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@vpCogworks
So after some brainstorming (and counting pennies) I came up with the ultimate plan for the Marin.
So here's the latest pic I have, since then I swapped the stem to 60 mm and put a buttload of spacers beneath, to raise the bars higher.
Now this is still not as comfy as I want it to be. These bars turned out to be great for short distances, but after a while they actually make my wrists hurt, which is a bummer. Tried a lot of variations already.
Hulsroy inspired me to do something like this:
Lowriser, wide-ish bars, with the 100 mm stem I have, and hopefully no spacers. Currently on the hunt, but no luck finding cheapo, second-hand bars for over a month now. Still got some time, I want to start the conversion somewhere around March the soonest.
The crankset & BB will come off the Gazelle frame, and get installed on the Marin as soon as I get a Hollowtech BB tool.
And now for the actually spendy part: gonna need new wheels. Current freehub can only take up to 7s cassettes, and the front hub is getting quite horrible, lbs told me some half a year ago that it's beyond any repair. So either I find something good in the used market, or I get a new set - thinking about Shimano WH-R501 here. These won't fit the 38C Maxxis Overdrives I currently use, which ain't a big problem as I'd actually like to go with something lighter. Thinking about Gravelkings in 700x32C, or maybe Marathon Supremes? No idea yet.
As for the groupset, I might go down the Advent route. 9s is more than enough for me, and a 11-42T cassette should provide more than enough gear range. However, I'll also keep an eye out for second hand 9s groups, because I don't think I will need a clutch. I can use the SLX RD from the Gazelle (it's working perfectly thankfully and has a really strong spring), which means I can save a lot of money here. I'll only need a 9s shifter and a cassette (the chain that came with the Gazelle is basically brand new).
I will also get full-sized V-brakes and new (=old) levers, because the these Tektro minis aren't a perfect match with the current XT STIs.
Lastly, mudguards. I really need mudguards. Hopefully the lockdown's gonna be over soonish and I can finally browse some stores.
Oh, and some joy, the seatpost binder bolt was had to be replaced, but luckily the one on the Gazelle fit the Marin perfectly! One less thing to worry about.
Excuse the rambling.