thanks

i think thats a good idea to go to the LBS and get them to remove the seized rings and ride with just one in front until i can get a 48 and maybe 38

@Retro Grouch, the front derailer is held on to to the frame with a band around the seat tube so it can be adjusted. why would i need to change the derailer to a road derailer? where i live it's totally flat so i could run without a FD and be fine anyways, or use one that was less than ideal. the shifter for the FD is friction, not indexed. supposedly the shifters for the rear are indexed but it's more like glorified friction with ratcheting

i like the functionality of the grip shifts but i hate the giant lumps they create right in the middle of the bars.. very uncomfortable