I have a '89 Centurion Le Mans 14-spd that has served me well for many years of light touring and semi-serious distance riding (Tecate - San Felipe, etc). I'm beginning to train for the Solvang Century, though, and find my old bike a little lacking. My only complaint is that I would like to have a triple chainring; my local shop said they could (most likely) do a drivetrain upgrade (using Shimano 105) for about $300. But I'm wondering if I shouldn't just cave in to vanity and buy a new bike instead - about a $1200 proposition. I'm toying with the idea of getting into triathalon, but that is off in the future, at least a year or so. Anybody have any pros & cons re: upgrading vs. buying? I confess I'm a little overwhelmed at the selection of bikes now available.
Originally posted by dmkelsey I have a '89 Centurion Le Mans 14-spd that has served me well for many years of light touring and semi-serious distance riding (Tecate - San Felipe, etc). I'm beginning to train for the Solvang Century, though, and find my old bike a little lacking. My only complaint is that I would like to have a triple chainring; my local shop said they could (most likely) do a drivetrain upgrade (using Shimano 105) for about $300. But I'm wondering if I shouldn't just cave in to vanity and buy a new bike instead - about a $1200 proposition. I'm toying with the idea of getting into triathalon, but that is off in the future, at least a year or so. Anybody have any pros & cons re: upgrading vs. buying? I confess I'm a little overwhelmed at the selection of bikes now available.
Thanks.
though I don't know for sure I have bene told there are problems with the crank arm distance sicne hte older bikes were never intended for a triple.
Originally posted by dmkelsey I have a '89 Centurion Le Mans 14-spd that has served me well for many years of light touring and semi-serious distance riding (Tecate - San Felipe, etc). I'm beginning to train for the Solvang Century, though, and find my old bike a little lacking. My only complaint is that I would like to have a triple chainring; my local shop said they could (most likely) do a drivetrain upgrade (using Shimano 105) for about $300. But I'm wondering if I shouldn't just cave in to vanity and buy a new bike instead - about a $1200 proposition. I'm toying with the idea of getting into triathalon, but that is off in the future, at least a year or so. Anybody have any pros & cons re: upgrading vs. buying? I confess I'm a little overwhelmed at the selection of bikes now available.
Thanks.
time for a new bike. imagine you'll probably be quite amazed with the improvement in ride and equipment etc. no need to be overwhelmed at all. do some research on the options available to you (frame material, fork material, drivetrain etc) then test ride a few that fit the bill.
Originally posted by stevek though I don't know for sure I have bene told there are problems with the crank arm distance sicne hte older bikes were never intended for a triple.
That's just hooey. Besides, there were plenty of bikes of that vintage that were triples.
Originally posted by dmkelsey My only complaint is that I would like to have a triple chainring; my local shop said they could (most likely) do a drivetrain upgrade (using Shimano 105) for about $300.
Thanks.
You can certainly come up with a workable triple crank,BB and FD for alot less than that.
Depends on how much you 'want' to spend. Given the miles you ride, if you can afford to lay down $1200, then you are certainly well justified in a new ride. Heck, you deserve it for the Felipe-Tecate ride alone!
At that price there aren't THAT many choices. Specialized and Lemond make the best stuff around that $ if you ask me. The Lemond is steel, too (I think), so you'd be familiar w/ the feel of the material.
Originally posted by Aztec Depends on how much you 'want' to spend. Given the miles you ride, if you can afford to lay down $1200, then you are certainly well justified in a new ride. Heck, you deserve it for the Felipe-Tecate ride alone!
At that price there aren't THAT many choices. Specialized and Lemond make the best stuff around that $ if you ask me. The Lemond is steel, too (I think), so you'd be familiar w/ the feel of the material.
Originally posted by stevek but will it work right? this bike was sure not made when anyone thought of triples on a racing bike. I think the maker would shudder at the idea (G)
Steve - That's why I said "most likely" regarding my upgrade question - I'm told that because the bike is so old, they really won't know until they get it all apart whether it will work or not, or I may be limited to a particular grupo just cuz that's the only one that will fit.
I guess my question is: Is there really any difference between an old bike with with new components and a new bike?
Originally posted by dmkelsey I guess my question is: Is there really any difference between an old bike with with new components and a new bike?
might be a tad heavier than the newest breed but that's it. certainly if you're in love with the frame then it's worth upgrading the driverain to something newer. re the triple thing, the only way to know for sure is to have a qualified wrench look er over and see how it'll affect the chainline. my guess is it won't be a problem.
Originally posted by stevek but will it work right? this bike was sure not made when anyone thought of triples on a racing bike. I think the maker would shudder at the idea (G)
Yes it'll work. Whoo cares what the builder would do?
Originally posted by dmkelsey Steve - That's why I said "most likely" regarding my upgrade question - I'm told that because the bike is so old, they really won't know until they get it all apart whether it will work or not, or I may be limited to a particular grupo just cuz that's the only one that will fit.
That's just hooey.You ought to simply find a shop that knows what they are doing.
