Originally Posted by
dyander
I'm trying to decide if I should turn the bike I have into the ride I want, or whether I should be in the hunt for the right frame.
My local terrain is steep and the best roads are rough or dirt, I'm not a mountain biker and don't go off road, but I lke to get off the well traveled roads. I need a sturdy long wheelbase stable ride to build up with a wide gear range and some cush tires. This bike will take some road abuse.
This Paramount found me
Attachment 153883
Here's the direction I'm going
Attachment 153881
I love the way it rides and I am tempted to continue to upgrade for this purpose, pedals, saddle, some serious brakes and hit the gravel. On the other hand the bike has obvious collector appeal (though the paint is pretty rough) and the beater treatment will send it down the slippery slope to no return.
Do I go for it or hold out for more of a cyclocross type frame?
Keep that bike for when you want to ride on the road and spend $150 on a late 80s early 90s hybrid. Add drop bars and brifters (if you like) and you are good to go.