Road Cycling - Upgrading

I've been riding my steel frame, 1987 Shogun 800 since it was new. It weighs about 21 lbs, I like the ride, handling etc, but I think it would be nice to have shifters at the brake levers instead of the downtube, indexed shifting, more and better configured gearing, you know, things I could get on a new bike, But, then it seems I'd be spending $1500.00 or so to get it. Is it really worth the bucks to buy new, or would spending less than half that bring me a reasonably close level of satisfaction? I'm talking parts only, I'd install it all myself.
Thanks,
Rich

Hi Rich,

Even if you were to replace the entire brake levers/capilers and shift levers for ergro/sti levers you will find that it will be aroudn $300-400 if you do the work yourself, as a opposed to buying a new bike. Now some things to think about are, will you need to change your drive train? most new sti/ergo shifters are 9 speed, if you have to change derailleurs and cassette, then you might think about going for a new bike, because it can then start costing up to $500-600. it comes down to if you want to spend the money or not, you will save a little by doing it yourself but it could also become a lot of work.

You certainly do not have to spend $1500 to better by a big margin what you have in that shogun.Take a look at the lower end stuff from KHS, Fuji, Jamis for bang for the buck.Lots of good used stuff around too for even better bang for the buck.You may as well plan on shifters,derailers,chain,cassette, REAR WHEEL. chainrings may be shot enough to just go ahead with a new crank,rather than replacing rings.No point in putting low end on it if you are spending the money as there is not that much saving anyway.Try www.abicibikes.com and about the lowest prices around for a 105 mini group wihch includes everything but hubs,HS and the rear wheel.

Thanks for the replies, maybe a used bike is a good way to go. There must be alot of guys trading up.
Rich

Yes, by all means consider a used bike, used late-model equipment, or last year's new "obsolete" equipment.


... or just keep your downtube levers ...

Originally posted by John E
... or just keep your downtube levers ...

you could be a retro junkie like some of us :)

Barends are the great comprimise.