UPGRADING AN OLDER BIKE - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

12-31-2004, 08:57 AM

I'm 60 years old and haven't ridden in about 12 years. I have a 1989
Specialized Allez that is in excellent shape and instead of buying
something new, I'm thinking about upgrading this bike. I would like a
more upright sitting position, brakes and shifters easier to reach
without moving your hands everytime you want to shift or brake, and
possibly a new saddle. I've really lost knowledge of what's out there
now days or what the feasibility is of doing this. Hate to give up a
good bike that fits me and that I really like, but don't want to spent
big bucks and then really be uncomfortable on it anyway. All comments
would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Bob

12-31-2004, 09:40 AM

On 31 Dec 2004 08:57:01 -0800, "biker bob" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]>
wrote:

>I'm 60 years old and haven't ridden in about 12 years. I have a 1989
>Specialized Allez that is in excellent shape and instead of buying
>something new, I'm thinking about upgrading this bike. I would like a
>more upright sitting position, brakes and shifters easier to reach
>without moving your hands everytime you want to shift or brake, and
>possibly a new saddle. I've really lost knowledge of what's out there
>now days or what the feasibility is of doing this. Hate to give up a
>good bike that fits me and that I really like, but don't want to spent
>big bucks and then really be uncomfortable on it anyway. All comments
>would be appreciated.
>Thanks,
>Bob

I don't know what will make the bike more comfortable, but maybe flat
bars with integrated shifters? Shimano makes a line of shifters and
brakes designed for road bikes-

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

Shimano's rear derailleurs work with both road and MTB shifters. But
the front derailleurs are different between road and MTB. This product
line from Shimano is trying to deal with that.

There are also the integrated brake/shift levers like this-

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

which might work well for you. This will be an easier change since it
won't involve new handlebars. Or bar end shifters?

I think your best bet is to find a good local bike shop and go talk to
them. They can give you some costs, show what is available these days,
etc. Test ride some of the bikes to see what style suits you-
handlebars, saddles, etc- and then decide if it's worth converting
your present bike or buying new.

Pay attention when you talk with a shop. Some places enjoy this kind
of work. Others will push you to a new bike and make you feel that you
are an idiot for wanting to stick with the old bike. Walk away from
any place that acts like this kind of change is rocket science or
beneath them. It's a simple request, and a good bike shop will be
happy to work with you.

The Allez is a nice bike. You are probably looking at a new cassette
and chain with new shifters; I'd expect such a conversion to run from
$125 to $250 or so, depending on parts, labor, etc. This all assumes
that your present bike has an 8-speed cassette on it so that you won't
need a new rear wheel or new freehub body.

Don't get hung up on the newest this or that thing. With all the new
parts and all the new marketing talk, it's still a bicycle- you spin
your feet and the wheel goes round and you move forward.

12-31-2004, 09:40 AM

On 31 Dec 2004 08:57:01 -0800, "biker bob" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]>
wrote:

>I'm 60 years old and haven't ridden in about 12 years. I have a 1989
>Specialized Allez that is in excellent shape and instead of buying
>something new, I'm thinking about upgrading this bike. I would like a
>more upright sitting position, brakes and shifters easier to reach
>without moving your hands everytime you want to shift or brake, and
>possibly a new saddle. I've really lost knowledge of what's out there
>now days or what the feasibility is of doing this. Hate to give up a
>good bike that fits me and that I really like, but don't want to spent
>big bucks and then really be uncomfortable on it anyway. All comments
>would be appreciated.
>Thanks,
>Bob

I don't know what will make the bike more comfortable, but maybe flat
bars with integrated shifters? Shimano makes a line of shifters and
brakes designed for road bikes-

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

Shimano's rear derailleurs work with both road and MTB shifters. But
the front derailleurs are different between road and MTB. This product
line from Shimano is trying to deal with that.

