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Post by wifflebat on May 17, 2016 19:57:27 GMT
Hi all I bought a T3a on gumtree a while back as I decided it was time to move on from the 1980s machinery I have been riding. I really like it but have a couple of Qs and am seeking some advice if anyone has a mo: 1. I have 2 pairs of old Mavic wheels (MA40 and ReflexSUPs) in the garage that have been lying around after a few other gumtree purchases (don't tell the missus). I was going to take them to a LBS for a once over service to make sure they were OK and good to go (maybe selling a pair of both sets given the seal of approval but hopefully I get at least one pair out of them). I assume that either of these wheel are compatible with an 8 speed cassette? Does this seem like a useful upgrade? I've not heard many good things about the stock wheels...lots of mention of cheese! 2. Speaking of cassettes, I would like to upgrade to a 28t cassette from 25t. No joy on chain reaction or wiggle stock-wise. Are they all interchangeable or would I need to go shimano? I live at the top of a very big hill used by local cycle clubs form training so every little helps. 3. I've also read that brake blocks are an advised upgrade. Are they really that bad? Remember, I'm coming straight from a Falcon Team Banana here ? And finally, 4. Whilst idly browsing eBay i came across a few potential bargain carbon forks (a new specialized one for Β£25 for example). I hadn't really considered a fork upgrade but, say I did find a bargain, are these fairly interchangeable too? If not, what specs and measurements should I be looking for? Thanks in advance for any advice!
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Post by william39 on May 17, 2016 20:10:59 GMT
Get out and enjoy your new bike first, see how the ride is and then think about upgrades is my advice!
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Post by mark072 on May 17, 2016 20:35:45 GMT
I also have a white T3a. With regards to the wheels if they are old I don't think they would fit as the hub wouldn't fit into the frame. I have Mavic MA2 rims and old Shimano 105 hubs (1990ish) on my old racer and the rear wheel triban hub with the 8 speed did not fit in when I tried to put the T3a wheels onto the old bike. You can take off the 8 speed 12-25 and replace this with another 8 speed quite easily. I have a chain whip and cassette removal tool and use an 8 speed SRAM PG850 11-28 as I live near Derbyshire and do lots of climbing. A Shimano HG50 11-28 would also fit and there should be plenty of buying choices online for either of those cassettes. The standard cartridge pads are ok but I have replaced mine due to wear with another pair of cartridge ones (not sure which make). I have upgraded to Carbon forks on mine and it does save a few 100 grams in weight and absorbs the road vibration and potholes better than the steel ones. Something like Columbus Tusk would be ok. The size for the steerer should be 1 1/8 for the triban (I had my Focus ones fitted at the shop).
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