1. Connie on October 6th, 2009 2:12 pm
   

   I am looking at downgearing my old Bridgestone RB1 double for a friend (1988). Would a tutorial on downgearing old road bikes be too complicated? I don’t know if I can do a compact crankset on the old bottom bracket (still in good shape) or if I have to buy a new cartridge and how to figure size. Also don’t know if I have enough derailleur capacity on the rear to accommodate a 27-28 tooth freewheel or whether my old long cage 105 rear will need to be put back in service. If you ask any shop mechanic about downgearing a vintage road double, they would like to sell you an entire new drive train for more than the value of the bike.

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