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@joachim
Hi all,
I've got a beautiful (in my eyes anyway) circa 1999 Litespeed Obed built as an MTB with Shimano XT all round. Only Marzocchi z2-xfly fork and Selle Italia saddle changed from stock.
I've recently acquired a 10 mile (each way) commute through central london (E1 to W12). Currently I'm doing the ride on my other bike (Brompton S2L-X), and while it doesn't happen often I hate being overtaken. I'm rarely grinding and spinning out a little too often. So I'm thinking I need to ditch the work clothes and get something light, fast and tuned for eactly this job.
So what do you all think of turning the Litespeed into a singlespeed? What would you change? what would you keep? If I take this route I'm thinking I'd probably get another hard-tail MTB frame (maybe an upgrade model Litespeed or Merlin) and use any left-over parts on that.
Or is the poor guy just going to end up a mongrel? Would I be better of leaving him to do what he knows best get something bred for road work?
I'm not going to be able to be quite so careful with parking the new bike. So whatever machine I get/build how much should i consider the bling factor? While it will be secure during the day, it might need to sit outside bars/clubs etc on the way home at night. Do theives know what they are looking at or do they just steal what ever and figure out what it's worth later?
Thanks in advance for your help!!
Joachim
p.s. I'm open to hear about things you might want to sell me to fulfil my need. I'm 5'11" and believe I'm about a 56cm road frame size, but I'm going to do the http://www.wrenchscience.com fit program when I have a minute and a friend to hold a book between my legs.