Vintage Steel Bike with Shimano Ultegra Groupset
09-24-16, 02:05 PM
#1
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Vintage Steel Bike with Shimano Ultegra Groupset
So, I acquired a carbon fiber road bike this summer with a full Shimano Ultegra 6600 groupset. I don't like the bike. It has 23mm tires and I don't think I can fit anything larger. Geometry seems uncomfortable as well. I've been happier on every older steel bike I've ridden.
So question - would it be possible to transfer the components to an older vintage steel bike? Any recommendations for models to look for that the conversion would not be a giant pain?
So question - would it be possible to transfer the components to an older vintage steel bike? Any recommendations for models to look for that the conversion would not be a giant pain?
09-24-16, 02:13 PM
#2
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09-24-16, 02:17 PM
#3
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Just about anything from the late 1980`s should work. A frame that came with recessed mount short reach brakes would be best but you can work around anything. I put a 9 speed group on a 1969 Witcomb that had the brake bridge and fork drilled for recessed mount brakes.
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09-24-16, 06:24 PM
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No problem if the dropout spacing is 130 mm.
09-24-16, 06:47 PM
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For this I would look for a nicer Japanese Touring frame set bike from the late 70's through 80's with 126/130 spacing. This will give you plenty pf space for larger tires, possible fenders racks and since it will be JIS the Shimano stuff should just bolt strait on you may need to run different longer reach brakes and spread the rear dropouts, but fairly easy transfer as a whole.
09-24-16, 08:10 PM
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09-24-16, 08:39 PM
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09-24-16, 11:50 PM
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I think Ultegra 6600 is 'too new' for vintage bike, doesn't mean it can't be done. But I'd choose for something like Soma San Marcos to get the best of both world.
09-25-16, 08:45 AM
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Another option you might want to consider is having a custom steel frame built. Then you get perfect fit, and your existing Ultegra group-set keeps the custom bike affordable.
09-25-16, 09:05 AM
#12
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a very long thread with many examples of dong this sort of thing:
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...i-s-ergos.html
its very common and not difficult for most frames.
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...i-s-ergos.html
its very common and not difficult for most frames.
09-26-16, 12:36 PM
#13
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Cool thank you guys. I had thought about maybe custom, but I really like the look of the older frames as well as their geometry. And heck, a nice old frame (or fully bike for that matter) seems to still be far less than a custom steel frame.
09-26-16, 12:43 PM
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Perhaps something along the lines of this??
https://www.bikeforums.net/19082782-post36955.html
(That Rivendell is on ebay, but could explore similar type and style.)
https://www.bikeforums.net/19082782-post36955.html
(That Rivendell is on ebay, but could explore similar type and style.)
09-26-16, 12:47 PM
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09-26-16, 01:32 PM
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If you want larger volume tires (say 28c), you will want a road frame that takes long reach brakes. That means that your existing brakes are likely not to work; otherwise this is a pretty straightforward job.
09-26-16, 04:30 PM
#17
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Perhaps something along the lines of this??
https://www.bikeforums.net/19082782-post36955.html
(That Rivendell is on ebay, but could explore similar type and style.)
https://www.bikeforums.net/19082782-post36955.html
(That Rivendell is on ebay, but could explore similar type and style.)
Pretty darned close. I'm even looking for blue
09-26-16, 04:39 PM
#18
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Yeah, I think I'm set on something that will take at a bare minimum 28c with fenders. I can deal with replacing the brakes, no biggie there. I was thinking something like an old Peugeot PX-10, but now I can't decide if I want more Italian and more flashy.
09-26-16, 04:42 PM
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You're in Chicago. I'd go for a Schwinn paramount or an older Trek. I'm rebuilding a 1978 Trek TX 900 which is made of columbus SL tubing, has eyelets and takes long reach brakes.
09-26-16, 04:51 PM
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Ultegra 6500 on a Shogun 300 with 35mm tires
09-27-16, 05:16 AM
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Tons of frames out there, and you should be good to go. Just watch your tire clearance, and then go with it. Glad to have you on the forums. Nothing wrong with carbon frames. Many of us have them hidden in our closets and crawlspaces.
09-27-16, 05:30 AM
#22
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If you have thought about custom frames, one other possibility might be Tommasini Tommasini Bicycle ? Style and Passion They would fit your steel requirement, and their quality is excellent. They can be had with the correct rear stay spread to accept the Ultegra group you want to use, from your CF bike.
Just a thought, welcome to the C&V Forum, too.
Bill
Just a thought, welcome to the C&V Forum, too.
Bill
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09-27-16, 10:03 AM
#23
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If you have thought about custom frames, one other possibility might be Tommasini Tommasini Bicycle ? Style and Passion They would fit your steel requirement, and their quality is excellent. They can be had with the correct rear stay spread to accept the Ultegra group you want to use, from your CF bike.
Just a thought, welcome to the C&V Forum, too.
Bill
Just a thought, welcome to the C&V Forum, too.
Bill
09-27-16, 10:10 AM
#24
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To put it in perspective...I was the one guy there in t-shirt, baggy shorts, and sandals on a 20-25mph club ride. They all thought I was crazy, not that I really minded.
I guess this is a long winded way of me saying the carbon bike just doesn't fit my idea of biking. I do it because I enjoy it, I like bikes, it makes a heck of a lot more sense to commute by bike rather than car in a lot of situations. If at some point I care about being able to hold 24mph steady instead of 22.5 when I'm trying to really hustle....I'll get my butt in better shape rather than worrying about a few ounces on my bike and a smidge of rolling resistance that I got through sacrificing comfort.
09-27-16, 04:41 PM
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A classic steel bike just puts you in a different place when riding.
Bikes are good, overall. Steel just seems more like a bike to me.
Big Wheels were after my time, so I pretty much relate to round steel tubing, from way back when.
Bikes are good, overall. Steel just seems more like a bike to me.
Big Wheels were after my time, so I pretty much relate to round steel tubing, from way back when.
