalos9610]

I picked up a Schwinn Paramount frame (50th Anniversary) and decided to build a bike from it for my step son. I didn't want to spread the rear triangle so I kept it at 126mm for the current 7 speed hubs. RSX Brifters for 7 speed are getting difficult to find, so I went and got Shimano Tourney 7 speed Brifters. I have RSX on one of my bicycles, but found the Tourney shifters much more better operating shifters.

[@michael69040]

I just put stem shifters ($10 complete) on a '99 Trek 1220 because the brake combo shifters were failing. I ride only short (under a half mile) "errands" on flat terrain and perhaps use three sprocket settings. I also fired up a cassette player and couldn't believe how good the music sounded.

[@themondoone6316]

Thanks for the vid. I have been wanting to upgrade my old 12 speed and the information you provided answered my last questions on how to do it.

[@MrDanMan60]

A most excellent and proficient video! Thank you.

[@majospes85]

great video man...im going to do this next sunday but im going tu instal shimano st-a070 2x7 on my bike...thanks to you im sure it will works...thank you

[@michaelfulton8972]

Good video. "go ahead" was said 126 times

[@milesmoto1678]

Michael Fulton can we get a count on "just a hair"?

[@notnow101]

Hi just wanted to thank you for the tip on the barrel adjuster and brakes. That's where I have been going wrong for so long :)

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

You might alos like this other video I did on installing an inline barrel adjuster for the front derailleur which can be handy: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKu4maqajc9qrcU

[@notnow101]

Thanks :) great channel!

[@salentum]

Congratulations, video and fantastic professionalism. I will do this on my Girardengo of 1987.

[@biscuitgrenades]

Very informative for beginners and veterans alike. Thank you.

[@denysmclean3925]

Great video, very informative on what i can expect for my next step for my bike. (As my dog sleeps next to me while I watch this.)

[@halibut1249]

RJ, super vid. You always make it look easy and do it so quickly. Thanks.

[@allgoo19]

Replacement method of the inner routed cable housing is the most informative part for me. I have the Trek aluminum in the same color but the model number is 1400. I was thinking of replacing the rusty cable housing. I use a drop of Superglue at the end of the cable instead of a end cap. It looks much cleaner, glue binds the each wire together from inside(glue goes in by capillary action) and makes the cable re-usable without cutting in case it needs to be removed and re-install it. I Haven't had any problem with the method.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

You can get black ferrules which are cleaner looking.

[@allgoo19]

shyflirt1 "You can get black ferrules which are cleaner looking." == Maybe it is, compare to silver ones. You are comparing to something that you've never tried. And the end cap is not reusable, you have to cut it off each time to re-use it and that sometimes means becoming too short and have to buy a while length of cable. Try Superglue just once. You'll change your mind.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Oh, you are talking the about the crimp ends, not the ferrules. Yeah, they can only used once. You don't have to cut them off. Just squeeze where they are crimped at 180 degree rotation and they slide right. And they are cheap. Superglue would probably work fine. I'll probably stick with the crimp ends. I have a bottle of 500 of them. they are cheap and easy.

[@allgoo19]

shyflirt1 "I have a bottle of 500 of them. they are cheap and easy." == Buying the whole length of cable is not cheap.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

They are not expensive either. I can get them for a couple bucks at the LBS. Cheaper online if you buy a quantity. And usually the only time I remove the crimp end is when I am going to be replacing the cable anyway.

[@kimtorvs9547]

very nice!, I just got a classic frame because all the new frames except somw select few were actually good looking

[@andyk8721]

Thank you. About to upgrade my old steel bike and your video is very useful.

[@williamkterrell]

Excellent work! I have been looking for such an option, great job!

[@deanluttrell70]

Thank you! I actually have that exact bike, 90's Trek 1000 with the downtube shifters and was wondering what the process would be to convert. Very informative! Just don't take the video down in the next few months. ;-)

[@timothyokoth960]

The best review on a problem i strongly relate to. Please do one converting from a stem shifter ro sti if its possible. Thank you.

