Another 6 Speed upgrade

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by biker10
Hey all I've done some searching on this site and found answers to most of my questions but I had a few more. I have an older Fuji Allegro 12spd that I would like to upgrade to 8 or 9 speed with STI shifters. The bike currently has 27"wheels but it looks like there is enough play in the brakes to use 700c wheels. I'll probably get a 9 speed upgrade kit that would include Shift/brake lever, cassette, rear derailleur and chain. My question is will I need to replace the front derailleur and crank or will what I have work? Thanks in advance.

Your big problem is going to be trying to stick that 9 speed cassette on your old hub. Spring for a newer crank or at least chainrings and FD. You may as well go whole hog on that beater.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by boudreaux
Your big problem is going to be trying to stick that 9 speed cassette on your old hub. Spring for a newer crank or at least chainrings and FD. You may as well go whole hog on that beater.

That's what I was thinking but just wanted to lnow if it was needed or just recomended. Might have to do it in stages so I want to plan out what needs to be done.

Sorry should have mentioned that I'll be getting a 8/9 speed wheelset also.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by biker10
Hey all I've done some searching on this site and found answers to most of my questions but I had a few more. I have an older Fuji Allegro 12spd that I would like to upgrade to 8 or 9 speed with STI shifters. The bike currently has 27"wheels but it looks like there is enough play in the brakes to use 700c wheels. I'll probably get a 9 speed upgrade kit that would include Shift/brake lever, cassette, rear derailleur and chain. My question is will I need to replace the front derailleur and crank or will what I have work? Thanks in advance.

Hey-
I am in a similar boat as you. I have a 1987 Nishiki Custom. It was an average bike at-best back then - a total beater now. It rides fine though and is very comfortable for long rides. BUT- I broke a spoke; turns out the back rim (original with a BUNCH of miles on it) was untruable, and the back hub was shot. I thought of upgrading all the components in a very similar way as what you describe. AFter a bunch of research I cam to one conclusion: Don't do it! It is not worth the money. What you will have at the end of your upgrading is a beater with cheap (but new) components. You will probably end up spending several hundred dollars after it is all said and done. Save that money and buy a used one off of Ebay. My buddy just bought a lightly used 2000 Klein Quantam with 105 for $600 shipped. Admittedly, that is a great deal, but they are out there.
FWIW, my .02