Originally Posted by
ramzilla
Looks like it's already set up to be a good hill climber. Looks like it's got a triple Biopace chainring & a long cage rear derailleur. You could probably get a 7 speed 34 tooth extended range rear cog set to fit on that. I'd say a new rear cassette, chain, bar tape & brake pads + clean & repack the bearings and, that's ready to ride. If you really have that kind of long steep descent then, I'd definitely put some koolstop brake pads on it. Plus, you may want to take real close look at the tubes & tires. (You don't want a blow out when you're doing 35 - 40 mph downhill).
Good to know! And yeah, it is absolutely a downhill like that. I normally head down it around 38mph. As for the wheels/tubes/tires, those are all 100% top of the change out list. The tubes and tires that it came with are completely shot (back tube was actually shredded and hanging out the between the tire wall and the rim). Plus, the wheels were showing some odd burring/divets that makes me uncomfortable even if I did slap new rubber on them.
[MENTION=418278]billytwosheds[/MENTION] I'm probably going to hit you up soon for that assist. I've got family coming in to town this weekend, but after that I'll be about it. I'm gonna pick up a big ol' thing of vinegar for the rusty bits that might be salvageable and give that a go. I think the thing that it is seeming like I'll need guidance on most for ya'll is STI shifters that'll line up with the existing groupset. That is my bigger inclination towards buying a new groupset (aka, a lack of knowledge/skill so lets just throw some money at it... still cheaper than a $1500 new bike...)