Originally Posted by
steph746
Thanks for the replies. I don't really have any hand issues, but noticing some pain in my wrist and pretty sure it's related to the constant shifting of the Enviolo gear. I like the carbon fiber belt because it would be pretty low maintenance. However it's expensive and yes, it is a bit heavy. I find myself struggling on hills a bit.
I was putting a lot of money into the mid 90s Hard Rock Specialized so I decided to look for a new bike. Should I continue to put money into it? It still has original shifters and rims I believe.
Or do you think something like a Sirrus X5/6 is a better option? Velo Orange Crazy bars make it more upright?
A belt drive is in itself lighter but adding in the rear hub will generally be heavier than a derailleur and chain set up however building lighter wheels and using a lighter frame will help. It is actually pretty cheap though, initially a bit more expensive but having a belt that lasts 20,000 KMs to even 40,000 KMs is quite a bit cheaper than buying 4-12 chains and cassettes, doing all the chain maintenance, adjusting derailleurs...
The VO Crazy Bars have a rise to them and have the perfect sweepback to get you in a more comfortable position that will in the end be more upright. The Sirrus X is a neat option but it may not be for you but it is certainly light and has some great parts on it.
If you really love the Hardrock and it is in decent shape and wasn't the bottom end model, putting money towards it isn't necessarily bad but you could also build a more modern version of that bike. Loads of options. Me I would find a nice steel frame with modern standards put on some CUES 11 speed and those Crazy Bars and some nice wide tires and you could have a very solid commuter.