Bicycle Mechanics - Upgrade or Sell

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hank2230
03-07-04, 11:27 AM
I have a '03 Raleigh SC7 MB 7 speed. I bought this bike knowing nothing about bikes, it has about 4-500 miles on it. I have recently purchased a new LeMond Zurich 3 ring chainring.
I am a little more knowledgable about bikes now (but not much) and I am wondering about upgrading the Raleigh to a 2 or 3 ring, if is even possible or practical.
My other option might be to simply sell it and buy a higher geared MB. I like the MB but it is a bear to get any speed out of.
Any thoughts on cost of upgrading to a 2 or 3 ring chainring and is it even possible if not practical. Thanks.

Retro Grouch
03-07-04, 04:34 PM
I have a '03 Raleigh SC7 MB 7 speed. I bought this bike knowing nothing about bikes, it has about 4-500 miles on it. I have recently purchased a new LeMond Zurich 3 ring chainring.
I am a little more knowledgable about bikes now (but not much) and I am wondering about upgrading the Raleigh to a 2 or 3 ring, if is even possible or practical.
My other option might be to simply sell it and buy a higher geared MB. I like the MB but it is a bear to get any speed out of.
Any thoughts on cost of upgrading to a 2 or 3 ring chainring and is it even possible if not practical. Thanks.

Most equipment upgrades don't make economic sense. If your bike wasn't designed to have a front derailleur, you're probably getting in over your head trying to work out the details of the cable routing. If you're thinking of paying somebody else to do it, chances are the more confident they sound the less likely they've ever done it before.
hank2230
03-08-04, 01:16 PM
Thank you R. G. Your response sounds like a Sell.

a2psyklnut
03-08-04, 01:28 PM
Upgrading from a 7-speed just doesn't make economic sense. Unless the bike has significant sentimental value, I'd buy new!

i.e, to upgrade to 9-speed, you'll need, new shifters, new derailleurs, new cassette, new freehub and redished wheels or new wheelset, new chain, new chainrings (or new cranks w/new rings). If you've got integrated shifter/brake levers, figure on getting new brakes/levers as well.

For this much money, you can find a good deal on a new bike!

Keep the Raleigh as a beater/neighborhood/spare bike or even make it into a singlespeed.

L8R