Originally Posted by
wrk101
Every plastic Simplex FD I have come across is the last five years was cracked, usually somewhere in the clamp area. The RDs, while they have problems, seem to me more durable.
You nailed that one. The FD clamp is cracked. So is it worth trying to find a Simplex replacement online or should I replace the FD with something else? Are there FD's out there that will work with down tube shifters? My goal here is to make this bike look awesome and to be able to ride it around the neighborhood or to the store or pool so no group or long rides. It is a little small for me anyway.
Be gentle on me as I am a rookie at restoration. Wrenching skills on my other bikes consists of replacing chains and cassettes, tires, adjusting saddle height, etc. I have taken it to the shop for cable replacement. I am hoping too use this experience to learn and expand my skill set.