Can't comment on everything but have some notes.
1) Lots of people have a first bike which is too large. My experience is that too
large is more
common than too small. You don't mention your height or leg length but 60cm is a
relatively large
frame. Your average 6 foot racer will be on as small as 56 or 57cm measured from the
centre of the
bottom bracket to the top of the top tube (not the top of the seat tube extension).
Unless you have
very long legs, it's unlikely you need as large a frame as you have.
2) You might think of keeping the current bike for spare parts. It's nice to have
extra wheels if
you race. You can put your Ultegra wheels in the wheel van without spending the whole
race fretting
about them.
3) Top-of-the-line shift levers work very well indeed. I've heard a lot of people
complain about
the lower priced models. (e.g. Dura Ace vs Ultegra) My Dura Ace equipment works well
all the time
and needs very little maintenance to keep it working that way.
4) I've used the same bike for racing and touring for over 30 years (not the "same"
bike of course)
and have always felt a good racing bike should give a comfortable ride. Presumably,
you're not
talking about fully loaded touring with a super-twitchy crit bike.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Reid van Melle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Monday, July 23, 2001 10:34 AM
Subject: [obc] Advice on upgrading road bike
> I have to apologize for my own ignorance when it comes to my road bike.
> I am trying to get an idea if it is worthwhile to upgrade my current
> road bike or simply wait and buy a new one. The problem is, it is the
> only road bike I have ever owned, I bought it second hand, and I have no
> idea what it is worth.
>
> Specs:
> 60 cm Specialized Epic bike --- carbon composite frame and fork with
> Shimano-105 components (2 x 8). I got some new Mavic wheels with
> Ultegra hubs put on last year (can't remember exactly what and it
> doesn't matter). I think there is probably around 4000 km on the frame.
>
> Situation:
> I have been very happy with this bike. I am thinking about getting a
> time trial bike and keeping this as my road racing and touring bike.
> However, I can't compare the ride/handling etc. of this to any other
> bikes because I have not had the chance to ride anything else.
>
> Problem:
> The right shifter is on the decline and I would like to get it
> replaced. I am considering an entire component upgrade (would include
> shifter, brake levers, rear cassette, chain, rear derailer,...) but not
> sure if it is worthwhile. Often it seems cheaper to buy a new bike than
> component upgrades.
>
> Questions:
> 1) Can I expect a long and happy life with this frame?
> 2) Does it make sense to use a bike like this as a racing and touring
> bike?
> 3) What kind of cost would I be looking at to replace this bike with
> something comparable?
> 4) What ballpark figure would this bike have cost approx 3-4 years ago
> when it was bought?
>
> Any advice would be appreciated: there are probably some questions and
> issues that I missed. Thanks in advance.
>
> Reid van Melle
>
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