There are also the integrated brake/shift levers like this-

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

which might work well for you. This will be an easier change since it
won't involve new handlebars. Or bar end shifters?

I think your best bet is to find a good local bike shop and go talk to
them. They can give you some costs, show what is available these days,
etc. Test ride some of the bikes to see what style suits you-
handlebars, saddles, etc- and then decide if it's worth converting
your present bike or buying new.

Pay attention when you talk with a shop. Some places enjoy this kind
of work. Others will push you to a new bike and make you feel that you
are an idiot for wanting to stick with the old bike. Walk away from
any place that acts like this kind of change is rocket science or
beneath them. It's a simple request, and a good bike shop will be
happy to work with you.

The Allez is a nice bike. You are probably looking at a new cassette
and chain with new shifters; I'd expect such a conversion to run from
$125 to $250 or so, depending on parts, labor, etc. This all assumes
that your present bike has an 8-speed cassette on it so that you won't
need a new rear wheel or new freehub body.

Don't get hung up on the newest this or that thing. With all the new
parts and all the new marketing talk, it's still a bicycle- you spin
your feet and the wheel goes round and you move forward.

12-31-2004, 09:40 AM

On 31 Dec 2004 08:57:01 -0800, "biker bob" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]>
wrote:

>I'm 60 years old and haven't ridden in about 12 years. I have a 1989
>Specialized Allez that is in excellent shape and instead of buying
>something new, I'm thinking about upgrading this bike. I would like a
>more upright sitting position, brakes and shifters easier to reach
>without moving your hands everytime you want to shift or brake, and
>possibly a new saddle. I've really lost knowledge of what's out there
>now days or what the feasibility is of doing this. Hate to give up a
>good bike that fits me and that I really like, but don't want to spent
>big bucks and then really be uncomfortable on it anyway. All comments
>would be appreciated.
>Thanks,
>Bob

I don't know what will make the bike more comfortable, but maybe flat
bars with integrated shifters? Shimano makes a line of shifters and
brakes designed for road bikes-

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

Shimano's rear derailleurs work with both road and MTB shifters. But
the front derailleurs are different between road and MTB. This product
line from Shimano is trying to deal with that.

There are also the integrated brake/shift levers like this-

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

which might work well for you. This will be an easier change since it
won't involve new handlebars. Or bar end shifters?

I think your best bet is to find a good local bike shop and go talk to
them. They can give you some costs, show what is available these days,
etc. Test ride some of the bikes to see what style suits you-
handlebars, saddles, etc- and then decide if it's worth converting
your present bike or buying new.

Pay attention when you talk with a shop. Some places enjoy this kind
of work. Others will push you to a new bike and make you feel that you
are an idiot for wanting to stick with the old bike. Walk away from
any place that acts like this kind of change is rocket science or
beneath them. It's a simple request, and a good bike shop will be
happy to work with you.

The Allez is a nice bike. You are probably looking at a new cassette
and chain with new shifters; I'd expect such a conversion to run from
$125 to $250 or so, depending on parts, labor, etc. This all assumes
that your present bike has an 8-speed cassette on it so that you won't
need a new rear wheel or new freehub body.

Don't get hung up on the newest this or that thing. With all the new
parts and all the new marketing talk, it's still a bicycle- you spin
your feet and the wheel goes round and you move forward.

12-31-2004, 09:40 AM

On 31 Dec 2004 08:57:01 -0800, "biker bob" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]>
wrote:

>I'm 60 years old and haven't ridden in about 12 years. I have a 1989
>Specialized Allez that is in excellent shape and instead of buying
>something new, I'm thinking about upgrading this bike. I would like a
>more upright sitting position, brakes and shifters easier to reach
>without moving your hands everytime you want to shift or brake, and
>possibly a new saddle. I've really lost knowledge of what's out there
>now days or what the feasibility is of doing this. Hate to give up a
>good bike that fits me and that I really like, but don't want to spent
>big bucks and then really be uncomfortable on it anyway. All comments
>would be appreciated.
>Thanks,
>Bob

I don't know what will make the bike more comfortable, but maybe flat
bars with integrated shifters? Shimano makes a line of shifters and
brakes designed for road bikes-

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

Shimano's rear derailleurs work with both road and MTB shifters. But
the front derailleurs are different between road and MTB. This product
line from Shimano is trying to deal with that.

