http://vmartin.bigpondhosting.com/photos/531_three.jpg

We've all read the threads that say something like: "it ain't worth it to upgrade the old steely; just get a new bike"

Well, since my Cervelo is busted I decided to put all my fancy stuff on the old (1989) 531c Raleigh because I couldn't wait to try my new Dura-Ace 180mm 10 speed cranks.

I gotta tell ya, with all the good stuff on the old bike, I can't notice much difference between it and the Superprodigy. I think much of it has to do with the Columbus Muscle fork.

What would be cheaper: putting a carbon fork, DA 9 speed and some new wheels on an old bike, or buying a new carbon or alu bike with Dura-Ace?

hmmmmmm :)

Looks cool. How did everything fit up?

Actually, surprisingly well. It's SMOOOOOOOOTH
I reduced the 9 speed hub spacing just a tiny bit to be on the safe side

Well,there is old junkue steel, and there is stuff worth upgrading. Ya just need to know the difference.Too many think a Schwinn Varsity or old Hi-ten Kabuki is 'good' steel.

aah, i thought you were always against upgrading old stuff. :)

By the way, I've had about five 531 frames over the years, and for some reason, this Raleigh shits on all the others

That is a really nice frame from the looks of it.

The superprodigy frame looks pretty racey. What's going to happen that?

What happened to the Cervelo frame ?

Yeah, like I keep saying; I don't know why we don't see more dark blue around.

I'm gunna get the Cervelo repaired

you probably posted this somewhere else that i missed, but what happened to the Cervelo?

how?

howd you manage that?

I'm really not sure. I had the right size post it there.

Too fat, maybe?

does the warranty at least cover it? I hope so, because that is a GORGEOUS bike.

that looks like it could be repaired ok but it may need a gusset around there to re-enforce it .

I'm not sure if i'll go the warranty route because they don't make them anymore, and Cervelo intimated that, even if it was covered, tracking down a red 58cm would be very tricky. It looks to me like a simple repair.

Chris at Cervelo has been very helpful

I forgot how thin the tubing was until I took off the seat collar, so I wouldn't mind it being a bit chunkier 'round there.

It all depends. I have old stuff that absolutly would not be worth it. I have old stuff that gives up nothing to some of the newer other than a few ounces. And knowing how to do it and having all the tools makes more sense than if someone is starting on the bottom rung and asking...'can I do dis?'.... One of the best ones I ever did was on an late 70s early 80s possibly custom 531 frame with full high end campy on it. Found it literally brand new in mint condition at a thrift strore for $7.00 About a 60cm frame with a 56 TT. Exact size for someone I knew that needed a custom but couldn't afford it. Sold all the campy stuf off it for about $300. Rebuilt it with good nearly new stuff out of my junk boxes and gave it away.Rebuilt an older but really nice(like new) thrift store Bianchi with better stuff,from junk boxes, and sold it for less than my cost to someone that needed a deccent bike.And upgrading does not have to mean ultegra/chorus or better,like many seem to think.

Might stop a repeat failure ,if it is a possible weak spot.

oh, I see. You usually recommend other people don't buy expensive carbon forks for their old bikes.

Any suggestions how it could be beefed up in the area?

Makes alot of difference what you are starting with.A CF fork may add nothing to a decent frame. A good CF fork may cost more than many frames are worth. Usually the idea behind a CF fork is based on bling and hype,not necessarily a fundamentally good reason. My old stuff is perfectly happy with their good steel forks.I would not even entertain the thought of switching some of them. Everyone has to set their own priorities. Mine don't necessarily run to expensive CF forks on old steel frames, especially low to mid range ones. If you stick with threaded,you won't save alot of weight,and the ride won't necessarily be better either. I've replaced steel forks on mid 90s quality steel bikes with full CF forks,light bars and stems and saved alot of weight. It can also cost alot of money if you don't buy right. I won't blow smoke in you about astounding improvements in ride,because there was none.