Introductions - Upgrades to shave weight off my '87 Fuji Absolute?

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Yonaise
05-11-09, 05:12 PM
Hello everyone. Sorry, I guess I was so anxious to get my questions and first post out there that I didn't introduce myself... and I put it in the wrong forum... oops. Well, I'm pretty new to all of this, forums, bikes, etc. My relationship with bikes previously had always been utilitarian and I guess it still is really, but I've discovered a new love for a new (used) bike. And, I've finally started trying my hand at repairs rather than going straight to the LBS. I'm lucky to be living in Minneapolis MN, a city that is ripe with bike culture and love. Speaking of, pretty quick here, I'll be on the MPLS Bike Love forums as well. I'm 28, and if you're familiar with the Twin Cities, I'm in Uptown. Previously I was riding a Raleigh Summit, which I blame for my lack of enthusiasm until now. And that's about that... I'm leaving the original post below, so if you get a chance I would sure appreciate some input, but will also be reposting it in the commuting forums.



Newbie here, just wanted to get some suggestions on taking some wieght off the new, used, Fuji Absolute that I just bought. Really, it's my first road bike and I'm using it primarily for commuting. I bought it on craigslist for $40, have pretty well restored it from the rough condition it was in, and would now like to start upgrading it. I'm really growing pretty fond of it... so, if I'm going to keep it, and not just turn it around, where should I start to make this bike lighter? New rims seems like the obvious choice, but I'm just not very sure. Links to the original specs and some pics of my own below.

http://classicfuji.com/1987_20_Absolute&AbsoluteMixte_Page.htm

http://www2.snapfish.com/slideshow/AlbumID=512007022/PictureID=12720925022/a=545915022_545915022/otsc=SHR/otsi=SPIClink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish

http://www2.snapfish.com/slideshow/AlbumID=512007022/PictureID=12720925022/a=545915022_545915022/otsc=SHR/otsi=SPIClink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish


Thanks!!

RonH
05-12-09, 07:10 AM
Welcome to BF. This is the Introductions forum.

If you're using the bike for commuting primarily, ask the folks in the Commuting forum about upgrades. They've been there.
gurry
05-12-09, 08:39 AM
A road bike is the most efficient means of personal transportation. Shaving weight off one's stead can cost a lot. By the pictures you posted, that ride seems to be an entry level bike. Not a good candidate for pumping money into. Weighing in at 29 lbs., You'll be chasing good money after bad.
If you are determind to go ahead, take a magnet to see what parts you can replace with alloy (aluminium). It says the seatpost is steel, and the handlebar is only alloy in the middle. For an idea of component weights, google weight weenies for the weight of some stuff.