There are also the integrated brake/shift levers like this-

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

which might work well for you. This will be an easier change since it
won't involve new handlebars. Or bar end shifters?

I think your best bet is to find a good local bike shop and go talk to
them. They can give you some costs, show what is available these days,
etc. Test ride some of the bikes to see what style suits you-
handlebars, saddles, etc- and then decide if it's worth converting
your present bike or buying new.

Pay attention when you talk with a shop. Some places enjoy this kind
of work. Others will push you to a new bike and make you feel that you
are an idiot for wanting to stick with the old bike. Walk away from
any place that acts like this kind of change is rocket science or
beneath them. It's a simple request, and a good bike shop will be
happy to work with you.

The Allez is a nice bike. You are probably looking at a new cassette
and chain with new shifters; I'd expect such a conversion to run from
$125 to $250 or so, depending on parts, labor, etc. This all assumes
that your present bike has an 8-speed cassette on it so that you won't
need a new rear wheel or new freehub body.

Don't get hung up on the newest this or that thing. With all the new
parts and all the new marketing talk, it's still a bicycle- you spin
your feet and the wheel goes round and you move forward.

12-31-2004, 09:48 AM

"biker bob" wrote:
> I'm 60 years old and haven't ridden in about 12 years. I have a 1989
> Specialized Allez that is in excellent shape and instead of buying
> something new, I'm thinking about upgrading this bike. I would like a
> more upright sitting position, brakes and shifters easier to reach
> without moving your hands everytime you want to shift or brake, and
> possibly a new saddle. I've really lost knowledge of what's out there
> now days or what the feasibility is of doing this. Hate to give up a
> good bike that fits me and that I really like, but don't want to spent
> big bucks and then really be uncomfortable on it anyway. All comments
> would be appreciated.

Bob, I upgraded my 1984 steel road bike a few years ago for exactly the
reason you gave: Why switch when you have a good bike that you like?

After 12 years off the bike, anything is bound to feel strange and
uncomfortable. I'd recommend riding the bike as it is for a while just to
get back into it. The more you ride the more you'll know what needs
changing.

I'm guessing you have 7-speed gearing with a rear dropout spacing of 126 mm.
If so, the least expensive option is to switch to bar end shifters. For more
money, you can buy a set of Shimano Sora 7-speed STI brake/shift levers from
Sheldon Brown. See:
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

For either of these, you'll need to attach the (included) cable stops to
your down tube. If your bike doesn't have standard Campy type braze-on
bosses, you may have to improvise. But I think by 1989, most bikes had
standardized on the Campy type.

If you want to go to 9-speed, things get more complicated and expensive.
That's what I did. I built up a new rear wheel on a 9-speed freehub, got a
new crankset and front der (not absolutely necessary, but it shifts better
than the old stuff), new cassette, chain, rear derailleur, and STI levers.
Then spread the rear dropouts to 130mm (not really necessary, you can just
shove the 130 mm hub in the 126mm dropouts).

For a more upright riding position, try swapping your stem for a taller one
and/or one with a rise (and maybe less horizontal extension). See:
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

and
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

Saddles are a personal choice, but most of the newer ones are pretty
expensive and look fancy but not too comfortable. A more upright postion
will put more weight on the saddle, so get one that's works for you. I like
the old San Marco Rolls which is hard to find except on eBay these days.

You might want to try finding a good local shop that will help set you up as
you want (not as racer wannabee).

Good luck with your project.

