Originally Posted by
TugaDude
The point about the OPs roads suddenly getting better might be construed as snarky, but it actually should cause him to think. The presentation might have been a little abrasive, but the point is roads are roads and no matter what bike you are riding the roads are the same.
I'll go with abrasive rather than negative - I do prefer a gentler approach (which is why I go to the 50+ forum)
Lots of options. Personally, I would keep your 12 speed a 12 speed. I think you'd end up spending more money converting it than it would ultimately be worth. I'd go the Bikes Direct route before that. Saw some decent ones on there the other day for around $275.00. Not bad for entry level.
I agree with this with one caveat - does he want the cheapest option or the most satisfying and if the latter, where does that satisfaction come from?
I personally spend more on bikes than I strictly need to, because I get the satisfaction from building and then using the built product. I'd rather spend a bit more and get a good part rather than go for the cheapest. If I was him, I'd convert the 12 speed and be completely unconcerned that I could have bought a new bike for the same or less. Mind you, my needs/preferences usually can't be met by the cycling industry anyway, so any new bike will get modified (I'm not one to sit back and put up with compromises).
Richard