Picking up a new ride for the BF

[pll]

Oh, what a great idea. How about some 'bullhorn' type handlebars instead? They look cool; just in case, the link points to the Soma Fabrications web store.

[Reesha]

He'd probably run the other way! He hasn't been on a bike since he was a wee teen

Great thought though!

[Reesha]

Ooo so it looks like this guy has a very similar build to James! 5'10, 30" inseam. James is really about 5' 9.5". He also just told me he'd pitch in half I *would* pay for all of it, because I know it would be a life-changing gift, but I'm glad he wants to contribute.

If I can get it all worked out, he might be a new crosscheck owner tonight!

[Biciclista]

sweet! keep us posted.

[Cataboo]

YOu might want to see if he has all the parts that he took off that.

He's basically got it as a 10 speed bike. YOur BF is likely going to want it as either a double or triple on the front crankset. So in addition to the shifters you're talking about buying, the flat bar - if you don't get the parts he took off, you're talking about a new front derailleur and a new crankset.

At that point, it's not a bargain for $500, given that you're gonna be putting a few hundred in parts & labor.

[redrhodie]

YOu might want to see if he has all the parts that he took off that.

He's basically got it as a 10 speed bike. YOur BF is likely going to want it as either a double or triple on the front crankset. So in addition to the shifters you're talking about buying, the flat bar - if you don't get the parts he took off, you're talking about a new front derailleur and a new crankset.

At that point, it's not a bargain for $500, given that you're gonna be putting a few hundred in parts & labor.

That's a good point, but he may be happy with it as a 10 speed, too. Maybe just switch the chain ring to a 39T if he has trouble going uphill. It's hard to tell from his description what's on there, but it sounds like a 42T. I run my Soma as a 10 speed, and although sometimes I wish I had a higher gear or two so I can pedal harder on descents, with the 39T, climbing is fine. I think my cassette is a 12-25.

[Reesha]

yeah, i think he means it's got a 42T cog. typo!

He's going to look around for his double, but he doesn't think he's got the derailleur anymore (rats). We've got a pretty good FS section in our St. Louis bike forum and I have a neighbor that might be able to help swap some things out.

Much to my surprise, when James looked at the bike, he was not averse to the drops (esp once I told him I could put on yellow bar tape lol). I still wonder how he'll fare with bar end shifters though... hmmm.

[ASammy1]

I still wonder how he'll fare with bar end shifters though... hmmm.

I have the bar end shifter on my LHT and was a bit nervous at first. I was VERY comfortable with them after my second time out on them. I wouldn't worry about it too much.