Art Harris

12-31-2004, 09:48 AM

"biker bob" wrote:
> I'm 60 years old and haven't ridden in about 12 years. I have a 1989
> Specialized Allez that is in excellent shape and instead of buying
> something new, I'm thinking about upgrading this bike. I would like a
> more upright sitting position, brakes and shifters easier to reach
> without moving your hands everytime you want to shift or brake, and
> possibly a new saddle. I've really lost knowledge of what's out there
> now days or what the feasibility is of doing this. Hate to give up a
> good bike that fits me and that I really like, but don't want to spent
> big bucks and then really be uncomfortable on it anyway. All comments
> would be appreciated.

Bob, I upgraded my 1984 steel road bike a few years ago for exactly the
reason you gave: Why switch when you have a good bike that you like?

After 12 years off the bike, anything is bound to feel strange and
uncomfortable. I'd recommend riding the bike as it is for a while just to
get back into it. The more you ride the more you'll know what needs
changing.

I'm guessing you have 7-speed gearing with a rear dropout spacing of 126 mm.
If so, the least expensive option is to switch to bar end shifters. For more
money, you can buy a set of Shimano Sora 7-speed STI brake/shift levers from
Sheldon Brown. See:
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

For either of these, you'll need to attach the (included) cable stops to
your down tube. If your bike doesn't have standard Campy type braze-on
bosses, you may have to improvise. But I think by 1989, most bikes had
standardized on the Campy type.

If you want to go to 9-speed, things get more complicated and expensive.
That's what I did. I built up a new rear wheel on a 9-speed freehub, got a
new crankset and front der (not absolutely necessary, but it shifts better
than the old stuff), new cassette, chain, rear derailleur, and STI levers.
Then spread the rear dropouts to 130mm (not really necessary, you can just
shove the 130 mm hub in the 126mm dropouts).

For a more upright riding position, try swapping your stem for a taller one
and/or one with a rise (and maybe less horizontal extension). See:
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

and
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

Saddles are a personal choice, but most of the newer ones are pretty
expensive and look fancy but not too comfortable. A more upright postion
will put more weight on the saddle, so get one that's works for you. I like
the old San Marco Rolls which is hard to find except on eBay these days.

You might want to try finding a good local shop that will help set you up as
you want (not as racer wannabee).

Good luck with your project.

Art Harris

12-31-2004, 09:48 AM

"biker bob" wrote:
> I'm 60 years old and haven't ridden in about 12 years. I have a 1989
> Specialized Allez that is in excellent shape and instead of buying
> something new, I'm thinking about upgrading this bike. I would like a
> more upright sitting position, brakes and shifters easier to reach
> without moving your hands everytime you want to shift or brake, and
> possibly a new saddle. I've really lost knowledge of what's out there
> now days or what the feasibility is of doing this. Hate to give up a
> good bike that fits me and that I really like, but don't want to spent
> big bucks and then really be uncomfortable on it anyway. All comments
> would be appreciated.

Bob, I upgraded my 1984 steel road bike a few years ago for exactly the
reason you gave: Why switch when you have a good bike that you like?

After 12 years off the bike, anything is bound to feel strange and
uncomfortable. I'd recommend riding the bike as it is for a while just to
get back into it. The more you ride the more you'll know what needs
changing.

I'm guessing you have 7-speed gearing with a rear dropout spacing of 126 mm.
If so, the least expensive option is to switch to bar end shifters. For more
money, you can buy a set of Shimano Sora 7-speed STI brake/shift levers from
Sheldon Brown. See:
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

For either of these, you'll need to attach the (included) cable stops to
your down tube. If your bike doesn't have standard Campy type braze-on
bosses, you may have to improvise. But I think by 1989, most bikes had
standardized on the Campy type.

