Originally Posted by
Oldbikesarecool
its a beginner bike I picked up for £25 for my girlfriend. I have two 10speed and one 9speed equipped bikes and going to stick 11 speed on to an early 90s British eagle shadow as my next project, personally I wouldn't call a £20 altus shifter an upgrade more of a sidestep - still appreciate your comment though
Always be careful of a bike like that for a beginner, it can be an easy way for someone to think they dislike cycling because the bike doesn't perform well or feel good. Hopefully your girlfriend understands this and won't get turned off. We want more cyclists not fewer : )
Also I didn't call Altus an upgrade (nor am I am saying it is not) I just stated don't put money towards the bike. Just to be on the level. A nice 531 bike could do well with a good upgrade, CUES looks like a good upgrade and I am considering it for an older frame as well that or Microshift AdventX/Sword and building a cool 26" gravel bike.