Upgrading Shimano groupset

andrewc3142
andrewc3142 Posts: 906
edited July 2008 in Workshop
Previous bikes have tended to be at the whatever I could afford end of the market, but last year I splashed out on a Condor Acciaio for commuting (27m each way) and generally having fun. Very happy indeed with the bike - a revelation to ride after my trusty Super Galaxy and IMHO it looks totally gorgeous.

When I got the Acciaio, other demands on the family budget meant std tyres and saddle and a 105 groupset. Now I can slowly upgrade it. Saddle done (Brooks Swallow). Tyres ditto (GP4000S). The 105 groupset is good, but what I'd like to do now is upgrade it over time to Dura Ace, mainly as stuff wears out, starting with the chain (although may go for SRAM for this), then cassette, chainset, and, maybe, shifters (OK, not as wears out ....).

Question is, whether anyone has any experience of mixing and matching Shimano kit and, if so, whether they have found any issues with compatibility when doing so?

Comments

  • gkerr4
    gkerr4 Posts: 3,408
    as far as I am aware 10speed is 10speed - you can mix and match all the components.
  • redddraggon
    redddraggon Posts: 10,862
    Don't get a Shimano chain, a KMC or Wippermann chain is a proper upgrade.
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  • guv001
    guv001 Posts: 688
    The new Dura Ace is not going to be compatable with other g/sets.
  • fast as fupp
    fast as fupp Posts: 2,277
    only one way to upgrade shimano- campagnolo! :D
    'dont forget lads, one evertonian is worth twenty kopites'
  • andrewc3142
    andrewc3142 Posts: 906
    reddragon: Thanks. I was thinking of SRAM but will look at these.

    And looks as though I'll need to reconsider DuraAce if it's not compatible - maybe Ultegra.

    I did look at Compag very carefully when I specced the bike. I've always had Shimano but happy to keep an open mind. I'm sure Compag is very good but somehow riding on the hoods didn't feel totally right for me. Perhaps because different to what I'm used to.
  • gundersen
    gundersen Posts: 586
    the only way to upgrade shimano is to buy campagnolo :D
  • Rich-Ti
    Rich-Ti Posts: 1,831
    Bear in mind that if you change the chain you should be changing the cassette and chainrings at the same time due to wear :?
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  • gkerr4
    gkerr4 Posts: 3,408
    andrewc3142 wrote:
    reddragon: Thanks. I was thinking of SRAM but will look at these.

    And looks as though I'll need to reconsider DuraAce if it's not compatible - maybe Ultegra.

    I did look at Compag very carefully when I specced the bike. I've always had Shimano but happy to keep an open mind. I'm sure Compag is very good but somehow riding on the hoods didn't feel totally right for me. Perhaps because different to what I'm used to.

    you can use the current Dura-ace - just not the 2009 model with the concealed cables - but all the stuff you see in the shops at the moment - you can use.
  • redddraggon
    redddraggon Posts: 10,862
    Rich-Ti wrote:
    Bear in mind that if you change the chain you should be changing the cassette and chainrings at the same time due to wear :?

    Not necessarily, I generally change my chains before theres any real wear on the cassette, and chainrings last for yonks anyway.
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  • jethro924
    jethro924 Posts: 49
    I can see no point paying for more than 105, personally. Might just be me being tight!

    Just changed two of my bikes to SRAM shifters. You need to change the front and rear mech (Rival, £50 the pair) but I have stayed with 105 for the chainset, cassette and brakes with KMC for the chain as they are perfectly adequate and cheap as chips to replace (Sram Rival / Campag Veloce cassetes are approx £50, 105 - £35, KMC chains £10, 105 £18, Veloce £26, Rival £32).

    DA levers on your commuting bike?

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