If you want to go to 9-speed, things get more complicated and expensive.
That's what I did. I built up a new rear wheel on a 9-speed freehub, got a
new crankset and front der (not absolutely necessary, but it shifts better
than the old stuff), new cassette, chain, rear derailleur, and STI levers.
Then spread the rear dropouts to 130mm (not really necessary, you can just
shove the 130 mm hub in the 126mm dropouts).

For a more upright riding position, try swapping your stem for a taller one
and/or one with a rise (and maybe less horizontal extension). See:
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

and
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

Saddles are a personal choice, but most of the newer ones are pretty
expensive and look fancy but not too comfortable. A more upright postion
will put more weight on the saddle, so get one that's works for you. I like
the old San Marco Rolls which is hard to find except on eBay these days.

You might want to try finding a good local shop that will help set you up as
you want (not as racer wannabee).

Good luck with your project.

Art Harris

12-31-2004, 09:48 AM

"biker bob" wrote:
> I'm 60 years old and haven't ridden in about 12 years. I have a 1989
> Specialized Allez that is in excellent shape and instead of buying
> something new, I'm thinking about upgrading this bike. I would like a
> more upright sitting position, brakes and shifters easier to reach
> without moving your hands everytime you want to shift or brake, and
> possibly a new saddle. I've really lost knowledge of what's out there
> now days or what the feasibility is of doing this. Hate to give up a
> good bike that fits me and that I really like, but don't want to spent
> big bucks and then really be uncomfortable on it anyway. All comments
> would be appreciated.

Bob, I upgraded my 1984 steel road bike a few years ago for exactly the
reason you gave: Why switch when you have a good bike that you like?

After 12 years off the bike, anything is bound to feel strange and
uncomfortable. I'd recommend riding the bike as it is for a while just to
get back into it. The more you ride the more you'll know what needs
changing.

I'm guessing you have 7-speed gearing with a rear dropout spacing of 126 mm.
If so, the least expensive option is to switch to bar end shifters. For more
money, you can buy a set of Shimano Sora 7-speed STI brake/shift levers from
Sheldon Brown. See:
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

For either of these, you'll need to attach the (included) cable stops to
your down tube. If your bike doesn't have standard Campy type braze-on
bosses, you may have to improvise. But I think by 1989, most bikes had
standardized on the Campy type.

If you want to go to 9-speed, things get more complicated and expensive.
That's what I did. I built up a new rear wheel on a 9-speed freehub, got a
new crankset and front der (not absolutely necessary, but it shifts better
than the old stuff), new cassette, chain, rear derailleur, and STI levers.
Then spread the rear dropouts to 130mm (not really necessary, you can just
shove the 130 mm hub in the 126mm dropouts).

For a more upright riding position, try swapping your stem for a taller one
and/or one with a rise (and maybe less horizontal extension). See:
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

and
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

Saddles are a personal choice, but most of the newer ones are pretty
expensive and look fancy but not too comfortable. A more upright postion
will put more weight on the saddle, so get one that's works for you. I like
the old San Marco Rolls which is hard to find except on eBay these days.

You might want to try finding a good local shop that will help set you up as
you want (not as racer wannabee).

Good luck with your project.

Art Harris

12-31-2004, 09:50 AM

"biker bob" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:1104512221.100315.310040@c13g2000cwb.googlegr oups.com...
> I'm 60 years old and haven't ridden in about 12 years. I have a 1989
> Specialized Allez that is in excellent shape and instead of buying
> something new, I'm thinking about upgrading this bike. I would like a
> more upright sitting position, brakes and shifters easier to reach
> without moving your hands everytime you want to shift or brake, and
> possibly a new saddle. I've really lost knowledge of what's out there
> now days or what the feasibility is of doing this. Hate to give up a
> good bike that fits me and that I really like, but don't want to spent
> big bucks and then really be uncomfortable on it anyway. All comments
> would be appreciated.

1) Find a good bike shop.
2) Have them raise your handlebars & pick a comfortable saddle & tune up
the bike.
3) Ride a lot.
4) Decide what you want.