OK, FastJake and cny-bikeman, here's some facts. The subject bike is a 1997 model year LeMond, Buenos Aires that will have a new Shimano 8 speed cassette and chain put on it for $68 plus tax this week when the parts arrive at the shop. I also have a 1998 LeMond Buenos Aires. Why two? Because my dad had the 1997 model and he can't ride it any longer at 92 y. o. He quit riding at 85 y. o.
As far as finding new 8 speed cassettes, I looked last night and they can be ordered new at a myriad of places. As far as the bikes being set up for them....well, they both came new with 8 gear cassettes and triple chainrings. You can look that up on the www.
As far as whether the bikes are classic or not, probably not in most people's minds but they are in mine. That's all that counts since I'm the one that rides them. End of that discussion.
As far as the rate I will pay ($68), that's about $10 more than if I did the job myself according to the replies to my original post. Considering what's going on in my life right now and, again, my lack of desire to work on bicycles, I consider it a fair price.
As far as "what I've actually done before", that isn't an issue. I recently quit tracking motorcycles and sold all five of what most people consider "crotch rockets" that I owned. I've done 100% of the set up, rebuilding, and maintenance of all of my motorcycles including the track bike, and was usually able to at least stay with anyone I rode with on track day weekends. I chose not to race motorcycles as it's a contact sport which brings on too much risk for me. Prior to my motorcycle interests, I've tracked various cars since my teens and I'm far beyond my teens now. 100% of the set up and mods were done by yours truly having competed in SCCA racing off and on for most of my adult life.
So, no, I don't particularly have a desire to work on bicycles since I can outsource it rather inexpensively. The only tools that aren't in my shop are machine tools. I probably own every tool there is to own but bicycle tools....whoops wait, I have some tire tools.
You're right, my original post was lacking in information. Oh, why bicycles now? I've ridden them since 1998 off and on and have a closet full of century T-shirts. Trying to get back in century shape again since I'm out of motorsports at least for now. I most certainly appreciate everyone that replied so helpfully. My questions were answered and the price I'll pay is validated here which I appreciate. Be careful what you ask me.....those are long answers to short questions but I have no problem with that. Oh, another one....how can I make the weather this summer a little cooler for riding purposes?
