tofu123

SO, I inherited a "comfort bike" (Schwinn Cimmaron, Target Special) and would like to turn it in to more of a road bike. Has anyone done this? Suggestions?

East Hill

Goodness, that is a difficult task!

Ummmm, change saddle, get rid of the suspension seat post. Change fork for a non-suspension fork. Change tyres to slicks.

I think it would cost you more than it's worth to make it sleeker. It will never be gazelle-like, either, just less cowish.

Where are you located, and how tall are you?

Welcome to BF, and feel free to PM me with any questions !

East Hill

linux_author

hi there! glad you're aboard!

i'd ride the bike until your legs get a lot stronger, then look at road bikes... the bike you have may not be worth the expense of upgrading...

it depends on what road surface you ride on, but you can do a couple things though, such as replacing the stock tires with ones of a thinner diameter... (i'll assume the bike has 26" wheels - therefore go for 1.9 tires)... this is a bit cheaper, and getting some weight off the bike via the wheels can make it seem 'faster' - but really, getting weight off one's own frame is most important...

:-)

i started on a 'comfort' bike, but found that after 10-15 miles the seat was uncomfortable... give your bike a spin and work up some mileage to see how you like it...

tofu123

Thanks! The bike was quite inexpensive, so I'm thinking just new tires for the time being, and begin planning more serious bike down the road. I don't want to put much $ in to this one, simply ride it until the $ tree does a little dance, and I'm a stronger rider.

AndrewP

1.5" wide tires, and the bars set so you are leaning forward with your weight over the pedals. Bar ends to give a change of hand position. The seat should be firm and just wide enough at the back to support your sit-bones, and narrow at the front so it doesnt rub your thighs.