Pimp My Ride?

jburbatt

So this past year I got a new, but used, triathlon bike, to add to my road bike.  I've had a ton of shifting problems with it over the summer and have had it looked at and "repaired" by at least 4 different bike shops, and 2 that are very very good shops.  No one seems to be able to figure out what the problem is, and once I get onto the road the shifting starts all over the place whether I'm shifting or not, it doesn't stay in gear, etc.  So over the winter, my goal is to get my bike fixed.  This leads to all sorts of questions.

Currently, my bike is set up as a 9-speed with an Ultegra RD and Shimano 105 FD.  When I went to look for a compact crank this summer, I could only find a 9-speed in the Sora line (which I understand is the very very entry level for Shimano, like I ride my bike 5 times a year).  Now I was originally thinking that I would like to keep it a 9-speed since I have a 9-speed road and I could swap components around.  But, it is extremely more difficult to find 9-speed parts as we apparently move more and more into a 10-speed world.  Also, I cannot find an Ultegra RD that's 9-speed compatible, and I really don't want to downgrade my shifting system anymore considering all the significant problems it caused me this year.  

So does it make sense for me to upgrade my bike to a 10-speed and get all new upgraded parts?  I want (and my knees pretty much need) a really smooth shifting system, and I'm sure I've heard that mo' gears = mo' better somewhere.  I'm not looking to get a new bike, as the fit of this bike is finally perfect, and I've already put some significant money into upgrading pretty much all the other components.

Should I just stay consistent throughout, i.e. all Ultegra?  Or would it make sense to go with Ultegra for most and splurge on a Dura Ace RD?  Does it actually shift better or is it just lighter (weight is not important for me)?  Aside from the Dura Ace > Ultegra > 105 > Tiagra > Sora, and that apparently only Tiagra and Sora deal with 9-speed now, I'm a little fuzzy on the true differences in actual operation.

So opinions and advice are most welcome and needed!

Kitboo

If you switch from a 9 to 10 speed, you will need to get new shifters and chain. Shifters can be expensive, but are worth the $$ to upgrade to Ultegra. You can keep the compact crank if you change from 9 to 10 speed, but you may need to change the RD and possibly the FD (I changed both when I upgraded from 9 to 10, 105 to Ultegra). You don't need to have Ultegra or even all Shimano throughout your drive train (Some SRAM parts are compatible with Shimano).
IMHO, I think the components that are worth spending $$$ on are: shifters, derailleurs. As for cassettes, I end up replacing mine almost every 1-1.5 years, so no point in getting Dura Ace or Ultegra...105 or SRAM cassettes are just fine. As for the chain, I've already filled an entire thread with my rantings against Shimano chains (once you break a Shimano chain you need a new bolt to reconnect it). A nice Wipperman or KMC that won't break the bank will work just fine. Chains are another item I tend to replace just about every year so no point in getting the super expensive ones.

The difference in shifting between 105 and Ultegra is signficant to me. From Ultegra to Dura Ace---yeah, DA is smoother but I'm not sure it's worth the $$$. Of course, the more $$$ you spend the lighter everything gets. Look into SRAM shifters too---I've heard people just rave about how awesome they are.

Dressing up a bike in a new drivetrain is very exciting! When I upgraded from 9 to 10 speed, 105 to Ultegra on my road bike---it was like getting a whole new bike. The shifting was alot better, having more gears was great. I think just getting your bike to shift NORMALLY will be a huge improvement---everything else will be icing on the cake.

wareagledusty

Hi there, if you are sweating weight you will find Ultegra hard to beat (my $.02).  DA is more expensive but you are mainly getting weight savings.  Today's Ultegra is DA stuff from just a short time ago (or that's what my LBS dude told me).

Check out the SRAM stuff too.  I just bought a new tri-bike and it has full SRAM Red gear and I'm pretty impressed so far.  SRAM stuff can be a little less expensive too. 

jburbatt

I can just change over the shifting stuff, correct? I don't have to replace my braking stuff? I only ask because all the component kits I'm coming across include the brake stuff too, but my brakes work fine and don't want to spend more money than I need to!

gina

SRAM  !!!! I  upgraded my tri bike from Ultegra to SRAM  last Christmas. SWEET  stuff, I will likelu never go back to Shimano.

Chris G

Upgrading can get expensive in a hurry.  You may want to consider selling the bike and buying a new or different one.  IIRC a new Cervelo P2 with a Dura Ace mixed group [all plenty good components] is going to retail for $2200 next season.  If you do want to go the upgrade route probikekit and some of the other European based retailers are usually far less expensive:

Ultegra "build as you go" stuff:

http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=D0033

jburbatt

I just got this bike this summer, so won't be getting a new one. Plus I really like the geometry and setup I've got going. I've found some good deals on SRAM force shifting parts for about $550 total with options so I'll probably go with that. Just wanted to make sure I didn't need to do the brake system too.

MoJoe

I couldn't tell if it is your old road bike that is having issues, or your new/old TT bike.  Only minor differences anyway.

9 vs 10... crank, FD and RD are interchangeable.  When changing 9->10, you must change bar end shifters (or BarCons for the TT) or brifters (= brake/shifter for the road bike), chain (10 is narrower) and cassette.

"Last year's" equipment may still be available, and at screaming prices. Get DA 7800 instead of 7900. Ultegra 6600 instead of 6700.  EBay can be your friend, if you have the patiences to wade through the ton of listings and wait for a good deal.

"Shifting on it own"... other things to look for: bend/damaged derailleur, bent frame hanger, worn cables.

Good luck,

Joe