lemondzurich

Hi folks,

A while back you all were super helpful in identifying my new (used) Lemond Zurich:
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/341026-anyone-know-what-year-lemond-zurich.html

Now, I'd like to ask your opinion on what you would upgrade. To get you up to speed, it's a 1997 Lemond Zurich with older (7403) Dura-Ace (8-speed) components. Other notables are a Selle Italia Flite saddle, 3T stem and bars, and ceramic rims with Continental Gatorskins.

To tell you the truth, I don't really feel like anything "needs" upgrading, but being the typical tinkerer, I feel the itch to do something. Apologize if this is a stupid question being a noob, but hey, if you're like me, you probably enjoy telling people how to spend their money.

Thanks!

waterrockets 

Well, you could go for the gruppo... that's a big jump, but the frame is deserving.

s4one

Treat yourself and get a new bike, you only live once right? AHhaa

gapowermike

I've got a Zurich as well. It's my only steel bike and I've loaned it to a friend. I've only ridden it once but it is a beauty. I wouldn't mess with the DA group. New wheelsets give a nice pop....or you could cash in that Garmin 305 bundle rebate...

Good Luck -- post a pic of your bike next time.

Michael

johnny99

Upgrade parts that help make the bike fit you better (stem, handlebar, saddle, gearing). Also, if your bike has not been well maintained over those 10 years, think about replacing parts that are worn out (tires, brake pads, chain, cassette, cables). Then upgrade the engine before you upgrade anything else.

lemondzurich

Here's a pic of the bike:



I just got it tuned up and everything works perfectly. The brake pads needed to be replaced but the mech said everything else was in good working order. I have been eyeing the Garmin Forerunner 305 so that might be a good purchase although not technically part of the bike per se. Wheel set would be cool too since I really like the aesthetics of the ksyriums but I don't think I'm willing to fork over that much cash given the ones I have now are just fine.

Any thoughts as to what might help in terms of preparing for and riding a century? I've run marathons and such before and obviously want to "upgrade" the engine. But I didn't know if there was anything that would be particularly useful given that end goal? Probably the best thing for me to do is to get off the computer and go ride!

gapowermike

OMG. I think I have the same frame. I'll have to take a picture of it the next time I hook up with the coworker that's borrowing it. I bought the frame on ebay for ~200. Stuck the Sora group from my Trek1000 and a new BG Alias, Ultegra SPD's, Bonty RaceLites and it rides super nice. I got to ride it about a mile and it doesn't accelerate like my 5500 but man is it solid. It's not nearly as pristine as yours but I'm thinking I need to swap out the 1000 on the loan. I couldn't believe how nice the sora group shifted -- the LBS really dialed it in. Anywho, great bike.

Michael

ridethecliche

That's a beautiful bike.

If it shifts fine and the cassette works for you, then don't do anything for it. Get the edge if you want it, but if it ain't broke, then don't try to fix it. 8 speed cassette's aren't that hard to find. Save the money for another bike down the road.

craign04

campy

ggg300

wheels

80vette

Nice bike. Upgrade the wheels.

yellowjeep

build the wheels, if you like to tinker, its very satisfying.

or trade me that bike for a full box of parts and a Cannodale frame and fork. that should keep you busy for a while

666

Engine

marqueemoon

Some traditional bend bars maybe? I dunno. It looks just about perfect to me.

lemondzurich

The bike is in good condition especially given it's age. It's not quite as pretty as it is in the picture... studio lights will do that, but I have to say I'm pretty happy with the aesthetics of the bike as a whole. Big fan of the faded dark blue to light blue with the yellow lettering.

Sounds like a lot of folks think wheels would be a good upgrade... I'll have to look into that.

Yellowjeep - any suggestions for a mechanically inclined person looking to try their hand at building a set of wheels?

volleybrad

Spend your money on some Assos FI Mille bibs. That will help you with your century.