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Conference noted::bicycle

Title: Bicycling
Notice:Bicycling for Fun
Moderator:JAMIN::WASSER
Created:Mon Apr 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:3214
Total number of notes:31946

1346.0. "Help! Upgrade or buy a Miyata?" by NUTMEG::CLARK () Wed Oct 18 1989 20:00

    Can you give me your opinion?
    
    I am trying to decide which of several courses to take.  Here's
    my situation:
    
    I have an 11 year old Windsor.  It is a decent bike, but the components
    are out of date and I would like to have a bike that is a little
    lighter.  Two options seem to be available.  
    
    First, I can upgrade my current bike with new components (I like the 
    Shimano Ultegra line) or I can buy a new bike.  To upgrade (including 
    full gruppo and new wheels/tires), will cost about $500.  My Windsor
    weighs 26 lbs and has a Tange Champion frame (I haven't the foggiest
    notion how good it is).
    
    Regarding a new bike, there is a new Miyata 1400 (full Shimano 
    Ultegra gruppo, Wolber rims, 22 lbs)on sale for $769.
    
    What do you think?  Is the Miyata a good buy?  Reliable?
    
    Any opinions on upgrading the Windsor? 
    
    I would appreciate any opinions quickly.  If it a resonable choice,
    I would like to get the Miyata before someone else grabs it.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Dan.
    
    
T.RTitleUserPersonal
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1346.1Is it right for you?NOVA::FISHERTwice a BMB FinisherThu Oct 19 1989 07:505
    It might be a good deal, but this is the month for such good deals.
    
    Is it the right size?  How do you know?
    
    ed
1346.2Upgrade wheels first...MOSAIC::WASSERJohn A. WasserThu Oct 19 1989 12:2917
>    Upgrade my current bike with new Shimano Ultegra gruppo and new 
> wheels/tires), will cost about $500.  My Windsor weighs 26 lbs.

> a new Miyata 1400 (Shimano Ultegra gruppo, Wolber rims, 22 lbs) for $769.

	Don't be seduced by the thought of saving 4 lbs.  That will
	probably be such a small change you'd hardly notice.  It's
	a lot cheaper to loose that off your body instead of
	your bike...

	The important question to ask yourself:  Do you want to 
	replace the frame or are you happy with your existing
	frame.  If the old frame fits well, I'd go with the
	upgrade path... starting with wheels, then derailleurs.
	Lighter and narrower wheels will make the bike so nice
	to ride you may decide you don't need to upgrade anything
	else.
1346.3Old Frames in Good Condition are great.GSFSWS::JSMITHSupport Bike Helmets for KidsThu Oct 19 1989 12:5315
    I strongly agree with John.
    
    After having discovered an old LeJeune earlier this year
    (See Note with Lejeune title for more info) I'm convinced
    that frame's that are old in years are still very valuable
    if they fit well and serve the purpose you intend to pursue,
    i.e., will you use it as a comfortable long distance club
    ride bike, time trial machine, city bike, short distance
    fast club ride bike (trans:-Quick Steering but Hard Ride)
    and on and on.  
    
    The moral is "If the frame fits - wear it"  Gee doesn't that 
    sound familiar?
    
    					_Jerry
1346.4THE TYPE OF RIDING IS KEY HEREWMOIS::C_GIROUARDFri Oct 20 1989 13:1910
     I think Jerry hit the nail right on the head. What is your intent
    with the machine. That will have a great deal of bearing on making
    the right decision.
    
     I have to, regretfully, disagree with John in that weight is probably
    not the only thing you'll be sacrificing if you stay with the older
    frame. Again, it is the intent that's important. If you've ever done
    weight training, 4 lbs. can be feel like a ton on the last rep. In
    a 25 mile TT 4 lbs. will make a great deal of difference at 100%
    body output. 
1346.54 lbs is nothingBANZAI::FISHERTwice a BMB FinisherFri Oct 20 1989 14:2910
    I don't believe the weight of the bike makes any difference in a time
    trial unless it's a hill climb.  You only accelerate it once. and
    hopefully that's early in the race.  The wheels will make a lot
    of difference and the weight of the bike can make a difference
    if you have to sprint out of lots of corners, but I don't think the
    classic "25 Mi TT" is that place where it matters.
    
    argumentatively,
    ed
    (we get that way after 4 days of rain)
1346.6Hmmmmmmmm.....WMOIS::C_GIROUARDFri Oct 20 1989 15:114
     RE; .5 Someone help me... It might be in my mind, but I went
    I went from last year's Fuji to this year's C-DALE 3.0, with
    some really good components, it was unbelievable!!!!! And I'm
    convinced weight played a great role :-).
1346.7Sure feels light to me...or less filing?GSFSWS::JSMITHSupport Bike Helmets for KidsFri Oct 20 1989 15:2310
    RE: 6,
    	I know the feeling your refering to Chip.  I get it when
    I switch from Cro-Mo to my C-Dale all the time but it's not
    just weight, it's frame stiffness and the mental attitude
    (confidence ?) that comes with it when climbing hills or putting
    the pedal to the metal.  Becacuse the obvious factor is light 
    weight we assume that aluminum makes it fast becuse it's light.
    I could afford to loose a few pounds either way :-)
    
    						_Jerry
1346.8I could stand to lose a few myself and it ain't even winter yet.NOVA::FISHERTwice a BMB FinisherFri Oct 20 1989 16:043
    Yeah, _Jerry, your frame is a little heavy. :-)
    
    ed