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Nursing an old (2008) road bike: what would Jesus do?

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  • 13-11-2023 5:39pm
    #1
    rflynnr
    Registered Users Posts: 984 ✭✭✭


    I have Trek 1500 I bought new in 2008. I've bought and sold a couple of other roads bikes in the interim but I keep coming back to this one because it's just the best. Over the years I've replaced much of the Ultegra (6600 era) groupset but - surprisingly? - am still using the original front derailleur and shifters. I especially love the shifters: still responsive after tens of thousands of kilometres. A tolerance for less than pristine parts has allowed me to keep her running at a relatively low cost.

    However...

    ...I'm now looking at replacing the front 52/39 chainrings (not the originals but 6600 NOS when purchased) and probably the front derailleur. AND I figure I might as well get a new cassette while I'm about it. (I already have a NOS Ultegra 10s chain.) I can buy a 10s 11-28 Ultegra 6700 cassette (though I'd be equally happy with a 105 5700) but I'm not entirely happy with my chain-ring options. I think there's a 39t 6700 out there but it looks like I'll have to go for a generic Stronglight 52t for the big ring. Cassette, two rings and postage will be about €108 (still pretty good value).

    So the question is this though: is even the €108 throwing money away, especially given that these may not quite offer the smooth shifting I've been used to? Would I be better off trying to track down an end-of-stock 6800 or even R8000 groupset somewhere and trying to run the Trek for another decade? (And, again, I know I could just buy another bike entirely but if it's not entirely obvious already: I do have a slightly irrational affection for this bike and would to keep it going for as long as is feasible.)

    What would a cycling Jesus (or you) do?



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