jimboalee said:
I had a 531 framed bike from the early seventies. It had 27" HPs and Weinmann sidepull stirups which weighed less the Campag Record.
I considered changing to 700C, but when I faced the prospect of installing a set of brakes that added on 1/4 lb to the bikes weight, I scrapped that idea.
(As I have already mentioned somewhere else, the single wall Rigida 27" HP rims weighed less than Mavic MA2.)
What was the point?
I sold that bike, but later regretted it because the wheelset would have gone into my Pug.
Its like restoring and using old cars. You end up paying more than the car is worth.
Both my old steel bikes already had 700c wheels fitted when I bought them.
I see that Alhonga brakes cost in the region of £20. Surely not a lot to pay for improved stopping power ? I live in the foothills of the Berwyn Mountains; coming down steep descents in the wet is quite nerve wracking.
Regarding your comment :
"I considered changing to 700C, but when I faced the prospect of installing a set of brakes that added on 1/4 lb to the bikes weight, I scrapped that idea."
To me and for what I use my bike for, 1/4 lb is neither here nor there; particularly as I'd like to lose over a stone. You must be riding at a much higher level than me to worry about 1/4 lb. I can gain 1/4lb just by eating breakfast and having my customary pint mug of tea
- rather more, actually. Am I the only 'non-serious' cyclist on this forum ?
Regarding :
"You end up paying more than the car is worth."
I'm not improving my bike to sell it, I'm doing so because I wish to
use it more. The more I use it, the more it is 'worth' to me. For the amount of cycling that I do actually do, it would be a waste of money to buy a new 'bling' machine.
I primarily cycle with my family at a very sedate pace and I've done just two reliability runs. I had no problems in keeping up on the reliability runs - despite being in the company of many who did have 'better' machines. I've no desire to enter time trials/races etc. so my bike is fine -
for what I use it for. I've entered The Cheshire Cat - I'll be using one of my elderly bikes - I'll let you know how I get on !