DrGeorge

I have been exploring options to add a front derailleur and crank-rings to a 7-speed Giant Suede so that I can have more speed options. Right now I find myself riding mostly in 7th gear with a top speed of about 15 mph on a relatively flat road. My 61 yr old legs cannot pump much faster, but I have plenty of power.

The big problem with what is normally a fairly easy change is the crank-forward design that has the seat post about 6 inches behind the bottom bracket leaving no place to mount the derailleur. I looked into changing the rear hub to a S-Ram 3-speed w/8 gear cassette, but that costs about as much as a new bike. Has anyone had any experience or thoughts about using a bottom-bracket mount front derailleur on this bike?

Al1943

You would probably enjoy a new multi-speed road bike.

DrGeorge

I considered that option and borrowed a road bike for several days from a friend when I was in Chicago visiting and riding with my son...it was fun. But, my arthritic knees did not agree with the position of the crank. The crank forward design on the Giant Suede, as slight as it is, is really easy on my knees. I have been able to ride for hours without pain on the Suede, but after one hour and 20 miles on the road bike I had to ice them. Maybe I ought to try it again to be sure.

Sci-Fi

If possible, why not change the chainring to a 46t or larger. Looks like there's plenty of clearance. 42t is what you have now. Need to either buy a new chain or add links.

Or if you can find an 11-34 or 11-28 Shimano freewheel in stock somewhere, that'll give you all the top end you need.

DrGeorge

I had not thought of changing the freewheel. The next question would be whether the 8 speed will fit and also probably having to change the 7 speed shifter.

Sci-Fi

If you are going to do that, might as well dump the freewheel setup and upgrade all the way. Buy a new wheelset and go with a 9-speed or 10-speed cassette.
https://www.pricepoint.com/detail/132...-Lite-Rims.htm

Plenty of 9-10 speed cassette gearing choices and price ranges to fit your budget. Rapid fire or twist shifters should be easy to find.

An 11t cog will get you close to 100 gear inches with your 42t chainring, which should be more than enough to go fast on the flats.

DrGeorge

Thanks! Stopped in at a new LBS that opened last week. It is 8 miles closer to me than my current shop and in the same strip mall as the supermarket we use. That was his advice as well.....guess that is the direction I will be going.

DieselDan

most cost effective upgrade will be a larger chain ring. Freewheels only go to a 14 tooth. To upgrade to 8 speed will require a new wheel and shifter.

DrGeorge

My LBS installed a new 7-speed cassette going from a 14-34 to an 11-34. I essentially lost my old 4th gear. I picked up almost 5 mph on level roads & trails to 20 mph and increased my average speed by 2 mph. This speeds up my commute and allows me to do greater distances during my bike-trail rides. When I get the funds I plan to install an SRam dual drive hub to give me evn greater flexibilty.