Kind of similar to this question (sorry for the repetition).
I have an old (beloved) specialized A1 with Shimano RSX shifters. They periodically suffer from this problem where they stop shifting. I'm getting a bit frustrated with periodically having to disassemble or flush out with solvent. So I'd like to treat myself to some brand new, preferably with internal cabling.
Does anyone know if there are shifters with internal gear cabling for 3x7? I've googled around a bit but didn't find anything.
It's a hack, but you can do this with the current Claris ST-2400 3x8 levers using an alternate cable mounting position on many "classic" shaped Shimano rear derailleurs. (Make sure whatever you're buying says 3x8.)
Sheldon Brown goes into this briefly here. It tends to work fine in this combination (8-speed shifters on 7-speed.)
Note that all shift-housings-under-the-tape STI levers use the Super SLR brake cable pull standard. They pull slightly more cable and so if you hook them up to calipers not intended for them, the mechanical advantage will be skewed such that it feels firmer but is less powerful. It's not generally a dealbreaker and there are a lot of bikes in the world set up like this, but it is noticeable and I've seen the results be mediocre enough that I tend to avoid it when I can.
9-speed Campagnolo shifters pull very close to the same amount of cable per shift as 7-speed Shimano and has cables routed under handlebar tape. They haven't been made in years, though, so you have to find used or NOS.
For front shifting, all Campagnolo front shifters except Xenon were non-indexed during 9-speed era so compatibility is not an issue.
