radeane

Occasionally, I find a great deal on an older road bike that needs lots of TLC.

I have my favorite staple upgrades that "I" would like to see on a bike, but that doesn't mean that there aren't other just as good or better or more economical upgrades out there. I sold a few of my 'second life' bikes for nominal profit, but profit isn't the driving reason for the road bike rehab. My general parts pick costs about $100.

Usually, I replace -
brake pads - Kool Stop Dura Cartridge Pad Holder Set - $35 front and rear
cables and housing - Dura Ace - $30 - brakes and derailleurs
chain - KMZ/Nashbar - $10
bar tape - Deda Elementi - $10
tires - any name brand on sale, no wire bead - $30

What do you use for the above four categories? Anything in $10 range for cables and housing and brakes?
Any other component upgrades that a bike must have before it rolls out of your 'shop'?

Thanks.

Little Darwin

For a flip:

I know it is not about he money, but there is no need to toss money away either.

I wouldn't be concerned about the cables. Whatever is cheapest. You won't get an extra nickel for DA cables.

For tires, I wouldn't worry about avoiding wire bead, since having a folding tire is only meaningful for a spare or a severe weight weenie. Again, zero return on investment if it cost any extra.

Also, even though I like Kool Stop pads, I wouldn't waste money by putting them on a flip bike. Just like the cables, it is unlikely to get you any return on your investment beyond any other pad.

For any of the above (except the tires, if more expensive) the extra few dollars may be worth it for personal use.

HillRider

One way to upgrade the brakes to Kool Stop pads without the full cost of Kool Stop items is to get a set of Nashbar's house brand (Tektro) pads and holders and change the pads to Kool Stop. Same results, less cost.

I agree that paying for the Dura Ace name on cables and housing is a waste of money. Jagwire is good.

Profile or Performance bar tape are less money and every bit as good.

The new chain on an old cassette/freewheel may cause more problems than it solves.

radeane

Thanks for the quick responses.

I hear you guys on DA cables, Kool Stop pads, and tires.

I just found some Jagwire E-Series at PricePoint, $2 each. Any comment on those? I always saw Jagwire products close in cost (and some more expensive than DA)

I found a huge difference between my Kool Stops and even DA brake pads, so even though I cringe at the cost, I feel like I am saving at least one accident. I like the idea of getting different holders and buying inserts. I didn't see the holders at Nashbar, but I did see some Gatorbrake at PricePoint.

To date, I haven't had a problem with an old chain new cassette, but then again I have only turned over six bikes. There is something about a shiny new chain that just helps the sale. (I usually remove the cassette and soak in it degreaser to help with the shiny effect). If the cassette is so badly worn I would want to put a new one on there.

I don't find tires much cheaper than $10-$15. The foldababilty, (and the colors) also help with the sale. No natural rubber colors, no mismatched, and preferably no all black tires. On occasion, I het lucky. I get to remove my old tires, with lots of tread, (Michelin Carbons right now, put them on the rehab, and treat myself to a new pair of Pro Race 2's @ $20-$30 off)

I have tried a few bar tapes out there and the Deda really looks and feels different. I can recoup the $5 premium charge on the sale.

Even if I bike is a flip, when it comes out of my 'shop' I feel I shouldn't be ashamed to ride it. There is a certain quality and feel a bike should have when it leaves my house. I usually end up riding the bike for about a week to a month before it gets sold, so I have to like it too.

HillRider

Here you go: https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...%20Accessories

The pads are Tektros, which are pretty mediocre. The pad holders are fine. A trick I like to do is put Kool Stop pads up front and Tektros in back. It gives me the same balance as Campy's "differential" brakes. i.e. more power in front and less chance of locking up the rear wheel.

operator

+1

Even the pros don't care about cables. $2 Stainless cables is all you need. The Kool-stop pads are a good choice - they are the best. For $14 with (dura) holder and a set of replacement pads, you really can't go wrong.