What should Rip van Winkle do with his steelie?

[RWL2222]

Thanks mhespenheide. I can see going to a XT derailleur. Having dug into things more now, with the help from this forum, I am going for the biggest cassette I can squeeze on. But one question, I count 8 on the cassette now (which is a 13-27) rather than the 9 you mention sticking with. (Not that you can count them in this pic.)

Beautiful frames you make.

[Tandem Rider]

The jump into the cassette and rear derailleur has the largest impact. You should be able to wrangle that fairly inexpensively, especially if you DIY. I wouldn't get too carried away because your fitness is going to improve as you ride and your body is going to adapt.

Your knee pain may have simply been from overuse, not seat position or handlebar position and a few days off "cured" it, I wouldn't go moving things around on the bike just yet. Overuse is a tricky one, never be afraid to take a few days off just to allow you body to heal and recover.