Originally Posted by
DMC707
I have a Diamond BAck Fleetstreak from that era ---- its a fun bike
I don't think its financially prudent to try to sink a lot of money into the beast --- It already has a triple chainring drivetrain , which is a huge help on the hills ---- for making it more commuter friendly , I would install some semi-slick tires to minimize rolling resistance , then call it a day
Spending too much money trying to make it lighter or faster is a bit like installing hot rod parts in a Bronco or a Jeep --- at the end of the day, its still a Bronco, know what I mean?
The best upgrade for a commiter would be to keep your eye out for a secondhand touring bike, or a road bike with some tire clearance for racks, fenders and the like -- maybe an old Cannondale or Trek touring machine, Specialized Sequoia , there are a bunch of Miyata touring models - etc.
I pretty much agree.
Some non-knobby tires like some Panaracer Pasela 26 x 1.75 would be excellent on that bike and make a huge difference riding distance.
For whatever money you're going to throw at relieving the weight off a bike that has a 30# fighting weight- it's just better served getting a bike that's meant to be a little lighter.
That's not to say you can't swap out parts and play with components, if just for the fun of it. The Apex was pretty much top of the line, right? Not a lot of room to "upgrade."