Picking up a new ride for the BF

[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.

[Reesha]

We bought the Surly Cross Check and had a jolly good time riding around the park 5 miles or so. Damn him and his strength, he beat me up the big climb in the park (proud, though!). I still think he'd prefer flat bars for the comfort, but he did great with the 'rams horns' as he calls them. Still not shifting yet though.

We had a fantastic time and I look forward to many more days on the road with him!

Edit: I forgot to mention that he named it Gus II after our chicken that ran away. lol!

[Velocivixen]

Congratulations on what sounds like a great purchase! You're encouraging him to do something fun and healthy. I test rode the cross check and in just a couple of minutes was able to reach down and shift. It took some practice though. Maybe you could rotate the handlebars so the hoods/brakes are up a little higher. Know what I mean? That might make him a bit more comfortable.

Glad it all worked out!