I know, not an overly popular bike but I LOVE riding this thing! I would really like to upgrade the components but I'm pretty confused about how to go about it. All these brands and choices!
I really want to keep the Sakae Crank and I even like the stampings on the drop bars. I HATE the brakes, the wheels will be switched out for 700s' this winter, prolly Deep-V's since Im a Clyde...with high-hubs?! Brake recommendations are welcome...Dia Compes currently. Adjusted good, just kinda slow to react and a bit of shudder now and then. Not sure if thats due to the older, but true front wheel or what...
I know component choices involve alot of personal preference but I'm looking for a good place to start at so I can keep this bike for awhile!

The biggest issue is the rear hub. I'm told its a freewheel not a cassette with the older spacing on the rear end. The LBS wants to spread the rear and hook up a modern 8-10. I rather like the old 6!
I did a search but came up with not alot that made sense to me. Also looked in on the Mechanic forum. Turns out this is the place to ask.


ps~ I actually like friction shifting so brifters hold no interest for me...
Thanks in advance for any pointers...

The only things you've given a reason for upgrading are the brakes. If you're using non-aero levers, switching to aeros can make a night-and-day difference in braking. Adding Kool-Stop salmon pads will, too.

Beyond that, what are you hoping to accomplish? Assuming that "upgrade" means "improve," what's wrong that needs to be improved? Unless you absolutely demand the bewilderment of tire choice requiring scientific notation to number the choices, there's nothing really wrong with 27-inch wheels, especially for us larger guys. And that the rear hub uses a freewheel is not really an "issue." Freewheels are readily available at a good LBS or by mail, and if you'd like one more gear, a 7-speed freewheel can frequently just be spun on in place of the 6.

Thanks for the reply. I was down hill doing 40 on this thing and the brakes are a bit dicey. A friend gave me some lime green aero hoods. Goes well with a black frmae and orange bar tape..!
I was under the impression that the rear hub was next to impossible to adapt. Shimano Uniglide I think they said. Not to sure what to look for but it sounds like I don't have to give up 6 speeds.

Thats nice to know!

Thanks, off to look for rear hubs now...and new 27" rims.

I have a DX-2000 also! .... a 71cm framed one that I'm going to build up as a single speed this winter....they are nice, nice frames....

A 71 cm DX -2000? I'm guessing that is a typo.

Panasonic made real nice bikes. Is yours the 'Bumblebee' model?

a classmate of mine has a DX-2000 he's gone to town on... 700c wheels on Phil hubs he bought for crazy cheap off of one of his friends, Shimano Octalink crank, STI levers... it's a very pretty bike with a mishmash of new and old parts.

lol....it's not a typo.....

holy cannoli that headtube is huge!

My apologies, I think someone here is looking for a giant bike!

Not a 'Bumblebee', but definitely a 'holy smokes'!

Was that a custom? I can't believe that was an 'off the shelf' model.

I believe it's a 28" frame....

I got it off ebay about a year ago....it's been on the backburner since then... until now!

Reminds me of the time I walked into an LBS, and was greeted by Yao Ming's Gunnar, lol. I'm 6'1" and the top of the saddle was at the middle of my chest. Holy Crap it was large, lol. 80CM large!,,,,BD

https://www.physics.emich.edu/nvance/TVamx1%5B1%5D.jpg