Newb

wareagle said:

Hi folks, new guy here. I'm very new to cycling and have a question about my bike. I got it from a friend who used it to start out, but I don't like the gear shifts on the bike. Instead of being mounted on the handle, they're on the lower bar...not sure what it's called. I've got a pic of a bike that's identical to mine, so I was wondering if it was possible to move the shifters to the handle bar. Like I said, I'm really new to the sport, so please forgive my ignorance, but all the help I can get will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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My guess is yes, but you'll have to buy new bars, shifter components, shifting lines, brake levers and lines.

Why not just save some cash and buy a new bike for around 1k?

I'm a newbie too, so can't give you a 100% answer.

hey,

those shifters are "old school", so like it makes it difficult in sprint or climbing situations to shift with those, if you noticed. I know some people who shift with there legs on those shifters, some also just go down everytime they need to shift.

If you get used to them, then thats cool...but its really hard.

If you like the frame, keep it and get new shifters. But if you think that you like the sport, and are going to stick with it, get a new road bike... you can get like a base model FELT bike for 600-700. That is the same price to buy a new set of components!

Hope that Helps...

There are several options. Getting a new bike has been suggested, but that is the most expensive. There are a variety of upgrade options by which you can modernize the bike somewhat. The ease and cost vary depending on exactly what you are starting with. For most of us who have been riding awhile, the good condition "old style" or "classic" bike is appreciated for what it is--a fine example of past technology--and ridden as such. Downtube shifters, which is what you show in the picture, was the standard for decades until the brake lever mounted shifter came into widespread use in the early 90's. Downtube still works well and has its advantages--ease of adjustment and light weight to name two. Based on what I can see in the picture, an upgrade for that bike would be costly and maybe not worth it. You would probably get a better value by buying a new or more recent model used bike.

Moving the shifters to the handlebars is possible, but probably not without significant expense. Without knowing exactly what your current components are, it is hard to say exactly what you need. If your bike is exactly like the one in the picture, you would probably need a lot of new components (derailleurs, shifters, cables/housing, cassette, chain, rear wheel) to start with. If it is the leaning over to shift that is the problem, you could get bar-end shifters that would work with the rest of your components. It wouldn't be totally modern, but would alleviate having to reach down to shift. You might consider taking the bike to a good local shop and discussing possibilities with them.

If the bike actually works well, I would ride it, learn to shift it and use it as it is. If you find that you really enjoy cycling, then consider investing in a more modern bike. Just make sure that the current bike is set up to fit you comfortably. No bike, regardless of price is fun to ride if it doesn't fit appropriately. That Peugeot is actually a pretty nice bike and many of us rode (and still ride) thousands of miles on similar bikes.

Thanks a million guys. I think I'm just going to ride some more and get used to what I have. I really don't have a lot of extra money to put towards the upgrades anyway. I'll definately try to find a local shop and make friends, as I'm sure it'd be good to talk to some folks from my area about what's going on around here. Thanks for the advice guys, I look forward to talking with you more.

wareagle said:

Hi folks, new guy here. I'm very new to cycling and have a question about my bike. I got it from a friend who used it to start out, but I don't like the gear shifts on the bike. Instead of being mounted on the handle, they're on the lower bar...not sure what it's called. I've got a pic of a bike that's identical to mine, so I was wondering if it was possible to move the shifters to the handle bar. Like I said, I'm really new to the sport, so please forgive my ignorance, but all the help I can get will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

pg.photos.yahoo.comdetailOpen ↗

What you have, are down tube shifters. It sounds like what ever you decide, the work will have to be done at a local bike shop and they can give you the best advice on what options are availible, starting at the lowest cost and going up to where it's not economical. If everything on your bike's drive train is in good shape and can use 9 speed road bike bar shifters/brakes, Campagnolo's Mirage 9 speed shifter/brake levers can be purchased for $90, including all new brake and shifter cables, plus installation. If more components are needed, because what you have is worn out and/or they will not work with these shifters, the cost will be higher. At a minimum, you ought to have a local bike shop tell you if there is anything worn out or out of adjustment, that is keeping your down tube shifters from working the way they were designed to do.