Originally Posted by
prathmann
Agreed. I'd start by just replacing the chain and taking a short ride around the block to see if it skips on the old cassette. If so then replace the cassette, otherwise it's ok to continue using the old cassette. Unless you have other symptoms like chain suck or slipping I'd continue to use the original chain rings.
Thats great advice. I'll just start with the chain and take it from there. Upgrade the components as required.
Originally Posted by
Slash5
If you have a co-op nearby you can do it yourself. BB will be around $25, chain around $15, freewheel about $25 but more likely to be a cassette for less. Watch Nashbar for a deal on chainrings, I think these would fit and they go on sale for around $10 every so often - includes both rings.
Race Face 53/39t Chainring Set
Those prices sound very reasonable. Thanks. I do have a co-op nearby that I can use to work on the bike.
Originally Posted by
Andy_K
It depends on whether or not the freewheel and chainrings are significantly worn. If they are, then what he told you is true. It's hard to spot if you don't know what you're looking for.
The freewheel is a cheap replacement. The chainrings probably aren't, particularly not the big one. Upgrading the crankset and bottom bracket together might make more sense than replacing the chainrings. Is yours Octalink? (If the crank is a 5500-series 105 then it is Octalink.)
If your bike is aluminum and the rear spacing is 126 you might have trouble upgrading to a modern groupset. Also, if you have a freeewheel and not a cassette you'll need at least a new rear wheel.
Yes it is an aluminum bike with rear 126. I was afraid of the trouble upgrading it, not sure if modern wheels and cassettes are compatible with the frame.
Probably a good idea to replace the bottom bracket as well, though I'm not sure what the model of the crank is. It is late 80's Shimano 105. Equivalent era to Dura Ace 7400. I will have to do some research.
Originally Posted by
ThermionicScott
Chances are good that if the old chain elongated a bunch, a new chain will skip on your old freewheel. So, don't be surprised if you need a new one of each. Chainrings tend not to skip unless they've really been abused.
If you want to upgrade to 5800, you won't get any argument from me, but if it were my bike I'd probably just keep it C&V and replace drivetrain parts as necessary: chain, freewheel, chainrings, etc...
Okay, thanks, thats good advice. The chain is possibly very old, I have never replaced it since owning the bike.
I actually bought the vintage Dura Ace 7400 freewheel off Ebay a while back. I converted the bike from 6 to 7 speed because my shifters were 7 speed. I thought it was in good condition, but it might have been a stupid purchase. I hope it works out with the old freewheel, but will replace if necessary.
The chainrings are nice vintage Biopace Oval chainrings, so I hope I can hold on to those. Thanks for the advice!