Is it worth upgrading old bikes?

[Gizmo!]

The OH has an old GT Palomar from the late 90s. It's slow, heavy and not much fun as it is... But solid.

Before I start dismantling it and getting ideas... Is it worth upgrading bits on a basic bike? Would probably look for better wheels, new BB/cranks, maybe new group set; all SH and on the cheap.

But if it'll still ride like a tank I'll just find a whole bike to replace it with...

[davepoth]

If the frame's really heavy, then it's still going to be a bit naff. For the money would spend on upgrades you could probably get a lighter frame to bolt all the crap bits to, and then upgrade them piece by piece?

[Digga]

What davepoth said - heavy bikes will always suck.

I love retro and bargain stuff, but the foundations of the bike - the frame - need to be good. New bikes from some of the big brands, when you add up the cost of the components, do offer incredible value and even some of the 'cooking' frames from people like Specialised are very good.

[craigb84]

I was in the same situation recently and my LBS said here's nothing wrong with what I have but the best and only real significant upgrade would be a lighter bike. His recommendation was to keep my current bike as a winter trainer and just buy new as you get a far better deal as a package than buying separates.

[LRdriver II]

yeah, i pepped up an old worthless Klein Quantum Pro road frame with modern DuraAce... popped on a set of high profile carbon rims onto it.. now works a charm. Gonna be my daily town beater now