Road Cycling - Replacing my frame

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baltazar
07-13-03, 08:50 PM
I want to replace the frame on my 12-year old commuter road bike (700c). My goals for doing this are:
1. to get a smaller size frame - the existing frame is a little big
2. to be able to put wider tires on it - at the moment, I can't fit tires wider than a 23.

I could pick up an old 27" road frame, but I understand that the brakes would need to be replaced with long reach calipers or I would need to get/rig drop bolts in order for my existing brakes to reach the 700c wheels. I'm not too crazy about the drop bolts not knowing how the brakes would perform, so here are my options as I see it:
1. Get a 27" wheel frame (~$25) and long reach brakes (~$50 ?). Total cost: ~ $75.
2. Get a 700c frame (I've seen some at ebay for around $120) and use my existing brakes. Total cost: ~ $120.

I've also seen old MTB frames that has holes on the frame and fork that looks like it would fit my existing brakes. Is this another option?

I'd be interested to hear what your recommendations would be.

Kev
07-13-03, 09:10 PM
Okie I would not go with a 27" frame because of the brake issue, and most 27" bikes would be older then your current frame or low end bikes (this is a generalization I admit). MTB frames are designed for 26 inch wheels so that would be a problem if you want to stick with 700C tires.

Other factors you might need a new Front Derailleur if wrong size. How many speeds is your current bike 6-7-8... if 6 speed dropout is 126mm if higher it is 130mm this might be a factor. Do you use DownTube shifters? If so not all frames support these (if braze on).. Current bike is probably threadless fork and stem.. Now if current fork is correct steerer length could put threadless headset in it no problem. Otherwise looking at new fork and most current ones are threadless.. Also if old fork is threaded it is 1" and most newer bikes have 1 1/8" so that means new stem.. and possibly new handlebars since the width of handlebars used to be 25.4 and now you either see 26 sometimes 31.8. Also bottom bracket might be different size.. 68 or 73..

Okie now all that said I would do it :) Also you can check out your local newspaper.. garage sales.. thrift stores.. for a suitable bike.. components might be bad shape but if frame is good you are good to go. Supergo has some good sales on frames at times.. also can check out nashbar.. cambriabike.. also chucksbikes has some decent frames on closeout at times.