oldie to a newie- spreading the dropouts

[madscot13]

say the name Maryland and you've conjured up all sorts of images of exotic lands and faraway places.

I've heard about Proteus. as long as I can get their by metro it is good with me.

I appreciate everyone's feedback. I love my bike but it is time to put some bling into it. Umm I mean fine upgrades that will increase the efficiency of my cycling and help me get a good workout

[Tuckervill]

There's a whole big thread on bikeforums.net about doing this in the classic & vintage forum. I read it once. If you search for cold setting frame you should be able to find it.

Karen

[madscot13]

I went to the bike shop today. actually I went to a few bike shops (and there was a liquor store on the way with a beer tasting). I went to one where I felt that the mechanics were decent and at least knew components but the sales guy wanted to sell me a new bike- no respect for a classic. I also asked one of the sales guy if he could show me a bike with bar end shifters and he had no idea, am I calling them the wrong thing?

I went to another bike shop, much smaller, and I'm not sure if everyone there has something at stake but they all seemed very knowledgeable and knew the ins and outs. I appreciate that. I didn't bike to the shop today (don't ask why it is a long/ lazy story), but they said it shouldn't be a problem because it is a mountain cassette to a mountain cassette.

I think I will be putting on an XT drivetrain for the gear range with r600 brifters. I was thinking about an Dura ace 7703, the last 9 speed dA, but I think I would prefer the gear range for my commute.

[Zen]

I also asked one of the sales guy if he could show me a bike with bar end shifters and he had no idea, am I calling them the wrong thing?

No, you're not.
What shop was that?

[madscot13]

i'm not sure if it is appropriate to blast a bike shop without really knowing them (although a friend who has been there before says they are incompetent), but I will say the Bike Pro Shop is a good place (and my said friend says the same thing). I've been there a few times, and I don't see people coming back in for bad labor and the guys know their bikes.

I'm sure you can figure out the other bike shop from that.

[KnottedYet]

...but the sales guy wanted to sell me a new bike- no respect for a classic. I also asked one of the sales guy if he could show me a bike with bar end shifters and he had no idea...

RUN AWAY!!!! RUN AWAY!!!!!

[madscot13]

and didn't I!