Bike Forums - View Single Post

03-11-05 | 12:17 AM

#3

Raiyn

I drink your MILKSHAKE

Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 15,061

Likes: 3

From: St. Petersburg, FL

Bikes: 2003 Specialized Rockhopper FSR Comp, 1999 Specialized Hardrock Comp FS, 1971 Schwinn Varsity

Quote:

Originally Posted by solo

I faced a similar question about three years ago. I converted a 2001 Wahoo to a commuter (1.25in slicks, fenders, rack) and found it was great for the mostly flat terrain (some low hills) on my ride. As I built up strength, though, I found the low gearing was a big limitation. After I moved to an area that was more vertical than horizontal I decided to try a cyclocross with a 52/39 crank and a nine speed 11/32 cassette. It's been great and has made the commute faster and more fun.

I can't offer advice on the expense or technicalities of the crank change, but it sounds like a lot of fiddling to arrive at a sorta/kinda road bike. Have you test ridden any road bikes to get the feel of a larger chainring and nine speed drive train?

I too went through this with my 99 Hardrock, I opted for a 11-23 9 speed road cassette and to start dropping weight off the bike. I bought a new LX level bike and as I upgraded parts from the LX to XT I swapped the old parts onto the commuter Hardrock which was a big bump up from it's stock 8 speed Alivio. I also got a great deal on a carbon handlebar saving me even more weight off the bike. These changes netted me about the same performance gain as going from a 44 to a 48 tooth big ring. 2 to 2.5 MPH. I would not have upgraded the Hardrock if I hadn't bought the Rockhopper and started to upgrade it. As it stands now if I even change jobs to one that forces me to lock up outside I'm going to wabt to get a beater bike at the pawn shop or the thrift store, as I've made my commuter "too nice".

__________________

Reply

0