Upgrades - Raleigh Elan

[328isport]

Hi guys,

Being new to the world of cycling i'm still learning about various bits and pieces, and some of it seems pretty complex to work out whats better than what and whats compatible!

My bike is an early 90s Raleigh Elan, it was rebuilt about a year ago and has pro-lite wheels/GP4000s tyres, brooks seat and bar tape which i'm happy with, and a few other bits, specialized computer etc but the frame is stock and the drivetrain is mostly stock, being Exage 300ex apart from a Tiagra 9 spd der, it has an 8 speed cassette and original bio-space front sprockets on the orginal crank, and of course stock brakes albeit with Jagwire pads.

What i'm after is your guys experience to suggest some further decent upgrades? I've considered carbon forks and seatpost but given as this is my commuter and fun bike i decided against it after reading too many horror stories about carbon, i need it to be durable, so will be leaving those parts steel.

I'm currently thinking about replacing the side pull brakes with dual pivot ones, but unsure if everything will fit my bike or if the mounts have changed on newer bikes, eg. can i run Campag Chorus brakes on my frame?

Likewise perhaps updating the crank would be a good idea? Ideally i'd like something more compact upfront but keep the 8 spd cassette and tiagra der, i want to keep my downtube shifters as i have only recently had these set up properly. I find i can go along happily at 18-20mph on the smaller front ring so the 53 big ring seems far too long geared to me.

Anyway i'd appreciate any ideas!

 

[biggs682]

should be able to fit later allen key brakes ok might need to fit fr one to rear and rear on front ..... yes it works and even god sheldon mentions it .

swapping fr ring or complete crank set shouldnt be a problem .

 

[mrandmrspoves]

The 90's Elan was a reasonable (by Raleigh standards!) bike with Reynolds 501 frame.
The frames tend to rust out on the chain stays if not cared for.

Personally I would leave it as near to original as possible and just change parts that need replacing because they no longer work.
You could spend lots of money upgrading it......but if it is your commuter will it serve you better?

 

[Cycleops]

I think changing to a compact chain set would be sensible and upgrading the brakes would be a good idea. Apart from that I can't think of anything useful you could do.

 

[sidevalve]

IMHO if the brakes are set up properly they work pretty well with good pads fitted. If the gearing is too "tall" what are you running at the rear ? The derailer shuld take a 28 sprocket without any problems, simpler and cheaper to do. I have a "biopace" front at 40 - 52 and have no real probs and County Durham aint flat and I am mr unfit. If you want to upgrade don't let me stop you, it's your cash, but don't expect miracles. If it is a 501 frame is it the "double butted" type ? Again, if so, sorry but you wont get much improvement by just changing the forks [nor will you save any weight worth noticing even if you change the frame].
As I said, fit what you want, it's your bike but if it's well sorted you may find the "improvements" just aint worth the cash.