Road Cycling - How much to change frames?

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nikos
07-21-02, 07:55 AM
Not seriously thinking yet of changing frames, but my Bianchi Talladaga is a 53cm and Im thinking a 55 might be a better fit for me. If I was to get a 55cm frame - lets say off ebay - with frame.fork, headset, seatpost. How much would it cost me at the local shop to swap frames, strip off the ultegra etc.. Or would it be better to sell the complete bike and go to another complete bike? Here is a link to a comparable frame that I might pick up.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1843914511

mechBgon
07-21-02, 08:31 AM
Hmm, interesting question on the cost. With the headset in place, swapping over the other components would fall between the realm of a tune-up and an overhaul, which in my area are $35 and ~$100 respectively, while in the Seattle area a tune-up is more like $50-$60.

In my area, I think it would end up being around $60-$70 labor. You're probably going to need longer brake housings, which means unwrapping the bar tape, and if it's adhesive-backed, chances are good it'll disintegrate upon removal, so factor in those costs. You can ask the LBS to re-use your old rear shift and brake wires as your new front ones, leaving you to buy one new shift and brake wire.
nikos
07-21-02, 08:39 AM
Could there be problems with installing an ultegrea 3 chain ring verses a two chain ring on certain frames? I just worry about poor performance issues in changing to a different size frame.

pokey
07-21-02, 09:27 AM
no problem with the ultegra triple as long as you use the correct BB and other necessary components.
roadbuzz
07-21-02, 07:12 PM
To elaborate on pokey's point a little, going from a double to a triple will likely require a different, longer BB, may require a different shifter (I'm not sure, maybe a shop wrench can help), but will also require a different rear derailleur (triple requires a long chain cage).
pokey
07-21-02, 09:04 PM
If his ultegra shifters are 9 speed they shift a double or triple.A long cage rear derailer is not a have to have with a triple.but using a short cage may mean there will be a few small cogs that are not usable in the granny due to chain wrap limitations.I triple front derailer is often needed,however.