I have a Bianchi Campione steel bike. Can’t afford a new one. Is it worth spending $300-500 for upgrades (wheels or components) for smoother/faster shifting and a bit more speed? I’m a 42 year old, middle/back of the packer that just had knees scoped for 3rd time. Wondering if it’s worth dressin’ up steel.
If the frame is straight, defect free (rust, etc.) and it fits well, why not! I know many on this and other forums have the latest and greatest new technology, but with what you described, you should be able to get a lot more enjoyment and miles out of a good quality steel frame. Beware of gear sizing. With a steel frame you should be able to get the rear widened to accept 8 or 9 speed, if its an older model with 7 or below. I would recommend taking it to a good shop and have them advise you after looking at the frame. I would also look at some of the components and wheels on places like ebay. But unless you plan to do the work yourself, talk to your LBS about compatability, and wheel sizes, etc. before you start buying used gear on the web.
Absolutely. Those old Italian lugged steel frames are works of art. I ran my first two years on my old Miele 12 sp. I’ll never sell that bike. It’ll probably be still be around long after the aluminium frames on my newer bikes have cracked. I upgraded it for tris and it would do 98% of what any new bike will do.
If you want to upgrade to STI, it’s fairly easy. If it’s a 6/7 sp. freewheel the rear triangle is 126mm and can eaily be cold flaired by the LBS to 130mm to accomodate 8 or 9sp cassette. All kinds of used STI is available on ebay.
If you want to keep the freewheeels, you can buy really cheap from the Kelly Bike Co. a set of "take-off"brakets to move the shifters off the downtube to a more convenient position near the brakes. Then pick up a set of short aero bars such as Profile Jammer GT’s or small size Syntaces. Look on ebay for some used aero wheels and you’re all set.
It’s mostly the engine and you don’t have to spend big bucks on a bike to be fast or to have fun doing tri.