Originally Posted by
lotus83
Thanks OR! I will keep an eye out for a reasonably priced upgrade on the derailleurs. The more I ride the Classique, the more convinced I become that it is more than worthy of select upgrades. I don't really need to do more presently (it's riding great!), but I plan to over time. If you don't mind, I have a couple of questions:
1) It seems you are satisfied with the Sun wheelset now, but it might not be your first recommendation. Can you recommend any other good options?
2) Great job on the crank. It is way too nice to replace. How did you strip the anodizing?
3) I may go to a triple crank. I assume Sugino is the way to go. Does it limit my derailleur options?
4) Why did you make the change to the Defiant 14-32 freewheel?
Thanks again for any advice!
1) The Sun MK13II is a very good rim set when laced properly. I have had good luck with wheels built with Velocity Razor and Fusion rims.
2) I stripped the anodizing with Easy Off "heavy duty" oven cleaner. Use caution because it has sodium hydroxide. Here is a typical article:
http://www.bikeguide.org/forums/showthread.php?t=177334.
Polish with Blue Magic or your preference.
3) I love the old used Sugino Triple cranks. Fairly easy to find on Ebay. LP, VP or the AT. They should not limit your derailleur options. If you stick with the stock double crank, you should be able to use the short cage versions. If you convert to a triple, you will need the longer cage version of RD's along with a longer asymmetric BB spindle.
4) I wanted to gain some additional climbing ability by going with the IRD 14-32 along with the 24T granny. Just turned 60!