Hey everyone, I'm considering some upgrades for that bike. I think the perfectly smooth LX drivetrain and pretty steel frame justify it.
I'm considering a more performance-oriented saddle, removing the reflectors, getting rid of the dork disc, upgrading the lights, new pedals, and faster tires. Additionally, I'm looking at Cool Stop brake pads, a better bike lock, and high-quality front and rear racks.
It's a steel trekking bike made in Germany by former eastern Germany socialist state bike plant mifa in the 90s after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
What are your thoughts on these upgrades? What upgrades are worth it? Where would you start? What do you think is that bike worth?
by molodjez
5 Comments
Before looking at your text my thougths were: brake pads, saddle and grips.
Don’t particularly like the barrel dynamo light, but you don’t have to use it unless necessary. Could consider a hub dynamo, when you need to replace the front wheel.
1×11 & Magura HSxx
Unfortunately, it’s a microdrive crankset – and there are no narrow-wide cranks available for it.
but on the other hand it look god and it is suitable to ride now but replace:
– tyres & tubes,
– cables & housing!
I support the upgrades you’re planning. If you use this bike in the city and after dark often, a dynamo front wheel would make a big difference.
https://www.taylor-wheels.de/nl/fietswiel-28-inch-voorwiel-naafdynamo-dh-c3000-3n-622-19-zilver?sPartner=goo?utm_source=web&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=google&number=35983416&sPartner=GoogleCPC&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1454451502&gbraid=0AAAAAD6kQ7Ca8TzRFJQYWp3U1H-rdRhVj&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_JzABhC2ARIsAPe3ynq6FmUoHE_pOS2jnDoZ0jBZaJVGxOOo74iWaAwohDbx-o5oztHJj74aAmZYEALw_wcB for example
Get the seat tube reamed, then replace the heavy seatpost and clamp. The scratches on the current post say that the seat tube wasn’t well finished.
From my point of view: only upgrade what really bothers you while driving. So if the derailleur is working good, keep it. Same with other parts. That said…
* Rear rack: have a look at the Racktime-System. I personally *love* it – definitely worth it
* Break pads: get the KoolStop Dual Compound – worth it
* Breaks: maybe switch to hangers and replace this static helpers; they might be easier to install but with lowering the triangle you can gain a little more power
* Pedals: I *love* the MKS, but some models are pricey in Germany (do you like Bear Trap’s? => XC-III)
* Saddle: very personal thing; personally I’m torn between the C17 and some 3d printed Ali-stuff
* Faster tires: Conti TerraSpeed (Back) and TerraTrail (Front) (got my last ones on Kleinanzeigen); the BlackChili ones (‘ProTection’) or Specialized Pathfinder (got mine from Bike-Components) – definitely worth it!
* Dork disc: might replace it with a new one; I know it’s uncool, but it has a purpose
* Drivetrain: check out the Connex chains; look out for special offers (they can be expensive)
* Lights: there are other Specialists around, f.e. at r/Fahrrad – I just bought some Big Knog Cobber, but that bike might be up for a hub dynamo.
* more Upgrades: personally I like good shifters and good brake levers
* more: you can open the hubs, clean and re-grease them
Besides: I like that handlebar!
And what do you mean by “better” bike lock?
From my point of view: all locks are easy to open (LPL) or break. Also, I do not want to carry a heavy chain that raps around my frame. So after I bought the expensive Kryptonite Messenger (and saw the videos of the LPL), I went with a more budget friendly Kryptonite (still U-lock) for my next bike and keep more an eye where/when to park. For short stops I even have a very light Titanium bike lock (“Twistlock”) that is sold on german eBay.