component upgrades.

[OakLeaf]

Is there any issue with dropout spacing, going to a freewheel with more cogs?

I mean, I know the cogs are narrower, but the freewheel's still wider, isn't it? Is the rest of it just in the dish of the wheel?

My old steel bike has a 6 speed freewheel and a standard double up front - is it possible to put on a 10 speed freewheel and a compact double? Or does that depend on the frame?

[Blueberry]

Don't know much about the spacing issues - except that you can spread the dropouts on a steel frame if you decide to upgrade and don't have the room. I want to say that 7 speed will be OK, but 6 won't without extra work (but that's a thought in the very back of my mind with no good justification).

Hopefully one of the mechanics can chime in with more specific advice

CA

[madscot13]

I've heard of other's upgrading from 7-9 without much problems. My front wheel is new and so the rear is just waiting for it. with an upgrade I am hoping I can keep my deore lx dérailleurs and still be able to go to a 9-10x cassette. Any crank I have should have a triple. I've never ridden a compact and with a 30 pound bike, it wouldn't save much weight.

I might switch out my brakes too. I would like to know what the difference is.
Motochick, for all of those upgrades that is not too bad in my book. Can I shop around for parts and bring them to my LBS, or are they strictly buy from us sort of places (like the rip off plumber)

I rethought about a Surly LHT, a steel frame that I could build up from scratch. It looks like the stand over is still a bit too high, and that is the first thing I look at when looking at new frames. It would probably just put me in the same place that I am now with my 520. I would of course need to ride one someday.

[motochick]

I will be honest here and say that I do not use my LBS because I would not trust them to sell me the right tube! I live in a very small rural town so 99% of the things I buy are from the internet. I don't know if they would build yours if you supplied the parts. I am lucky to have a husband that is very mechanical so he builds all of our bikes.

I can comment on the rear wheel spacing a little. Hubby is building up his mid-80's steel frame that used to be a 6 speed. He just had some 10 speed wheels built and they worked. My frame was also 6 speed at one time and my old wheels and frame worked w/the 10. The spacing was smaller back then but with steel you can bend it to work.

Keep us updated on whatchagonna do.

Brenda