Should I update a Panasonic DX-4000?

"Beans Baxter" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I have a Panasonic DX-4000 that's in very good condition with what I
believe are the original Shimano 105 components (with Biopace!).

Quoted message said:

So, by my
estimation, I'd need brifters, a rear hub, a rear derailer, a 9 speed
chain and a 9 speed cassette.

Quoted message said:

Am I crazy for thinking of doing this?

Yes. Invest in a new bike, you will have one by the time you're through
anyway, except that you will have bought it by component at 3x the markup.

Beans Baxter said:

I have a Panasonic DX-4000 that's in very good condition with what I
believe are the original Shimano 105 components (with Biopace!). The
shifters and brakes work well but I'd like to have more than 6 speeds to
choose from on the rear and STI seems like it would be nice to have.

I'm wondering if it would be feasible to upgrade to a 9 speed setup with
brifters. From what I can tell, I can keep my brakes and I'm assuming
that the front derailer can stay but the rear might not have the range.
Also, I believe I'd have to get a new rear hub, right? So, by my
estimation, I'd need brifters, a rear hub, a rear derailer, a 9 speed
chain and a 9 speed cassette.

Anything else I'm missing?

Am I crazy for thinking of doing this?

Any general opinions on the Panasonic DX-4000?

Thanks,
Beans Baxter

Why not? If the bike fits and rides nicely, go for it! Now, you'll save
major bucks by going with clicky downtube shifters instead of STI, but
that's your budget, not mine...do check Ebay.

You'll need a new rear wheel(you could rebuild on a new hub, but you can
get cheap wheels on sale at nashbar or Performance), cassette, chain,
derailleurs, and shifters. You may need new front rings if they're worn,
they won't be happy with the new chain.

You WILL have to cold set the rear spacing to accomodate the wider new
hub. Check out Sheldon Brown's article on doing this. You could just
"spring" the frame apart, but I don't recommend it.

I recently converted a 1978 Viscount Aerospace (with a Tange instead of
the "death fork"😉 to an eight speed rear hub. I kept the old Shimano
600 group (the H and L screw backed all the way out 😉) and it works
brilliantly with the new setup. Cold setting the frame took just a few
minutes with a 2x4 and it was emotionally satisfying to boot!

I got a set of Mavic ma3/36 spoker wheels on sale from Nashbar ($100)
with a new cassette and was able to drop the brake pads the required 2mm
from the previous 27" configuration. This gave me the additional pleasure
of being able to fit some skinny zefal fenders, which modern sport bikes
won't let you do. I ended up getting a vintage bike with new wheels, a
brand new Brooks saddle, new ergo bars, and fenders--for around $300. Well
worth it! The ride is spectacular.

Do it!

maxo said:

Beans Baxter said:

I have a Panasonic DX-4000 that's in very good condition with what I
believe are the original Shimano 105 components (with Biopace!). The
shifters and brakes work well but I'd like to have more than 6 speeds to
choose from on the rear and STI seems like it would be nice to have.

I'm wondering if it would be feasible to upgrade to a 9 speed setup with
brifters. From what I can tell, I can keep my brakes and I'm assuming
that the front derailer can stay but the rear might not have the range.
Also, I believe I'd have to get a new rear hub, right? So, by my
estimation, I'd need brifters, a rear hub, a rear derailer, a 9 speed
chain and a 9 speed cassette.

Anything else I'm missing?

Am I crazy for thinking of doing this?

Any general opinions on the Panasonic DX-4000?

Thanks,
Beans Baxter

Why not? If the bike fits and rides nicely, go for it! Now, you'll save
major bucks by going with clicky downtube shifters instead of STI, but
that's your budget, not mine...do check Ebay.

You'll need a new rear wheel(you could rebuild on a new hub, but you can
get cheap wheels on sale at nashbar or Performance), cassette, chain,
derailleurs, and shifters. You may need new front rings if they're worn,
they won't be happy with the new chain.

You WILL have to cold set the rear spacing to accomodate the wider new
hub. Check out Sheldon Brown's article on doing this. You could just
"spring" the frame apart, but I don't recommend it.

I recently converted a 1978 Viscount Aerospace (with a Tange instead of
the "death fork"😉 to an eight speed rear hub. I kept the old Shimano
600 group (the H and L screw backed all the way out 😉) and it works
brilliantly with the new setup. Cold setting the frame took just a few
minutes with a 2x4 and it was emotionally satisfying to boot!

I got a set of Mavic ma3/36 spoker wheels on sale from Nashbar ($100)
with a new cassette and was able to drop the brake pads the required 2mm
from the previous 27" configuration. This gave me the additional pleasure
of being able to fit some skinny zefal fenders, which modern sport bikes
won't let you do. I ended up getting a vintage bike with new wheels, a
brand new Brooks saddle, new ergo bars, and fenders--for around $300. Well
worth it! The ride is spectacular.

Do it!

I just googled your bike. Very nice! To get a new steel bike of similar
quality you'd have to shell out at least 7-800 bucks. I bet you can
convert it for under a couple hundred if you don't pay retail. Remember
that you can upgrade just to the 9-speed rear and keep the old 105 stuff
if you don't want to totally commit. Ride it friction shift for a while,
and see if everything feels promising.

"Beans Baxter" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I have a Panasonic DX-4000 that's in very good condition with what I
believe are the original Shimano 105 components (with Biopace!). The
shifters and brakes work well but I'd like to have more than 6 speeds to
choose from on the rear and STI seems like it would be nice to have.

I'm wondering if it would be feasible to upgrade to a 9 speed setup with
brifters. From what I can tell, I can keep my brakes and I'm assuming
that the front derailer can stay but the rear might not have the range.
Also, I believe I'd have to get a new rear hub, right? So, by my
estimation, I'd need brifters, a rear hub, a rear derailer, a 9 speed
chain and a 9 speed cassette.

Anything else I'm missing?

Am I crazy for thinking of doing this?

Any general opinions on the Panasonic DX-4000?

Thanks,
Beans Baxter

No, I think it is a good idea. Piece it together on ebay and you will have
what you want. I upgraded my bicycle a few years ago and it turned out to
be a great decision. The Panasonic is a good bike.

Curt