Converting an '82 Lotus to 'cross.
09-23-09, 08:11 PM
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Converting an '82 Lotus to 'cross.
So I have a mountain bike. A carbon road bike. And then the ol' Lotus which I use to commute to and from school. After school I go home, switch to the Giant road bike, and head off to work at the bike shop. Obviously, working at a shop, I have an advantage for cost.
Anyways, looking for the cheapest/decent way to convert to a cross bike. I can get some cheapo kenda tires for about $10 each. I'll do that. Now, currently, it is a 6 x 2 speed with stem shifters. Old suntour components. Has non-functional RSX shifter/brakes, which only are used as brakes so I can ride on the hoods.
Here's what I would like:
New drivetrain, keep crank.
New tires.
That's it.
Now as everyone knows, a new drivetrain with STI/Doubletap/Ergo is not cheap. I could do Sora, which would be the cheap way out, but still fairly expensive. I would have to get a new rear wheel. There IS a 9 speed freewheel, now, but I would assume its junk. (Made by falcon I believe?)
Anyway, on a very limited budget (I'm 16, paying off the Giant, and putting money away for college), what is the best way to go about doing this?
Anyways, looking for the cheapest/decent way to convert to a cross bike. I can get some cheapo kenda tires for about $10 each. I'll do that. Now, currently, it is a 6 x 2 speed with stem shifters. Old suntour components. Has non-functional RSX shifter/brakes, which only are used as brakes so I can ride on the hoods.
Here's what I would like:
New drivetrain, keep crank.
New tires.
That's it.
Now as everyone knows, a new drivetrain with STI/Doubletap/Ergo is not cheap. I could do Sora, which would be the cheap way out, but still fairly expensive. I would have to get a new rear wheel. There IS a 9 speed freewheel, now, but I would assume its junk. (Made by falcon I believe?)
Anyway, on a very limited budget (I'm 16, paying off the Giant, and putting money away for college), what is the best way to go about doing this?
09-23-09, 08:30 PM
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You could go even lower on the Shimano food chain and get 2200 brifters. You'd then be getting 8sp cassette and chain which are also cheaper (and stronger)...
...of course the cheapest way to convert it for cross is to go single speed...
...of course the cheapest way to convert it for cross is to go single speed...
09-23-09, 08:51 PM
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I don't want a single speed. I'd still be commuting to school on it, and it's completely uphill. 2200 is cheaper, though, even on a cheap build, not sure I'd want it.
09-23-09, 09:59 PM
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I would make sure you can get clearance with the tires first
you can use barcons for shifting
you can use barcons for shifting
09-27-09, 12:39 PM
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I'd stay with the current wheels and find some friction bar end shifters like the Rivendell/Dia Compe ones. But make sure the tyres will fit first otherwise you'll be wasting your time 
