[johnbryanpeters]

In honor of my knees, I attacked the road bike today, replaced the 12-27 cassette with an 11-34, replaced the Ultegra rear derailleur with an XT (which turned out to be an M850 Rapid Rise), installed a new chain:

Change in ratios:

Also discovered:
- Rear wheel spokes loose, not true.
- One tire had broken sidewall, about to pop.

- The other tire had a 2" cut, disaster waiting to happen.

So, got the wheels trued, bought two new tires, adjusted the front
derailleur, which has been a little off kilter since the bike was
built, adjusted the brakes.

I don't even want to know what this exercise cost me...

Roadie pedals:

 

[SofaKingBanned]

I applaud you for doing what's best for your knees, but I think a tighter cog gap from the 12-27 is valuable, so I'd suggest putting on touring cranks (28-38-48) or if that's not low enough, mtb cranks with the 22T ring.

I dunno, I just like the closer spacing on a smaller cassette.

 

[Wumpus]

so I'd suggest putting on touring cranks (28-38-48)

 

[rooftest]

Ha! Yeah - for riding road you'll want to switch to some road pedals - the added efficiency will probably help your knees, too.

I was checking out a Seven ti/carbon bike at the LBS the other day, and just drooling over it, then I noticed it had these aero-looking pedals for mtb shimano cleats - (just like those pedals) wtf?

 

[Wumpus]

Ha! Yeah - for riding road you'll want to switch to some road pedals - the added efficiency will probably help your knees, too.

How are 'road pedals' more efficient?

 

[SofaKingBanned]

uhh, what? Why the ?

 

[Wumpus]

uhh, what? Why the ?

It looks like JBP already has touring cranks.

so I'd suggest putting on touring cranks (28-38-48)

 

[SofaKingBanned]

It looks like JBP already has touring cranks.

Those are 30-42-52. Sure, the difference between 30 and 28 isn't great, which is why I mentioned using mtb cranks instead.