I decided that since I have lost 23 pounds, gotten faster, and am
climbing better, I should update my old bike's components. I've been
able to do many of the local climbs in bigger gears, so I figured I
could do without having triple chainrings on both of my bikes.
The bike is a 2003 Trek 5200 carbon fiber. When I bought it, I
transferred my Campy Record triple gruppo, vintage 2002, to the bike,
along with nice, heavy duty Campy, DT Swiss, Mavic wheels. My
recollection is that the bike was 19.75 pounds ready to ride, but
without water bottles.
I had started feeling / seeing signs of wear on the drivetrain.
Shifting wasn't as crisp, and I had about 13,000 miles on the chain and
cassette (it was checked twice, and found to still be in good shape).
So I ordered a compact double crankset, which required new front and
rear derailleurs, a new bottom bracket, and of course a new chain and
cassette. The parts were put on yesterday, after carefully weighing the
bike. It weighed in at 19.48 pounds. (I wonder where the other 1/4
pound went?) After the new parts were installed, it weighed 18.71
pounds. I won't bother you with how much it cost me to save 3/4 pound....
I've also ordered new wheels, Easton's aluminum EA90 Aero model, but I
won't have them for a couple of weeks.
Today's test ride was long and flat, and all I had to do was put it in
the 50 x 17 until the end (I live up a hill). I went pretty fast for
me, so I'm a happy camper. Tomorrow is my birthday, so I can tell my
wife I treated myself to a well deserved present if she notices.
Sometimes, spending money is nearly as much fun as riding a bike,
especially if the money is spent on the bike!