My late 80's 531c Raleigh Gran Tour is back on the road after being hung up for 15 years. It's a fab bike, I've now been reminded!
I was thinking of just keeping it going while I saved for a modern bike, but I've realised that it's a viable proposition to keep it long term and invest in it (albeit to a small budget).
It has a 42/52 Gipiemme chainset. I live in hilly country and want lower ratios. The ideal would be to fit a compact chainset and keep the old-model 105 front derailleur.
Can I do so without changing the bottom bracket? I'm guessing it's a standard square taper but I haven't measured the length of the BB axle or anything else, if this is necessary to answer the question.
Is such a modern chainset compatible? I know that some come advertised as "square taper compatible" but I'm guessing there may be more to it than this?
Have any of you guys done this? Apologies for talking about a non-purist old bike!
Thanks in advance.
I was thinking of just keeping it going while I saved for a modern bike, but I've realised that it's a viable proposition to keep it long term and invest in it (albeit to a small budget).
It has a 42/52 Gipiemme chainset. I live in hilly country and want lower ratios. The ideal would be to fit a compact chainset and keep the old-model 105 front derailleur.
Can I do so without changing the bottom bracket? I'm guessing it's a standard square taper but I haven't measured the length of the BB axle or anything else, if this is necessary to answer the question.
Is such a modern chainset compatible? I know that some come advertised as "square taper compatible" but I'm guessing there may be more to it than this?
Have any of you guys done this? Apologies for talking about a non-purist old bike!
Thanks in advance.