Upgrade of my old machine
Moderators: Philip Whiteman, Andy Terry
Upgrade of my old machine
Wanted....Advice on buying a bike, at the moment i have a down tube shifter alumininum frame bike but would like the sti shifters preff 105s or if poss could i upgrade my bike to the sti gears and how much would it cost?? your help would be much appreciated.
Hi Darren,
Like most things in life, there are many options for you to choose from and the best choice will depend on a number of things - your budget, type of riding, winter / summer use, possible racing / time trialling etc. etc.
If you can get along to the club on Thursday night: http://www.beaconrcc.org.uk/message_boa ... php?t=2878 you will find that people will be only too pleased to help you spend some money and give some helpful advice
Like most things in life, there are many options for you to choose from and the best choice will depend on a number of things - your budget, type of riding, winter / summer use, possible racing / time trialling etc. etc.
If you can get along to the club on Thursday night: http://www.beaconrcc.org.uk/message_boa ... php?t=2878 you will find that people will be only too pleased to help you spend some money and give some helpful advice
Hi Darren
Upgrading your bike to STI/ Ergopower levers can be slightly complicated due to the vast choice of components available and also it depends on what your existing set-up comprises.
For example if you wish to upgrade to Shimano 105 STI levers, you also need a compatible rear gear, suitable chain, compatible freewheel on your rear wheel and suitable down tube cable mounts.
You say you now have down tube gear levers, so it's likely that your current freewheel block won't be compatible. This could also mean having to buy a new rear wheel.
I'm not sure about current prices, but I had a quick look at Ribble Cycles website and their 105 STI levers cost around £140, and depending on what other parts you need the cost could be £200-£300.
There are cheaper alternatives to 105, both Shimano and Campagnolo have lower priced ranges.
Kermit's advice above is spot on. I'll be at the meeting on Thursday and if you bring your bike I'd gladly have a look at it and tell you what in my opinion would be your best option. I'm not a mechanic but have spent the last 40 odd years riding and I always build my own bikes.
The upgrade to Ergo or STI levers is well worth it and one of the best improvements you can make, but given the cost it may be worth changing your bike.
Upgrading your bike to STI/ Ergopower levers can be slightly complicated due to the vast choice of components available and also it depends on what your existing set-up comprises.
For example if you wish to upgrade to Shimano 105 STI levers, you also need a compatible rear gear, suitable chain, compatible freewheel on your rear wheel and suitable down tube cable mounts.
You say you now have down tube gear levers, so it's likely that your current freewheel block won't be compatible. This could also mean having to buy a new rear wheel.
I'm not sure about current prices, but I had a quick look at Ribble Cycles website and their 105 STI levers cost around £140, and depending on what other parts you need the cost could be £200-£300.
There are cheaper alternatives to 105, both Shimano and Campagnolo have lower priced ranges.
Kermit's advice above is spot on. I'll be at the meeting on Thursday and if you bring your bike I'd gladly have a look at it and tell you what in my opinion would be your best option. I'm not a mechanic but have spent the last 40 odd years riding and I always build my own bikes.
The upgrade to Ergo or STI levers is well worth it and one of the best improvements you can make, but given the cost it may be worth changing your bike.
You know you've made it when Graham Watson asks to take your photo
Thanks Andy, but unfortunateley i cannot make Thursday night as i have family commitments, but thanks for your input on this matter. Would it be possible to send you a few pics of the bike and you could have a look and tell me the best option because i dont want to spend too much if it is not needed.My email address is wimpy6298@sky.com could you send me yours?.
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
No prob Darren---you can email me on Ajmsdn@aol.com.
What set-up do you have at the moment ---gear type, number of rear sprockets etc. ?
The biggest problem is trying to get the STI levers working properly with an incompatible rear mech and sprocket system.
Sorry to complicate matters. Andy...
What set-up do you have at the moment ---gear type, number of rear sprockets etc. ?
The biggest problem is trying to get the STI levers working properly with an incompatible rear mech and sprocket system.
Sorry to complicate matters. Andy...
