J Jones at [email hidden] wrote on 8/25/03 7:50 AM:
Quoted message said:I have a '99 Specialized Allez Comp that just broke near the drop-outs. Specialized's standard
offer is a new '03 Comp Frame (free of charge), or 50% off a brand new bike. It's unclear yet how
much it will cost me to transfer all of my Ultegra components, as Specialized indicated that the
new frame is "compact" design vs. my old full-size frame design. They did indicate that they would
expect some components not to transfer very well.
Anybody have any experience attempting a similar component transfer to a new frame? If so, would
you do it again, or just get a new bike? I'm inclined to go ahead and get a new bike and upgrade
to the Allez Pro, since I most likely won't have this opportunity again any time soon.
I haven't checked the Specialized spec sheets, but I'd expect problems with the following:
- Seatpost (length, maybe diameter)
- Stem (length/angle)
- You might have bottom bracket differences - at most a $30-40 parts problem.
- You should make sure they will supply both a frame and fork, since you might find some
differences there.
- All cables and housing.
Are you going to transfer the parts yourself, or will you have the shop do it? There's probably some
labor involved there - check it out. If you're going to do it yourself and have the proper tools and
knowledge, you might have to spring for a headset installation charge, unless you have or want to
make the tool.
The rest of the cost will be dependand upon how much mileage your components have on them. Have your
shop take a look at them if you are unfamiliar with wear characteristics. It might be worth it. If
you have ridden a fair amount, 4 years on a drivetrain can certainly push the needle toward
"REPLACE". If you are going to need to replace the part in the next year, I'd consider it on the
replace list.
Hope that helps,
-- Jim