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06-08-12, 01:22 AM
After a many year hiatus from road biking brought about by career training/military service/over-employment/fatherhood and husband duties (no regrets)/other outdoor interests and other time issues combined with well-deserved fear of road rage by drivers of big pick-up trucks with over-sized side mirrors (I used to live and road-ride in Missouri!); I have decided to rebuild my 1999-vintage Al-framed Trek 'cross bike into a high-end commuter bike and start riding to work again (on a convenient bike trail).
Basically, I want to preserve the frame and replace the wheels including a dynamo hub and LED lighting system, totally upgrade the drive train, maybe replace the fork with a lighter weight carbon fork, etc. I like working on my own bikes myself but if you guys can recommend a bike technician in the Tacoma/Seattle area that could work with me on this I would appreciate the info. I moved to the Salish Sea area four years ago and haven't found anyone I want to work with yet. I've been to a few LBS in Tacoma but have been pretty disappointed. The guys I've talked to are mostly interested in selling me a new bike off the shelf instead of using what I have already as a starting point. There is nothing wrong with my frame so why start with a brand-new bike? Advice? Suggestions??
Basically, I want to preserve the frame and replace the wheels including a dynamo hub and LED lighting system, totally upgrade the drive train, maybe replace the fork with a lighter weight carbon fork, etc. I like working on my own bikes myself but if you guys can recommend a bike technician in the Tacoma/Seattle area that could work with me on this I would appreciate the info. I moved to the Salish Sea area four years ago and haven't found anyone I want to work with yet. I've been to a few LBS in Tacoma but have been pretty disappointed. The guys I've talked to are mostly interested in selling me a new bike off the shelf instead of using what I have already as a starting point. There is nothing wrong with my frame so why start with a brand-new bike? Advice? Suggestions??