Just got the bike back. Here's how I've upgraded it:
- 60T front chainring. It's humongous. No 60T chainguard yet (they're like $50 and very rare). I expected the chainring to stick out a lot but it doesn't actually. It's quite close to the ground when folded now though: probably 1.5cm off the ground. So either I need to lengthen the Tikit's foot or take my chances. Note: I think you could theoretically go to 61T but that's it: otherwise when folded the chain will hit the underside of the frame.
- SRAM 11-32 in the back. With my 349-40 Scorchers, Sheldon says this comes to 31.7-92.1 gear inches. Gives me a good 12 or so more gear inches on top with no sacrifice on the bottom.
- New chain. Longer than a standard chain, so my store put together two chains with two master links. Don't know if I like that.
- SRAM X.7 short-throw rear derailleur.
- SRAM X.7 front grip shifter.
- Replacement cable housing.
- Koolstop salmons all around.
- I need to be able to rotate my wrists, but have decided against a North Road bar for now, and am sticking with my straight bar and some Serfas Stabilizer Bar ends.
- A pipe-type seatpost to accommodate my $1 Brooks-B72. Will see if I can stand it.
Of course, it's snowing big-time right now, so I don't expect to be able to *test* the configuration for a week at the earliest.
[EDIT] While I was in Rome, I also upgraded some parts, mostly for free. :-) Specifically:
- Shimano 105 cranks. Got rid of the junk machined-down triple-gear cranks BF puts on there, which snag the chain when it falls off to the inside and make it very hard to put back on. Makes a world of difference.
- Bianchi stem. Very slightly lighter. And free, what the heck.
- Aluminum mountain bike handlebar. Replaces the original BF one, which had gone clicky. But pretty straight; I may need something else.
What didn't get done: