Should I Update or Buy a New Bike

[tbrowne]

I have a 1994 Trek 2100, composite road bike, that I bought new. It's in good condition and I ride it about a thousand miles a year. I do like the bike but I would like to upgrade the shifters to get them up on the brake levers rather than the current location on the down tube. I could use a few other parts and I'm wondering if I might not be better off spending the money on a new ride. I've read that some composite frames have problems with the joints failing over time where the composite material mates with aluminum or steel. Any thoughts on the matter?

[DaveM]

This kind of frame technically has a shorter life span than all metal or all carbon frames. But if it hasn't been abused and you check it over carefully, I wouldn't worry too much.

If you can find 7 speed combined shift/brake levers (brifters) at a reasonable price it may be worth it. It looks like Shimano Sora was the last group they made with 7 speed. Prices were in the $100-$150 range, but most places seem to be out of stock. If you can get them, figure another $50 for cables, labor, bar tape...might be a nice upgrade for $200.

But if the bike needs another couple hundred for maintenance, new tires, parts, etc. It might be time to just start fresh.

[tbrowne]

Thank you! That's about what I thought, but I needed some confirmation. I guess I'll save my nickles and go for a net bike somewhere in the future.

[RobAR]

As Dave said, that frame should be inspected thoroughly before sinking any money into it. At 1000 miles / year (16,000 miles), you've certainly got some use out of it!
If you're entertaining the thought of a new bike but want to keep this Trek, and the shifters on the DT bother you, have you considered barend shifters? They're much more convenient, are period-correct, will work with your current components and can be found for low cost. Just a thought.

[tbrowne]

I hadn't thought of barend shifters, but that's a good idea.

[RobAR]

It's been a week, Mr Browne. Have you chosen a course of action or am I just supposed to wish you a Merry Christmas from the bottom of my soot-colored heart? (the Grinch is my fave!)

Either way - let us know how you proceed!
Merry Christmas, everyone! I will be SO glad when all of this over-eating, under-excersizing, over-sleeping, Paid Holiday stuff is over!!

[tbrowne]

Sorry, I thought it was clear that I will be keeping the bike for the time being. I have it apart in the basement and I'm looking it over for problems. The carbon frame seems to be in good shape without any abrasions or visible damage. I ordered bearing cones over the internet, the RX100 cones are hard to come by, and they came a couple of days ago. The hub runs very smoothly now, whereas it had a kind of rumble in it before the rebuild. I'm going to leave the shifters alone, they work well and I don't do that much shifting on my routes. The south western portion of Ohio is mostly gently, rolling hills. I'm waiting for a hub wrench so that I can remove the rear cassette and see what needs to be done in that area. Maybe if the tax man is good to me, I'll spring for a newer bike after the first of the year. I really like this bike, but I'd also like to have something a little more modern - human nature I guess. Thank you to all who answered my question! I'm not a bike expert by any means, but I would like to stay active with this forum, so maybe I'll be able to inject something worthwhile occasionally.