Originally Posted by DrZ (Post 19565010)

I have an old, 29lb Nishiki 10 speed. I am older, an analog guy, and frugal plus it fits me. I like it as a road bike which I will want to use for my first Sprint this summer and want to convert it back and forth to more of a Cyclocross or Hybrid to handle the manicured Katy Trail of Missouri. Is this possible? Is it advisable? If possible, what is the type and size tire could I get and is there a better handlebar? Thanks in advance for any thoughts. - TZ

Originally Posted by MRT2 (Post 19575539)

In the cycling world, there are all types. For every N + 1 guy, there is someone like OP. Both approaches have their pitfalls. The N + 1 guy runs the risk of buying way more bikes than he needs, and risks spending money when he doesn't need to.

Folks like the OP run the risk of putting way more money into an old bike than the circumstances warrant. (I say this as someone who put hundreds of dollars into a vintage Peugeot for my wife, but that was more because she loved the bike and frugality wasn't really the point).

My message to OP is, there may be bikes out there that can take you where you want to go better than an old Nishiki 10 speed. While you are looking, get the old Nishiki up and running with some fresh tires and maybe a basic tune up, but don't go crazy.

Originally Posted by MRT2 (Post 19575539)

The N + 1 guy runs the risk of buying way more bikes than he needs, and risks spending money when he doesn't need to.

Originally Posted by cb750 (Post 19572435)

If I am reading this right, you want to change the handlebars into something more comfortable. I would look at Trekking handlebars, can ride like a flat bar but also has the advantage of multiple hand positions.

Originally Posted by Ironfish653 (Post 19568335)

Now we're starting to get down to where budget becomes a factor. We've all seen it here, where upgrading a whole bunch of components on an old bike easily exceeds the cost of a complete (newer) bike already fitted with the same or better equipment.

Also, if you're turning your own wrenches, and shopping used parts, it's far less expensive than going to the shop and handing over the credit card.

Since you want a multi-role bike, you will have to accept some compromises; what makes a good gravel grinder does not always translate well to time-trialing. However, not to say it can't be done.
Given what I know about your bike (older, heavy) I'd say it's more of a recreational bike than a true racer.
I'd pick my upgrades with the rail-trail in mind; changing the stem and bars for more comfort on the trail may mean new brake levers, too, but can be easly done for $110-150.
Add another $40-50 for fresh tires and tubes.

It's way easier to ride a 12-mile sprint tri leg on a gravel bike, than take a Time Trial (TT) bike down a trail, so I'd build to that.
Set aside a few bucks for some slicks and swap the tires for the race.

If Tri is a thing you are thinking of doing, esp. the Olympic and Half-Ironman distances, then a dedicated bike might be on order. FYI, Tri-guys love to upgrade their gear, so entry-level Quintana Roo's (TT bikes) trade hands in my neck of the woods for ~$350.

Originally Posted by DrZ (Post 19584850)

Thank you. I like these Trekking bars!!! -TZ