You know you've made it when Graham Watson asks to take your photo
Just to add to the above Darren----
Why not go to a decent bike shop and get a quote/opinion about your bike ?
I've only lived in Brum for just over a year, so I don't really know anywhere, perhaps folks on here could recommend somewhere.
Why not go to a decent bike shop and get a quote/opinion about your bike ?
I've only lived in Brum for just over a year, so I don't really know anywhere, perhaps folks on here could recommend somewhere.
You know you've made it when Graham Watson asks to take your photo
Good idea Andy. I can recommend Ben Froggat's new shop in Stirchley (opposite the Cine Bowl but am now showing my age 'cause it's probably called something else by now)
http://www.beaconrcc.org.uk/message_boa ... php?t=2658
Ben only does servicing, repairs and bike building and he certainly knows his stuff. Why not give him a call Darren?
http://www.beaconrcc.org.uk/message_boa ... php?t=2658
Ben only does servicing, repairs and bike building and he certainly knows his stuff. Why not give him a call Darren?
Assuming that you wanted to fit Shimano 105 equipement, then it would cost:-
STi Levers - £144.46
Rear Mech - £33.96
Cassette - £34.96
Chain - £15.94
Bar Tape - £10
So £239.17 in total, based on Ribble prices.
However, you need to make sure that your rear wheel will accept a 10sp cassette, otherwise you will need to add another £200 for a set of decent hand built wheels.
Then what state are your front chain rings in? I would suggest that you would more than likely need a new 10sp chain set @ £61.16 (Just as cheap, if not cheaper, to buy the whole lot instead of just replacing the rings)
But for the sake of another £18.57 I'd stick a new front mech on as well.
So the grand, grand total could be £318.90. (less the wheels of course)
Plus the labour costs if you have it all done at a shop, but I have no idea on the average hourly rate, sorry.
Which considering you can buy a whole new bike from Ribble for just over £500 makes it questionable if its worth the cost doesn't it?
STi Levers - £144.46
Rear Mech - £33.96
Cassette - £34.96
Chain - £15.94
Bar Tape - £10
So £239.17 in total, based on Ribble prices.
However, you need to make sure that your rear wheel will accept a 10sp cassette, otherwise you will need to add another £200 for a set of decent hand built wheels.
Then what state are your front chain rings in? I would suggest that you would more than likely need a new 10sp chain set @ £61.16 (Just as cheap, if not cheaper, to buy the whole lot instead of just replacing the rings)
But for the sake of another £18.57 I'd stick a new front mech on as well.
So the grand, grand total could be £318.90. (less the wheels of course)
Plus the labour costs if you have it all done at a shop, but I have no idea on the average hourly rate, sorry.
Which considering you can buy a whole new bike from Ribble for just over £500 makes it questionable if its worth the cost doesn't it?
"You only need two tools: WD40 and duct tape. If it doesn't move and it should, use WD40. If it moves and it shouldn't, use duct tape"
Thanks for all your advice and input on this subject, it certainly is a lot to think about, but overall i think it might be better to buy another bike and keep my old one for winter training due to costs,labour etc... I wish i had taken cycling up years ago and probably by now i could have built my own perfect bike....Wishfull thinking eh..
Once again thanks for your time.
Once again thanks for your time.
From a purely financial viewpoint, I'm sure you're right, Ed. Nevertheless, I always feel uncomfortable about binning perfectly serviceable stuff.Ed Moss wrote:I've upgraded to 10 speed over the last couple of years and have mostly got the bits hardly used 2nd hand. Worth having a shop around, but in the long run it's probably more cost effective to get a complete bike.
- GrahamGamblin
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- Joined: 02 Jun 2008 15:39
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- Location: Stirchley
Darren,
+1 for Focus bikes, I have a Focus Cayo, it's a much better bike than I am a rider...
Some positive reviews of the Variado here: http://www.roadcyclinguk.com/reviews/bi ... 28925.html
+1 for Focus bikes, I have a Focus Cayo, it's a much better bike than I am a rider...
Some positive reviews of the Variado here: http://www.roadcyclinguk.com/reviews/bi ... 28925.html
Graham