Buying a secondhand groupset advice needed.

[Holio cornolio]

I'm 40 next year, so to celebrate the milestone, I've decided to build the kind of bike I always wanted to have, when I was too young/stupid to afford/save for something worth having. I spent my youth, bombing around on a 23" frame Raleigh pursuit that my parents hoped I would grow into. I never did. Should have got the 21.5 inch frame! Anyhow I always wanted something with indexed gears, but as time has moved on, and technology with it, I've never really caught up. I can't get on with modern integrated brake and gear shifters, and crave something with downtube shifters. Having perused ebay, I've concluded that there's plenty of 80's and 90's group sets still out there, that fit my brief well, but obviously these days nothing has less than 8 gears on the back, so how do I go about kitting myself out with a good quality groupset, that will work with an up to date wheelset?
Any pointers or advice you can give? What are the pitfalls. I realise that this is a real noob type question, but that's what I am.

 

[martint235]

Sorry this may or not be helpful but why wouldn't a down tube shifter work with say a 105 groupset? By not having modern shifters, you're only removing the indexing element of shifting aren't you?

 

[Kestevan]

If you really, really want downtube shifters they're still available - indexed as well.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shimano-dura-ace-7900-10sp-down-tube-shifters/rp-prod34336

Should happily drive a modern 10 speed setup whilst still harking back to the dark ages

 

[Holio cornolio]

Excellent. Thanks for that. I wasn't sure an older 7 speed rear derailleur would have enough range of movement to cover 8,9 or 10 cogs, and obviously an old 105 shifter would be indexed for 7 gears, so I'd have to use it friction rather than indexed (not the end of the world). But it's good to know that downtube shifters are still available, that opens my options a bit. A lot to be said for the dark ages you know :-)
Out of interest though, I never felt that my pursuit with 10 gears (5 back, 2 front) didn't have enough cogs, so if I went for an antique 7 speed set up, could I bung that on a modern hub (with spacers)?

 

[GrumpyGregry]

If you really, really want downtube shifters they're still available - indexed as well.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shimano-dura-ace-7900-10sp-down-tube-shifters/rp-prod34336

Should happily drive a modern 10 speed setup whilst still harking back to the dark ages

^ this.

 

[fossyant]

There is plenty of Shimano 8 speed kit out there. There are new indexed downtube shifters available. Brand new as these are still made.

The only issue there is, Dura Ace 7400 series kit will only work with 7400 series due to pull on the shifter. But period Ultegra and 105 can work with 8,9 and 10.

The other issue might be cost, as I know the Dura Ace 7400 kit I have is expensive second hand. Very expensive. I get my uniglide sprockets from the States. Got enough spares for now. My 8 speed runs 9 speed Dura Ace chains nicely, so I can keep it all Dura Ace.

There are ways round it though. I just upgraded my early Ultegra equipped bike from 7 to 8 speed by getting new Shimano 8 speed down tube shifters. Dead simple.

You just need to look round for well cared for period kit. Things like jockey wheels can be changed. I've managed to get some nice period XT kit for my 90's MTB.

 

[fossyant]

So long as the parts are 8 speed and above but not 7400' then they will work with 9 and 10 speed.

 

[fossyant]

Oh and Stronglight do some great chain rings. Cheap ones and fancy ones.

 

[Alex McCarthy]

Hi Holio cornolio, I am doing exactly the opposite right now, upgrading my 7 speed cassette with downtube shifters for a whole new groupset with brifters!
If I can get my old parts off the lbs that is doing the upgrade, your more than welcome to the cassette as the other parts are a little rusty. You could use it as a trial run? Pm me if interested

Alex

 

[Holio cornolio]

That's really generous of you Alex. I'm thinking about a 9 or 10 speed set up at the mo, because it looks like it's much easier to get parts for. But thanks.