Bike conversion question...am I crazy/stupid?
71
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318 days
dkhartung posted 14 weeks ago.
Whether or not this is a worthwhile activity probably depends on how badly you want that third bike to bang around in the winter! It's certainly not a major ordeal to swap out a crank and bottom bracket. I had a winter ride built up and used a fairly cheap FSA Gossamer Mega EXO Compact Crankset. It's not gonna generate any gear envy in transition, but it was all done for under $200. Of course, the new Zipp VumaQuad Crank is awfully sweet, but I wasn't willing to spend $600+ at the time to save 250 grams.
361
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499 days
jwillia852 posted 14 weeks ago.
Just for clarification: You have the Lemond roadie. You love it and prefer it be left alone. We should not consider this bike in the equation, other than you would prefer not to ride it in the winter months?
You also have a sweet new tri bike with an under-performing drivetrain which you would like to upgrade to a higher quality drivetrain?
You are not in the position to switch frames all together but would consider an inexpensive cx frame As a recipient? Just the frame?
Ok, if the above statements are true...
What about piecing together your new component set (I would imagine you're NOT buying it new?)
Then...
Remove current set and sell it outright via online classified (you may come closer to breaking even then you would imagine if you don't sell to your friends)
Then...
Explore the CX option separate - don't most guys opt for single speeds or at least single front chain ring?
Sounds fun!
Jeff
1091
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674 days
jsk85 posted 14 weeks ago.
jwillia852 wrote:
Just for clarification: You have the Lemond roadie. You love it and prefer it be left alone. We should not consider this bike in the equation, other than you would prefer not to ride it in the winter months?You also have a sweet new tri bike with an under-performing drivetrain which you would like to upgrade to a higher quality drivetrain?
You are not in the position to switch frames all together but would consider an inexpensive cx frame As a recipient? Just the frame?
Ok, if the above statements are true...
What about piecing together your new component set (I would imagine you're NOT buying it new?)
Then...
Remove current set and sell it outright via online classified (you may come closer to breaking even then you would imagine if you don't sell to your friends)
Then...
Explore the CX option separate - don't most guys opt for single speeds or at least single front chain ring?Sounds fun!
The tri bike is out of the equation...the roadie has the underperforming drivetrain, but I love the ride and want to upgrade the drivetrain...it's not that I don't want to ride the roadie in winter, but I don't want to commute with it (ie put racks on it, etc), nor do I want to attempt to use it for cross if I attempt that. I don't mind riding a bike with gears for my commuting as I live in a more suburban atmosphere. sorry for being unclear
thanks for the suggestions though.
351
Member
1054 days
Nobody posted 14 weeks ago.
So slowly replace the drivetrain on the roadie. Pretty soon you'll have a bunch of parts and no frame....then start looking for a cheap frame to bolt it all to. Set up some saved searches on ebay, bookmark bonktown and peruse Slowtwitch Classifieds every day.
Greatness is only achieved by those who perpetually raise the expectations of themselves to the point where it ruins their life.
434
Member
1163 days
fastdog5 posted 14 weeks ago.
Start looking for parts on ebay later in the Fall, when they aren't as hot of a commodity. You can get some real deals in late fall/winter.
Alright...I currently have an '05 LeMond Tourmalet (Aluminum frame w/ carbon seatpost/fork). It is my first/only road bike and I love it. I just this year bought a tri-bike, so am not in the financial situation to change frames even if I wanted to. However, it is equipped with a 105/Ultegra blend triple drivetrain that I've outgrown. What I have in mind is the following...
Remove current drivetrain and switch to a double...piece parting together either a SRAM or Shimano (Ultegra/DA) blend. I don't have the drivetrain yet obviously, but would wait until I had it in its entirety before removing the current triple.
Buy a cheap cross frame (ie Scattante, etc) and put the triple drivetrain on it. Use it for cross in the colder months or as a commuter...something I can beat up a bit.
Does this seem like a worthwhile activity? Or should I just stick with the current setup until I can save enough money to upgrade the frame as well...thoughts?
Also, what might I be overlooking that could lead to major headaches with this?