A question - I have an old 1983 Raleigh Super Gran Prix road bike that I crossed the country with back in 1984. Over the years it has been sadly neglected - Left outside briefly (a long time ago) to corrode somewhat, or stored inside gathering dust and cobwebs. About 27 years ago (or so), I replaced some of the worn-out components, and got the frame repainted (not original colors). The past 15 years or so I've only used it on my wind trainer. So, it is serviceable and ridable, but I would like to upgrade it (again), without breaking the bank, to use on easy local rides. I'm only keeping the bike out of sentimental reasons, it’s kind of a beast, to be honest. What I would like to upgrade are: The shifters to index shifting (currently Bar-Con friction shifters, and they suck), and the drive train (crank, derailleurs, chain, cluster). What is currently on the bike: Dia-Compe Caliper Brakeset, 53/42 Shimano 600 Crankset., 175mm crank arm length, Dura Ace RD-7400 6-spd. front derailleur, Dura Ace RD-7400 6 SP rear derailleur, Suntour SIS 14-26 6 SP cluster, Suntour Superbe Pro rear hub, Cinelli Handle Bar and Cinelli 120mm(?) stem. Bottom bracket? 700C clincher wheelset - Mavic on the front and Matrix(?) on the rear. Currently has Look pedals, but I’m changing those to Eggbeaters that I took off of my mountain bike.
The frame size is 23 inches (a tad big for me, I’m a bit over 6” tall, 32” inseam, but it’s not too bad) I think the distance between the rear wheel stays is about 130mm?
About 15-18 years ago, I bought some (brand new) components with the intent of starting the upgrade. That never happened. I have in my possession:
Dura Ace SH-CS7700 12x25 9 speed cassette
Dura Ace CN-7701 Chain
Dura Ace RD-7700 Short cage rear derailleur
The question - Does this sound like a feasible project? In light of how many components I’m going to have to replace, it would be nice to be able to use the NOS Dura Ace components I have in my possession to keep the project costs down somewhat. It seems like the big $$ outlay would be for a new/used crank and new/used brake-shifters. I am perfectly happy in finding used components from Craigslist or eBay, as long as they are decent quality and in good shape. Dura Ace would probably be preferred, but if too expensive, I guess I could consider Ultegra? SRAM? One other thing that I wouldn’t mind having is a triple crank, if that is do-able. These old legs are finding it a real chore to comfortably get up steep hills in a 42-28 gear sometimes…
Any thoughts about whether or not I can make this happen? Can I make those new Dura Ace components I have work on this bike? If not, I could always sell them on eBay. I know the NOS Dura Ace derailleur and cassette sell for good prices. The bike is intended to be used as either a casual cruiser for 20-40 mile road rides, or mounted on the wind trainer. Nothing fancy. If doable, what Brifters would work? Do I need a special front derailleur to function with the index shifters? Is the triple crank option possible? Or out of the question? Any thoughts or advice would be most appreciated. Thanks so much, and Happy Holidays to everyone!