Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.AlanK
06-01-04, 05:50 PM
I'm in the process of modifying my Trek XO cyclocross bike for light touring. The frame is new (Trek replaced it after the fork broke), but the components are almost 4 years old, and some are getting pretty worn. Right now, it has the stock Sora components, but during the winter the wheels wore out, so I replaced them with Shimano 105 wheels. I have Specialized Nimbus Armadillo 700x38 tires, which are a little firm, but practically industructable. I'll still be using the bike as my primary means of transportation. Here are the changes I'm in the process of making or thinking about making:
Rear deraullier and cassette: The deraullier (sp) and cassette are almost worn out, so I plan to replace them with 9-speed Deore. The stock rear cassette is geared to high for touring, and here in Seattle some of the hills are murderous, so I want some lower gears anyway.
Cranks: I was thinking about replacing the Sora crankset with 105 or ultegra if I can find them for a reasonable price. Will this make a huge difference? I probably won't make this change if it will be too costly. The Sora cranks aren't the best, but they work fine and cranks usually last many, many years. Since I won't be doing any loaded touring, an LX or other small crankset isn't necessary and would make the gearing too low.
Brakes and Shifters: I'll switch the integrated flight deck system with barcon shifters and seperated brake levers. Bar-end shifters are more simple, reliable and easier to maintain than STI shifters. The current shifters are getting pretty worn anyway, so this seems like a functional change to make.
Any thoughts, or suggestions? Let's discuss...
Rear deraullier and cassette: The deraullier (sp) and cassette are almost worn out, so I plan to replace them with 9-speed Deore. The stock rear cassette is geared to high for touring, and here in Seattle some of the hills are murderous, so I want some lower gears anyway.
Cranks: I was thinking about replacing the Sora crankset with 105 or ultegra if I can find them for a reasonable price. Will this make a huge difference? I probably won't make this change if it will be too costly. The Sora cranks aren't the best, but they work fine and cranks usually last many, many years. Since I won't be doing any loaded touring, an LX or other small crankset isn't necessary and would make the gearing too low.
Brakes and Shifters: I'll switch the integrated flight deck system with barcon shifters and seperated brake levers. Bar-end shifters are more simple, reliable and easier to maintain than STI shifters. The current shifters are getting pretty worn anyway, so this seems like a functional change to make.
Any thoughts, or suggestions? Let's discuss...