At 11:02 AM -0800 3/1/04, Shannon Menkveld wrote:
>On Monday, March 1, 2004, at 09:40 AM, Robert Kaufmann wrote:
>
>>All:
>>I am now in the process of getting the frame repainted. While doing so, I
>>had a semi mid life crisis. I love my frame and the "classic Campy" but I
>>also still want to go fast (the years of going fast may be limited--I am
>>now 46).
Changing the gears won't make the bike any faster.
>>So, I face a hard choice. I would love to have new wheels
>>(currently I have Campy NR hubs with 36 holes), but the rims available to
>>fit 36 hole hubs are limited.
Huh? The Mavic Open Pro is my favorite high performance rim, and is
readily available in 36.
>>Furthermore, it is difficult to get new 6
>>speed freewheels (as you well know). Alternatively, I can have the rear
>>of the frame "spread" to 130 and buy a whole new drive train; wheels,
>>derailleurs, and crank.
That would be the best option, if you want more gears.
>> But that would cause me to "lose" my Campy stuff,
>>especially the crank.
Huh? That's a complete non-sequitur. The crank doesn't care about
the frame spacing.
>>So, should I have the frame spread and replace nearly everything or is
>>there a good alternative for new wheels with the old 36 hole Campy hubs and
>>the old 120 spacing? Even if I spread the old frame, I would probably buy a
>>used classic frame and put the Campy stuff on it.
>>
>>Please share any similar experience or potential advice.
>
>The cheap way: Buy a new rear wheel, say a Mavic Open Pro on an
>Ultegra hub. (109.99 at Performance, where I work) Put an 8-speed
>cassette on it (. Buy a new chain, I like the Sram PC-58. Add tire
>and tube. RIde bike, most likely at the same speed you ride it now.
I'd go with 9-speed.
>You won't need new rings, 6, 7, and 8 speed all use the same chain.
9-speed chain works fine on older cranks too
>If the rings are worn, any LBS can order Salsa-brand 144 bcd rings
>from QBP, or Peter White or Sheldon Brown can sell you the much
>prettier TAs. Friction shifting 8 speed isn't an issue, and your NR
>derailleur can handle the extra few mm of width.
If you're gonna upgrade the wheel, might as well upgrade the shifting too. Indexing is really nice.
Sheldon "Old Frames, New Parts" Brown
Newtonville, Massachusetts
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