Should I try to change my bar tape & shifters myself? (scared newbie)

[lph]

Taping bars isn't hard, even if you're not real craftsy. I'm not either, but I did it on my first try without any trouble. Just pay attention to how you unwind it - snapping photos as you go can be a good idea, especially when you come to the bit around the shifters - and keep in mind that you want to reverse that.

I would go for doing the shifters yourself, as long as you know that you have shifters that are compatible*. Changing a shifter cable is easy, and adjusting the derailleurs afterwards isn't hard if all the parts involved are in good condition. The worst that can happen is that you route something wrong, it doesn't work, and you take it to your lbs for them to fix. It's really hard to break or ruin something unless you're working with corroded parts or go out to ride with something obviously set up completely wrong.

And it's soooo much fun to do it yourself! Take your time, ask questions if you get stuck, check out youtube, sheldon brown and Park Tool, and even if you have to give up you'll have learnt a lot about your bike.

*I don't know stem shifters, but I've switched and adjusted other shifters and it was def. among the easier things I've done.

eta: http://sheldonbrown.com/gloss_st-z.html#stemshifter
ok, now I know what stem shifters are, thanks to Sheldon Browns almost-but-not-quite-condescending article... |-)

[chincitop]

You girls always make me feel better when I'm all shaky! Thank you all for your encouragement, I think I'm definitely going to try this! I rode her today, only about 12 miles, and despite her age, the shifters are in great condition, but they are SUCH a pain in the ***. Particularly when I'm shifting up and I'm pulled down really low to the frame/bars. I either have to one hand reach under myself or sit up in order to shift, and it's obnoxious. I almost tipped today trying to do it

[Hartmame]

I taped my bars. I'm sure it is rough looking but it will work for this summer.