Comfort Bike Conversion

[Dellphinus]

Hi,

I've got a Specialized Expedition Sport, bought for riding while camping, and with the kids. Big mistake; I'm riding a lot more than we initially planned, and on the roads a lot more than planned. I'm hooked, centuries, long winiding hilly country roads, etc.

Can I reasonably expect good results replacing the 26x1.95s with some 1.25s, and putting on drop bars with different brake levers and shifters?

I compared the frame geometry to a Specialized Sequoia; main differences were stand over: 775 vs 752, head tube: 150 vs 155, head angle: 70 vs 71.5, stem:105 vs 120.

I'm too new at this to know whether it'd be worth pursuing. I DO know that the kind of riding I've been doing is being hindered by the upright/weight on the butt position. Don't know how the back would do with the more road bike like position.

Thanks for any/all advice/insight.

DP

[msrw]

Yes, you can increase the long distance performance of this bicycle by changing the riding position with drop bars and a narrower seat, and by going with narrower higher pressure tires. Indeed, those are the changes you'd want to make that would have the best cost to benefit ratio.

For the type of riding you're doing, all the other high performance stuff you might consider, including a frame with more aggressive angles etc. would not be necessary. You'll get 95 percent of the performance improvement just by going with bars that offer a more aerodynamic riding position, and lighter, more efficient tires.

[Blackberry]

A quick fix that could make a big diiference: Change to narrower tires. I believe you'll be very pleased with the the reduced rolling resistance. I think the other changes you're considering would help too. Of course, you can try to talk the spouse:rolleyes: into another bike, and I wish you a much luck.

[tacomee]

The drop bars might set you back a little moneywise-- changing shifters and brake levers isn't really cheap. I'd also try the skinny tires first, then a flat bar with no rise and a different stem and a narrow seat. Try getting the bar below the level of the seat.

[rek]

You can get Continental GP3000 (road racing) tyres in 26-inch. If they end up being too narrow for your rim, there are a variety of other thin (1"-1.5") 26 inch slicks about.

As for bars, try flat bars with bar-ends as a cheaper alternative. The bar-ends will let you emulate "riding on the hoods" as if you were on a set of drop-bars, which is where you are 90% of the time anyway. They'll also give you more hand positions, relieving your hands and saving them from going numb on longer rides.

If you start getting to the point where you're considering spending several hundred dollars on drop bars, STI levers, etc., you may as well pick up a used road bike... then you have no compromises whether or not you want to go on the road, or on mountain trails.

Oh, by the way, if you don't already have clipless pedals and cycling shoes, they're also another way to significantly improve the mechanical elegance and efficiency of your riding.

[boudreaux]

Originally posted by tacomee
The drop bars might set you back a little moneywise-- changing shifters and brake levers isn't really cheap. I'd also try the skinny tires first, then a flat bar with no rise and a different stem and a narrow seat. Try getting the bar below the level of the seat. Yeah.You can drop alot of money into this pig and still have nothing but a sows ear. But if you buy right,drop bars,barend shifters brake levers , new stem, and skinny tires won't break the bank. For a few bucks more you can probably buy a decent used road bike that will do the job alot better.