In the 90s it was very common for road bike to have 7-speed rear shifters, 42 tooth small chainrings and 12-23 or similar cassettes. The bikes were great and even the entry level offerings often featured handmade in the USA steel or aluminum frames that were beautiful, rode really well and functioned reliably.
Many are still functioning reliably even now - roughly 20 years later! This is important to note since the starting price for new road bikes is commonly at or near $1000. Many people interested in giving road biking a try are just not able to spend that much.
However, someone wishing to try road biking can often afford a used 90s era road bike ... but the gearing that was common to stock bikes would only be suitable for a novice rider who lives in a flat area. If you live in a hilly or mountainous area a 42-23 low gear could be misery inducing for a new cyclist.
The good news is that very inexpensive new gear can breath mountain-goat-like climbing potential into a classic flatland road machine. Here's how ...
What you'll need:
- SRAM PG-730 Cassette - $18
- SRAM PG-830 Chain - $10
- Shimano Altus Rear Derailleur - $24
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A total upgrade cost of just over $50 - and the difference in climbing ease between a 12-23 cassette and a 12-32 cassette is absolutely enormous.
So if you know of someone that interested in road cycling, but they don't have the funds for a new bike, keep a look out for something used on craigslist or check with your local bike shop that sells used bikes. I've personally purchased excellent quality 90s road bikes complete for $50 and $75 on craigslist, so a mountain-rideable road bike can be acquired for $100 or less.
And, if you're truly a novice be sure to have a bike shop or a friend that's a knowledgeable and good bike mechanic perform this upgrade and a complete bike check-over before you 50+ mph descend off of that mountain you just climbed ;)
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