upgrading low end bike - Page 2

Actually, 7 speed freewheels and cassettes are still available. In the Shimano range I have seen at a couple of bike shops a HG30, HG50 and HG70 cassette and HG40 freewheel.

The bike is working pretty good right now.

I've decided to just get a new bike in a few months.

I think I'm going to end up with a Jamis Commuter 2. I'm also looking at the Giant Cypress DX, or the Giant FCR3

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Sure, you can get service replacement stuff for a 7 speed cassette system, but what do you do about a wheel? If you find them for sale new they are likely to be more than the now standard 8/9 speed, and probably won't be available year-round.

I concur that the freewheel and everything else on that bike is still available new, though.

That Jeep has two major strikes against it: the full suspension and the knobby tires. The force which articulates the suspension comes out of your forward momentum, and it can also directly absorb the force of pedaling by rocking a bit.

I think you should consider my route and pick up an old 10- or 12-speed road bike. People practically give them away. All the stuff you need to service it is still available. Switching from a 3-speed cruiser with fenders to a 12-speed road bike is a very tangible, very large difference in speed and effort. I use both bikes a lot every week.

I could get a used bike, but I'd like a new one. I really want one where I sit up straighter. Mt bikes and road bikes have you lean over too much.

I have carpel tunnel syndrome and even the bike I have makes my hands go numb because of the angle.

I also could not ride a bike for until now because of a shoulder operation. took about 3-4 years to where there is virtually no pain.

I'm also looking to forge a good relationship with my local bike shop. It is about 4 blocks from my office, and I like to have a place to hang out...

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I started to get carpal while temping as an assembler for a lock company. I was biking to work at the time too. I did not get a real medical diagnosis, but the underside of my wrists got really sore especially when I moved my fingers.

I tried the alternative health solution and it worked. They say carpal has a lot to do with inflammation. They also say all the food you eat is either pro- or anti-inflammatory. I cut back on the burgers and salami sandwiches because saturated fat and corn oil (fry grease) is very pro-inflammatory. I also ate more veggies and fruit, and took fish oil and had olive oil on my spaghetti, two powerful anti-inflammatory oils. It worked; though maybe I just got used to the job, I guess.

Well, I did not upgrade the mountain bike. I may still do a few things at my leisure.

I sold a guitar and went out and bought a Giant OCR3 with the money.
Fast bike, and economiclly priced!

And I found that with drop road bike handle bars, it allows me to place my hand to where I have very little Carpel Tunnel pain!

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Last time I tried a 9-spd body bolted straight on to a hub that originally came with a 7-spd body, so I think it's safe to assume that the reverse is also true. (required a seal replacement though). And since I ran 8-out-9 sprockets on a 7-spd body before that I'd be inclined to think that a few spacers would let you use a 7-spd cassette on a 9-spd body w/o any particular modifications. Maybe you'd need to play around with the axle spacers a little to get the wheel alignment right without re-dishing the wheel.