I picked up this 1996 Claud Butler Enduro bike for £30. So far, I've replaced the worn bottom bracket, chain, tyres, saddle, replaced the cantilevers with v-brakes. I've put on a new set of pedals and plan to swap out the handlebar and install a front basket.
It's running a Shimano Altus c50 3×6 groupset, which I'm debating replacing with a 3×7 or 1×10 groupset, as well as replacing the grip shifters and brake levers.
Any recommendations on upgrades, or specific component upgrades and what they'll require? I don't know too much about building bikes and am fortunate to be learning from other bike builders as well as YouTube. Any advice appreciated 🙂
by RNJudas_
6 Comments
i would not bother going from 3×6 to 3×7 i dont think it will make a meaningful difference but 1×10-12 will. if its 1-1/8” you could consider fork/headset swaps to a threadless system for more modern stuff like a front disc, cargo cages, more rack mounting options etc
That’s a nice frame that mate! In my experience it’s always been cheaper to pick up another complete bike with the parts I want on it than buy them individually. If you can find another bike with 3×7 or 3×8 Deore LX/XT on it on Marketplace you’d be sorted with most of what you’re after including a better set of wheels.
Nice. I love the lugged frame. I’ve never been a fan of grip shifters and would look for XT shifters and derailleur on Ebay.
As a cheap dude, and you’ve already changed the necessary things, I’d say ride it first. Try to see if there are things you need to change cause it’s bothering you. Cause if everything’s fine, you just saved yourself some money not upgrading things haha
I’d keep it as is, maybe a new set of bars. Pedals, grips, and seat wouldn’t be a bad route either.
Steal the frame and don’t go crazy on the drivetrain. That lugged steel is the whole point of the bike, and you’d be surprised how much a 1×10 or 1×11 setup transforms the way it feels to ride, especially once you add that basket and start using it as a proper runaround. Grip shifters make me cringe every time I use them, so I’d swap those out first regardless of what you do with the rest.
If your budget allows, hunt for a used Deore or SLX groupset on eBay or Facebook marketplace. That’s a noticeable jump in shifting quality over the Altus. The brakes look sorted already, but try compressionless housing if you want crisper lever feel. Ride it for a month with just the shifter swap and see what you actually miss before spending more.