Downtube shifters

I shall soon be needing some braze-on downtube shifters for a 753 frame that I'm building up. (The bike will be running with just a 5 or 6 speed freewheel).

I'd like some good quality shifters - I'm not bothered if they are indexed or not.

Unlike wheels or groupsets for example, I've always considered shifters to be 'much of a muchness' - but is that really the case ?

Can anyone recommend something suitable ? Are any more desirable than others ?

Does anyone have some that they'd like to sell ?

Ta v. much for any help and advice.

I have nice old type Campagnolo friction shifters, but without the washers and locking screws - only the levers. I need to move the inserts to another groupset.

They are in the top photo. I'm not sure where you can get the washers.

i believe you can still get dura ace downtube shifters in both 9 and 10 speed. i think they can be changed between indexed and friction, too. although maybe slight overkill if you're just using a 5 or 6 speed block at the back, haha.

Fruitbat had a complete set of Campags with all the bits for sale. Very nice condition.

You're right that friction shifters are pretty much interchangeable. Either choose some on looks or to match your groupset.

If your shifters are indexed the indexing needs to match the freewheel/cassette spacing.
I have no idea what is good/bad with other brands, but there are 3 types of Campagnolo indexed downtube shifters that I know of, all matching the C-Record era parts.
The first 'Synchro' indexed shifters are best avoided. You can recognise them by a big knurled wheel on the side. Synchro 2 are better but still not great.

Record RR replaced them and work perfectly. They also look the best. There is a washer with holes in to match either 7 or 8 speed blocks.

Personally, my favourite was Suntour. Anything with their power ratchet.

I've got a pair of barend shifters with them, but downtube ones were made.

Suntour superbe or indexed dura ace are my faves.

are suntour superbes indexed?

I have nice old type Campagnolo friction shifters, but without the washers and locking screws - only the levers. I need to move the inserts to another groupset.

They are in the top photo. I'm not sure where you can get the washers.

Ta for the offer, but I'm really looking for something complete.

Simplex/MAVIC retro friction levers are the best you can get.

Simplex/MAVIC retro friction levers are the best you can get.

From what I can see of your bike, it looks the same as mine - Ilkeston built Raleigh 753 ?

Not my Raleigh.

But I have the same levers on a Merckx and they are a joy to use.

I grew up near Ilkeston. Its not nice.

Also its pronounced. Ill'son. Serious.

Personally, my favourite was Suntour. Anything with their power ratchet.

I've got a pair of barend shifters with them, but downtube ones were made.

+1

Suntour Power Shifters ftw. They also come with raleigh instead of suntour written on the banding.

http://velobase.com/ViewSingleComponent.aspx?ID=39B0C9B8-10D7-4324-8BF4-F65ECA2D209A&Enum=104&AbsPos=4