Converting Triple to Compact

amc
amc Posts: 315
edited November 2007 in Road beginners
After five happy years on a triple (including a successful Etape), i'm thinking of swapping to a compact.
I have a 9-speed Campag block, Mirage front and rear deraillers, Veloce cranks and triple chainset, Mirage brake levers and brakes.
I'd like to get a 10-spd Campag compact.
Being a numpy, i'd get a bike shop to fit everything but i'd like to try and pick up the parts off the Internet shops when their various 'bargains' crop up.
But what do i need to buy? Do a need a whole new groupset or can i just get the various necessary bits?
Many thanks
amc

Comments

  • Bottom bracket and chainset only should be fine .
    Luke
  • andyp
    andyp Posts: 10,498
    Luke's right in terms of converting to a compact, although you may need a new bottom bracket too (it depends what axle length you currently have and which compact you buy).

    If, however, you want to go to 10 speed too then you'll need new Ergo levers and a new rear mech as your 9 speed ones won't work with a 10 speed cassette.
  • amc
    amc Posts: 315
    Thanks guys - i would definitely go 10-spd. So that leaves me to a follow up question.
    Looking at Ribble just as an example.
    New 2007 Mirage ultra-toque groupset costs £225 meanwhile getting the equivalent quality mirage levers (£55), chain (£19), Bottom Bracket (£6) chainset (£68) and cassette (£23) come to £171.
    Obviously the chainset will come with new brakes and front/back gears.
    Do you think its worth me going the whole hog and getting the groupset?
    amc
  • John C.
    John C. Posts: 2,113
    Go for the groupset then pass the old groupset down to a winter bike or sell it on e-bay.
    http://www.ripon-loiterers.org.uk/

    Fail to prepare, prepare to fail
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