[@mouselink]

Excellent video. Concise yet thorough, and very clear.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Onyxaxe, 7 speed STI shifters will work with standard 7 speed freewheels, yes.

[@erickz583]

Hello RJ great video! I actually got a hold of a 1989 Trek 1000 and tried to convert it the way you did. However, I was not able to adjust the shifts to move up and down properly. I tied using a Shimano 105 derailed but it wasn’t working that great so I left the stock derailed. I also ordered some microShifters because the RSX shifters I was able to find did not work event after lubricating them. I am able to shift gears but it’s not at its best. Any advise?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

@@erickz583 I can't tell you without working on the bike. Keep working at the RSX shifters. The derailleur has to be compatible with the shifters. I switched to a Shimano RD because the Suntour RD is not compatible with Shimano shifters. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rn7ZdWSKadZ5Z6c kzbin.info/www/bejne/nailgquej81-pKc

[@irlrp]

For those like me that were wondering how to find the cable stops, they are sold on the ref Shimano STI cable stop, STI downtube shift-boss barrel stops, ... I found it around 14$ and 13eu

[@martinjohncameron]

Very comprehensive and clearly explained. Thank you very much.

[@davidbeuke6822]

Great video, where can I get all parts needed to change my 1990 bianchi?

[@chryco63]

Great video -- very informative and detailed! I have a Trek 1200, so this is perfect!

[@raffitchakmakjian]

@9:51 hi RJ, thanks for the great vids! I picked up an old Trek 1000 frame, very much like this one, a couple of years ago and I'm starting to put a plan together to turn it into a functional road bike with brifters. At 9:51 in your vid, your frame has those anchors welded onto the frame which you can attach an adapter to. On my frame, that spot is completely flush with the rest of the tube, however, there is a circle outline the size of the level shifter base and there is a hole in the middle, otherwise its completely flush. Is this normal or does it indicate some modification had been done? Thanks!

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

The trek 1000s I have seen either have mounts for downtube shifters, or cable stops for STI shifters, Maybe someone removed the shifter mounts. You can get clamp on cable stops.

[@hendrapratama5515]

There it is! Hopefully i can convert mine soon!

[@Arthur-ns4yh]

Your channel is so simple and yet so amazing, I'm impressed. Love your work man

[@cbas0086]

I was wondering if you would have footage from down stem gearing shifter and how to convert it into a modern style. Amazing videos, thank you for the great education!

[@TheForever1990]

Easy cleanup , came as described fast. Great product

[@Kinixys3]

Nice video. I have a 1990 Trek 1400 That I put some extra Ultegra 6500 9 speed parts on to convert to brifters (shifters, RD, crank). I kept the old 1055 series 105 FD because of the clamp size. It works well but the left brifter requires two full sweeps with my hand to go from the small to large chain ring. Weird. I can only guess that old FD requires more cable pull than the 6500 shifter is designed to provide. I also need to squeeze the seat-stays apart a bit when inserting the rear wheel because the wheel is 130 and the frame 126 spacing at the drop-outs.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Kinixys3 I upgraded my 1990 Trek 1000. I used a braze on adapter clamp for the FD and upgraded the FD with a braze on type FD.

[@nanoRat]

I have that EXACT bike in storage. I WILL update. Thanx 4 vid.

[@thejazz008]

this will save me some $$$ the next time I replace cable housing and brake levers. THANK YOU!

[@rolfmauthe8219]

Hallo Vielen Dank für Ihre Anleitung. Genau das, was ich gesucht habe. Zudem habe ich etwas englisch gelernt.

[@charleskass5657]

Great instructional video, But I have no idea what your doing at the handle bar to shift up & down. would have been nice to show that part.

[@newbierides]

Love this, I was wondering if this is possible, I have a 1990 bridgestone bike. Want to clean it up to ride.

[@laschell59]

Very good video. I just learned a few things about my bike. 1 I never knew why I have a black pipe on my axel. Now I know its for the stand.lol. I also have Revoshifting. Lord I am not sure I like it at all.

