Originally Posted by
albrt
I agree with Richard and Ironfish about functional bicycles, although as Richard knows I prefer to replace gunky rapid shifters with friction thumbies on a basic transportation bike. But if the OP has any thought of flipping, I am seeing signs of the bottom falling out of the used bike market. These bikes are better for rebuilding than a lot of newer bikes, but better-than-zero resale value is not the same as profitable resale value.
we’ve been able to ‘revive’ low end Shimano Rapidfire shifters that sat for decades with WD-40 and/or Tri-Flo
Grip Shift shifters are a good option for a bike like this if the original shifters need to be replaced
Grip Shift
400 - 500 - 600 series 7 speed shifters ... 400 series are fairly easy to find and are inexpensive ... pair with Dia Compe brake levers that are also fairly easy to find and inexpensive ... Dia Compe 7 is one example
mid-90’s STX / STX RC stuff can be found in good shape for reasonable priced
also - new 7 speed Rapidfire replacement shifters are still available - one example :
Shimano ST-EF65-7 3 x 7 Speed Brake Shifter Combination Lever
just recently saw them on Amazon for $30 (including shipping)
not a fan of thumb shifters ... been there done that ... lol