To rebuild build or buy new bike?
I currently have a 2002 Bianchi Veloce (Pic below) 57 cm, Chromo Lite, made in Italy, running a somewhat hodgepodge of components: standard double crank, 8spd cassette 12-24, early generation Shimano 105 STI shifters, rear derailleur, Shimano 600 brakes and front derailleur, Dura ace headset, Mavic XP-21 wheels with Ultegra hubs. Recently the front shifter has had difficulty shifting to the smaller chain ring usually after about 20 - 30 attempted shifts it will finally cooperate. Given its age, I think it is at the end of its usable life. I assume the rear shifter may not be far behind. Knowing that my options are limited for 8spd STI shifters, I have considered upgrading the bike with a more modern groupset. New wheels may also be in the cards. I should note, that I recently moved from Chicago, which is completely flat, to San Francisco, which has some serious climbs in the area at least relative to what I am used to. Got me thinking that a compact crank and a lower 10spd cassette would probably make a world of difference. Shifting between chain rings would be nice too.
From research and talking to the LBS, upgrading to a new Shimano 105 compact groupset would probably put me at about $1000 including installation. If I went used, I could save a little or maybe get a nicer group but not sure how I feel great about used components. I also would be out any discount on labor that LBS would provide if I buy parts through them.
Now I wonder if I should just be looking for a new (or at least new to me) bike in the $1500 range. I like steel, and would like to stay steel. I would consider carbon, but I think that would put me closer to $2000+. I mostly would be doing longer weekend/group rides, and hopefully a century or 2 each year. One additional advantage of buying new is framesize. My 57cm fits okay, and I completed a century on it last fall with no issues, but I think it may be a little on the large size. Im 59 pretty average as far as leg length and arms go. I think a 55 or 56 may fit better. In Chicago I also had a 54cm fixie it felt a little on the smaller side.
Here are bikes I have looked at/would consider (no particular order of preference):
1) Bianchi Vigorelli - http://www.ebay.com/itm/2011-Bianchi...item258b7f9e9d
2) Fausto Coppi - https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/4426839619.html
3) A SOMA Smoothie build was another thought.
Im not an expert on bikes and relatively new to biking, but I love it and see myself sticking with it for some time to come. Hoping to get the opinion of more knowledgeable folks. Here are the questions I have. Know this was a long post. Many thanks to those that kept reading and answer!!
- How good is my current frame? LBS said I would probably have to do at least Reynolds 853 to upgrade. Is frame nice enough to upgrade components?
- With a fixed/new shifter what do you think would be a fair asking price for my current ride if I were to sell?
- Thoughts on the other bikes I am looking at or others I should consider.
