Originally Posted by Cankles

Trying to shoestring this rig. The 58 is measuring like it will be a great fit. I’d like a casual donut/coffee rig that has potential to rip a bit but I’m ok with it not being a personal record rig. Can always change my mind later.

thinking 1x7 44t or 46t crank with a 11-34 7 speed cassette. I think range will be plenty as I rarely shift to the smaller cog on my 50/34 x 11-32 11 speed. 46x11 is pretty fast gearing really. I cut my teeth on a 7speed with a 50/34 crank. Honestly I find the 11 speed gear spacing annoyingly tight (11-12-13-14-16-18-20-22-25-28-32). I kinda miss experiencing real change in gearing when I shift.

Will I be able to operate a modern 7sp RD, say a shimano tourney, if I get the original 6207 friction downtube shifter? I’m feeling that sticking with the 6207 helps with the threading and boss issue. I don’t have a RD currently but if there’s a better cheap answer than a new 7sp I’m all for it.