I am refurbing a 1989 Specialized Allez and while I like it in stock 53/39 double form and have I've lost over 40 lbs recently making hill climbing a bit easier - the reality is I am a mid 50s dude in hilly Seattle. A compact double would make a lot of sense and the bike is going to be torn down anyway, so now is a good time to make the change and make the bike more versatile (i.e easier on the hills). I can get an FSA Vero 50/34 (square taper) for about $50 and I already have a 110mm cartridge square taper BB. My concerns are as follows:
- New crank affecting chainline and therefore the indexed shifting of the Suntour GPX gruppo
- Stock GPX FD being able to handle a 16 tooth drop in chain rings (I can get a new FD but it would be great if the stock one worked)
- 9 speed crank and 7 speed drive train, don't think this will be a problem but.. The wheels are Stock Wolber and the gears are a 7 speed FW and I don't really want to change that out.
Just wondering for anyone who has done this if they have suggestions, cautions, things I haven't considered. Thank you
Allez as-is