[FONT=Arial]I currently ride a 1997 Cannondale T-700. This bike is equipped as follows:[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]Shimano RSX Brifters[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]Shimano Deore Rear Derailer[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]Shimano Front Derailer (no number but it is a triple)[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]Shimano Triple crank[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]8 speed Shimano Cassette (the original stock cassette). [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]The bike has covered a LOT of miles. However, the paint, decals, etc are nearly spotless. (OK, so I'm a clean freak…even on a trek!). Owing to some work related issues I've been away from riding since 2001. I returned a few months ago and WOW….what a change in the last 7-8 years. The front derailleur’s were not working properly, so I took my bike to the LBS and had it serviced. They still didn't shift smoothly so I took it to another LBS. Still no joy. Shifting is noisy and inconsistent. Rear shifting seems to work just fine.,,,at least for it's age. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]At any rate, the story is essentially the same at both of the local LBS's. That is that my 8 speed is obsolete and that I can either replace things with the same technology as what I have or I can do a complete upgrade on the drive train, including cassette, crank, shifters and derailleur’s…..or, I can purchase a new bike. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]Years ago, I went away from the narrow racing type tires to a touring tire. This was primarily because the surface that I was riding on and the fact that touring tires were so much more comfortable on the long haul. I've done several 1000 mile treks in my cycling career and often have had to mix pavement with crushed limestone surfaces. Further, I lived in the north land where things were flat and riding limited to 6 months a year. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]These days, I live in the rolling hills of south MS. My rides are limited to 50 miles or less and are all on pavement so I suppose the need for the touring tire has lessened. However, because of the rolling hills I find myself shifting much more than I used to so I'm placing much more demand on the shifting mechanism. Looking at the market these days, there aren't a lot of touring bikes made and none handled by either of my LBS's. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]Both of my LBS's are trying to sell me new bikes. One is recommending a Cannondale Synapse while the other recommends a Specialized Roubaix. Any opinions on either of those bikes?[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]Obviously, a new bike is always appealing. However, I'm 61 years old these days and while I don't think I'm ready to give up my drop handle bars, I'm not sure the Roubaix or Synapse would really meet my riding needs. I suspect they will be 'twitchier' than the T-700 and definitely not ride as well (translated "not ride as smooth" in spite of all their claims about carbon). Additionally, the T-700 does exactly what I want it to do….when it comes to riding. The only real problem I have anywhere is in the drive train.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]I'm considering upgrading the T-700. I'm considering a 9 or 10 speed cassette and a drive train upgrade. Is this bike new enough that it is a good candidate for an upgrade? If I did that, what would be a good choice for for shifters and crank? Wheels? Brakes? I'm really not too concerned about price at this point. Compared to a new bike, a full upgrade is pretty cheap…LOL! [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]Thanks for Reading![/FONT]