bananabacon

I'll jump right in it. I'm still in the gathering bits and pieces of information stage but this is a crossroads that I'm having a real tough time swallowing.

Its an early 90's Spec Epic. straight shot. I'm stubborn and want to rebuild it. truth. I'm here in this gathering place to try to put more pieces together. I'm just looking for open ended and honest opinions on what to do with this classic.
Some say hang it up
Others say its garbage
some say it'll last another 20 years

me: I have absolutely no experience nor enough saddle time to confidently make a decisions. So what does one do? I guess attempt to gather opinions and try put everything together.

there isn't a lot of galvanic corrosion. and the parts are indeed in need of Tuning.
My novice idea
install an updated crankset
dish and true a new rear wheel for 9 speed
get the matching 9 speed set cassette
update the aluminum fork with a carbon.
essentially its an over haul. taking an old frame and updating it with modern parts.
the end conclusion. Would it be better to passionately pursue what I'm thinking. Or to invest in a new modern bike all together. Where my brain looses insight and knowledge. I'm really confused as to what I am gaining by getting a new modern bike all together. Or what I will have after an old frame is updated with arguments sake, modern Shimano 105/Ultegra components, Mavic open rims, new carbon fork of some nature, some sort of compliment STI Shifters.

Any input is appreciated. Personally my LBS gave their 2 cents with no filter and I had to limp walk out the door (bruised ego) so go ahead. its nothing I haven't heard yet. I'm notorious for learning the hard way.

Thank you all
Bacon

BigJeff

That is a horrible horrible idea. You, sir, wish to throw good money at a bad idea.

Pray that your other life choices are not as bad.

dtrain

Doesn't sound worth the investment. Maybe if it were really close and just needed a derailleur or hub servicing. Now a nice steel frameset of that generation...

bananabacon

That's the part I don't get.
Why would a steel frame be much better then this Carbon.
I understand that with computers things change and become obsolete as soon as they hit the market. Yet with something like a 1960's Stratocaster being rebuilt plays better then a new guitar (sometimes).


To my knowledge its carbon with alloy lugs. Its light. And yes it is on the absorbent side. Urgh. I do not wish to protest against wise words. But there is obviously something fowl that my head is not processing!!

rpenmanparker 

Early glued carbon/aluminum frames were a novelty but not a very good ride. Time to put this relic out of your misery. This is the Astrodome of bike frames.

datlas 

As much as it pains me, I agree with the pen-man 100%.

rpenmanparker 

Aw shucks! You'll get over it. BTW see the edit I made on my previous post.

rms13

+1

Carbon was a fairly new concept for frames at that time and with a lot new technology, the kinks haven't been worked out in version 1.0

I'm not fully clear what is wrong with the bike from original post, if anything. Do you need to replace all these parts or you just want to?

dtrain

Carbon has come a long, long ways. They don't make 'em like this anymore - and for very good reasons.

Steel frames of that era aren't cutting edge either...but they aren't light years behind steel frames produced today. And they have a cult following, closer to your Stratocaster analogy (according to some).

dnslater

Make sure you check the frame carefully for cracks and hope it wasn't stored in the sun. As others said, carbon fiber has come a tremendously long way in 20 years. Likely not much advantage of this over a vintage steel or Al frame.

Willbird

More the Pontiac Silverdome of bike frames :-)

nitewing117

The way carbon is manufactured nowadays is years ahead, especially knowing how to modify its stiffness or flexibility by orienting weaves, fiber thickness, etc. Just like computers, that old technology isn't worth the money.

Trakhak

Yes, carbon fiber technology has improved over the years. So what? The carbon Epics of that era, what with having only barely oversized frame tubes, ride very much like the high-end steel frames of that era, if you like that sort of thing.

The only argument against doing the upgrades per your list is that you'll be unlikely to get anything like the money you put into it if and when you decide to sell it. So it might be worth totaling the prices of all the upgrade parts, adding at least 25% to that to cover unforeseen setbacks, and comparing that to the cost of some available modern alternatives.

TobinH

In general I like old bikes, and for most purposes there's not so much difference. In this particular case...there are certain safety considerations. This is a frameset that can fail in a variety of ways, some fairly unique, and any of which can lead to an accident. I do not recommend riding a frameset like this.

rms13

No, the argument most are making is that the glue used to attach the carbon tubes to the aluminum lugs is prone to failure.

bananabacon

As of now I will be trying to part with the old horse as I would much rather work with something that will yield a positive outcome.
With that said. Does anyone recommend a bike frame that is worthy of a project? Like the Specialized Allez. Just a much newer one. Any years pr generations pose limitations? Any advice is appreciated.

Also if anyone is looking to pick the one I have up. Send me a message.

dtrain

If you are starting over from scratch (no modern frameset, group, or wheels), I'd suggest buying a lightly-used complete bike.

bananabacon

Any suggestions?
many highly recommend the Specialized Allez

TobinH

You've just asked 'what sort of frame should I buy'. You're not going to get a useful answer to that question. You need to decide what sort of frame you would like, and what sort of price range you are willing to spend. With that information, someone can help you.

bananabacon

Something that is aggressive and quick on acceleration. can climb hills as I live in a hilly area. saddle comfort can be sacrificed some what as the idea is to train.
lastly something that will take the weight of 200+ pounds.
What other details am I leaving out?

Elvo

Madone 9 Series

TobinH

I think you've just described every road bike made within the last few decades. Now decide on your budget, and whether you want to put on fenders. You'll probably want larger tires, 28mm would be a good choice for you.

bananabacon

Yikes
Maybe after years of rigorous training and actual submersion in all things bikes.
I'd be looking at the range of $400-700 if that helps.

WalksOn2Wheels

I would rebuild it, put some Rivendell stickers on it and send pictures to Grant Petersen.

bananabacon

The Epic came with 20mm tires on Woobler GTX rims. to be honest I completely miss the feel of the 20mms.
23mm are on it now with a random bontrager race lite in the front. and the acceleration was the first thing I immediately noticed. I've missed the 20mm since. But there is no way to get that?