abhirama

Hi,

I want to know what you guys think of this. I have a 2.5 year old KHS Flite 220 (4130 double butted chromoly frameset) with Shimano 2300 components (8sp, triple) and heavy wheels. The bike weighs 27lb. I'm now getting a used Tarmac SL3 (and very excited about it!) and so this bike will be relegated to commuting and some touring duties. I was thinking of upgrading this bike to a 10sp drivetrain for a few reasons:
1. ability to swap drive train components between both bikes
2. save some weight with the upgrade (to SRAM Rival or 105 mostly)
3. because its fun!

A part of me tells me that it's money not too well spent because I think it won't really lighten the bike by too much since the frameset is heavy to start with (donno the exact weight) and if I really have to get it to a reasonable weight (what is a respectable weight for a steel bike btw?), I will have to replace lots of stuff -> $$$.

So would you consider upgrading?

RHOsbrink

No. Commuting should be kept simple & less attractive as deterrent for thieves. Save your $$ and keep it for the SL3, you'll probably get the upgrade bug with it anyways.

Velo Dog

Agreed. I wouldn't even think of it.

abstractform20

depends where you can store the bike.

my commuter is a Sramano mix (Force, Rival ,Apex, Ultegra 6600 brakes, and the beloved Gossamer compact)
alu frame, full carbon fork with decent wheels.

it makes commuting more fun and also works as a bad weather ride.

for a cheaper upgrade option, you could get a gossamer or r700 crankset (or 6600 or 5600, etc.), a 105 rear derailleur, and 10sp Microshift (aka nashbar) shifters.

shifters should be under $150 (120 for Microshift 10sp)
crankset + bb should be about $120 used
rear der used for about 40-50, or get the Microshift rear der for about $35

or get 9sp Microshift shifters and a 9sp rear der,.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/FSA-Gossamer...item1c29a4b541

gossamer + bb for $90 obo

abstractform20

forget everything i said if you live in india. shipping must suck.

abhirama

Thanks guys. Another idea that I had is to convert it to a SS/fixed gear with bullhorns. Never rode a fixie so far and really want to.

Not many stores ship to India but the bigger problem is that we get hammered on the customs (40-50% now).

escarpment

If your getting a new bike, don't worry about the old one. You will put money into the new bike anyways with consumables like tubes, tires, brakes, chains, and pretty much all the moving parts, eventually. Going SS would be a good way to lighten it a bit but I would keep it as is, depends if you are savvy enough to take it apart. 27 lbs isn't terribly overweight.

abstractform20

if the dropouts are vertical, you can still do fixed, but will need to get an eccentric hub or bb.

ss is fun and i miss my ssfg. great for longer rides at paces to clear your mind.

also, screw bullhorns. drops are more comfortable.