UPGRADING AN OLD 10 SPEED

Bikeparts are far more expensive than bikes, so if you're planning a bigger overhaul, do look for a new(to you) bike instead.

People have quite different preferences regarding shifters, but the majority of bikes sold today have integrated brake/shift lever combos.

A 52/39 is a rather high gear. Unless you ride in a group, or insist on being able to put power on even during long descents, odds are you won't need it. But if you buy a new bike you might be stuck with it anyhow. Might want to look for a bike with a compact crank.

And don't expect that much more of speed either. Bikes have gotten a tad lighter, a little more aero, but it's still the same old engine powering them along.

Here is a link on what to look for in buying a bike and the choices that are out there.

citybikes.comroad bikeshopper pg56.htmOpen ↗

From what I am reading gearing is the main thing . I know frame and tires etc are important but to get me up and going it seems my 52/39T was a tad high on my Old Ten Speed from the 80's as stated by Dabac.

Your right Dabac, when I was in the 53 chainring and the smallest casette it felt like i was going on a snails pace except if i happen to be pumping down a small hill and even then it seems to slow.

What chainring an cassette would you recommend for flat out speed riding on flat terrain and small rolling hills?

Thanks for your help

Delta

I find Sheldon Brown's gear calculator real helpful.sheldonbrown.comgearsOpen ↗.

What I did for my commuter was that I know that I rarely break 25 MPH, and having a fairly normal physique I aim for a cadence (pedalling pace) that tops out just above 100 rpm, with a sweet spot between 80-100.
I also knew that for my commute I had a bunch of lowest gears that I didn't use.
So with the gear calculator set to display "MPH@100RPM I just played with the numbers for cranks & cassettes to see what my options would be. Turned out that a 42T big would be sufficient. As I have a triple front I can use a tight ratio cassette (which is nice). There's always the granny gear up front to bail me out should I get tired on a hill.

But you've gotta remember that you're the engine of the machine. I'f you're not strong/fit enough to be a fast rider, no set of gears is going to save you.
53/12 on a 27" bike is a tall gear to push. If you're able to force that around at 80 RPM, that'd give you about 25 MPH. Dropping to the 39, you'd hit the same speed at a much-easier-to-spin 100 RPM.

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by deltafour1212 [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

Here is a link on what to look for in buying a bike and the choices that are out there.

citybikes.comroad bikeshopper pg56.htmOpen ↗

From what I am reading gearing is the main thing . I know frame and tires etc are important but to get me up and going it seems my 52/39T was a tad high on my Old Ten Speed from the 80's as stated by Dabac.

Your right Dabac, when I was in the 53 chainring and the smallest casette it felt like i was going on a snails pace except if i happen to be pumping down a small hill and even then it seems to slow.

What chainring an cassette would you recommend for flat out speed riding on flat terrain and small rolling hills?

Thanks for your help

Delta

Having rebuilt two 1980 vintage bikes I concur, you will be much happier just buying a new bicycle, unless you really want to tinker and restore.

As far as gearing you will probably find that an 11-28 rear cassette mated to a 50/34 compact crank is going to handle the job real well.

SRAM makes a really nice wide-range setup with an 11-32 rear and it has a great granny gear.

I took your advice and instead of ugrading I just bought and used Raleigh R300 bicycle. It was everything I was looking for and them some, without getting a 2nd and 3rd job to pay for a brand new one .

Let me tell you, It is like day and night! My god! The (((((WEEEEEEEEEEEEEE)))) and(((GRIN))) factor is incredible! I cannot believe the speed of this bike. Talk about and adreneline rush!
Now I understand why that guy passed me without any effort. It feels like I could pedal forever at high rate of speed. my gearing is 52/42/30T Cassette is 12-25

I have already extended my mileage because with my old 80's 10 speed I was whipped after my trip but with this newer Raleigh It was effortless

What I love is my shifters. My old one I had friction shifting it sucked then and it suckes now but with this STI Shifter its so much fun. No fumbling around all you do is touch it and boom your gone. It's like having automatic transmission!

Now that I have my new toy it males riding a bike fun again I cant stay off the dang thing!

Now when I go full bore its a great feeling when you hear the ((swoosh)) sound as you go by other bikers like they are standing still and grinning as you do it!

Now when I pedaI, I keep a look out for that guy who passed me so next time I see him I can buzz by him like he did me! (hopefully) or least keep up with him.

One other question, can bike riding be so much fun that it breaks up relationships and marriages?!

Delta

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