[@nunolouro1633]

Nice video! Simple, clear and very helpful. Thank you.

[@user-ku2bm6kw2k]

Love all your works...very passionated

[@jellyleggs1635]

thank you so much for the video. very informative. my bike has new life now :)

[@zakdk1]

9 speed STI w/7 speed cassette? The thing to do is called 8 of 9 on 7. You remove one cog from a 9 speed cassette, usually an 11t. the modified cassette fits your 7 speed hub and shifts with your 9 speed shifters

[@mikkowus]

I need more details on that... Exactly what I'm trying to do.

[@sleeks9939]

As much as you have tough me with your videos. I still would love for you to build a bike for me. 😂🤣 you rock sir. ✊

[@IrvinPiraman]

I am also restoring a vintage bike like this one. I want to keep most of the original parts but I replaced the group set with a Shimano 105 11-speed. I was able to get a Shimano 105 hubs for my old Araya 27 x 1-1/4 rims. My biggest concern here is the availability of the tires and tubes for the wheel set.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Irvin Piraman You could go to 700c wheels. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmbTnWOwp9F7mMk

[@david4719]

You should do a video when your upgrading a road bike from 2 to 3 cog on crank. It should explain all the changes u need to make if u go that route.

[@emmettroche313]

Hey RJ, have you ever seen micronew shifters. They are easier and cheaper to find than vintage 105 and sora. Maybe you could check them out.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

MircroShift?

[@emmettroche313]

RJ The Bike Guy yes same brand micronew is the latest version I do believe.

[@TheOttobre1969]

Probably in some other video you already answered to the follow question. Why don't you lube the cables, when in other parts you are obsessioned about the corrosion? I'm very impressed about your skill.

[@donnybigboy]

Fantastic video even if I have only just seen it. Has inspired me to mod my orig team banana with 501's. Thanks

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Lucas Patterson, then you need to buy some clamp on cable stops.

[@andrewlan1799]

Hi, I'm currently looking at a 1989 cannondale 3.0 which has downtube shifters. If I do buy this bike do I have to swap out the shimano 105 components on it to convert it?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

No. The 105 components are SIS compatible.

[@toppzillatv]

RJ The Bike Guy can the seatpost be removed or raise up a little?

[@KeesFluitman]

its a shame they are so expensive...

[@roman2374]

When I had my rear brake cable replaced at the local shop they just pulled it out of the frame and ran it below with cable ties, seeing how easy it is to replace housing tubes makes me even more mad about it 😅

[@EryPrihananto]

this is what i looking for. Thanks Man! I really enjoy and this very helpfull

[@gazzablackman]

Nice upgrade, transforms the bike

[@razvanducar]

Great video! Exactly what I was looking for! Thank you very much

[@rileysowner]

This is a great video. I am considering doing this on my Marushi Pro-lite. This makes me think it is possible.

[@ramonesfreak2010]

You have earned my subscription. Beautiful detail.

[@Condemn-Focus]

Very detail great job well done. Did enjoy the full video !

[@ircalf]

Noice! I was wondering how to route cables from handlebar shifters when the frame has the downtube shifter braze-ons. Your video was very helpful. Thanks.

[@jeff95173]

Tiago Augusto Santos I personally prefer to take the right cable to the left braze-on and the right cable to the left braze-on. The cable arcs are a little cleaner, and the look is a little more graceful. This does mean that the bare section of cable will need to cross under the downtube, but this is not a problem, as the contact is very light and will present virtually no friction ... certainly less than what they experience on the bottom bracket shell! It also requires that the cable stops you put on the braze-ons have to be fairly low so that the cables don't rub the downtube. This is usually the case, so probably not a problem. www.sheldonbrown.com/cables.html#routing (look for "Criss-Cross cables")

[@davidlaude2814]

May i ask what cable stopper do you have on the bottom bracket? Can you send a picture of that? Thank you so much also great video tutorial for classic roadbikes to have STI.