Going retro?

I've been forced to use down tube shifters again since acquiring the Basso, and the weird thing is I like it!

I'm fully prepared to modernize it with a 9-speed Campagnolo group, but I'm wondering should I bother?

Inspired by this thread on my favorite internet forum, I decided to put a newer wheelset  with an 8-speed cassette on the Basso to assess friction shifting across eight cogs. A secondary motivation was to determine how different tires would affect the bike's handling, especially on rough surfaced descents.

With only a couple of rides completed, I have the impression that shifting is certainly no worse, and perhaps more accurate, with less throw of the lever. I'm also getting the hang of shifting both levers with one hand, generally the left. I find this intriguing as I'm right-handed, but the more I think about it, the more sense it makes because the left hand shifts on the front, which usually requires an up or down shift on the rear. The hand is already there, so why not use it?

It was a different matter when I got back into cycling four years ago. My 1988 Nishiki road bike seemed outdated, even primitive. Reaching down to shift was uncomfortable for my (bad) lower back. I was convinced I needed integrated shifters. At first I wanted to "upgrade" the Nishiki, but that would have meant new everything: front and rear derailleurs and a new wheelset, cassette, etc. in addition to the shifters. It made more sense to buy something new or slightly used.

So, I started pricing bikes. Sticker shock stopped me cold. I was leaning towards an aluminum  Specialized Roubaix with a 9-speed Ultegra group ($1800 at the time.) I fell in love with a carbon Roubaix, but it was even more expensive. My research led me to look at aluminum frames, for stiffness and efficiency as well as affordability, and I ended up with a gently used Trek 1500. Thrilled to be riding again, I really enjoyed the integrated shifting.

Since then I've occasionally toyed with the idea of getting a carbon bike. I mean, some of the designs are really sexy (as far as bikes go.) When I got the bug for a new bike in 2010, I actually rented several carbon and aluminum bikes, just to see how the alloy frame I wanted compared to its carbon cousins. I preferred the less-expensive aluminum over the entry-level carbon bikes. For my style of riding, there was not enough difference in performance and ride quality to justify the extra expense.

So, as long as I'm comfortable riding the Basso as-is, and the friction shifting is a non-issue, I doubt I'll update it. It's just a lot of fun and a welcome change of pace.

Keep pedaling!


Horatio