Next upgrade trouble! : - (

zedders

Some help required PLEASE!
My two bikes: 2009 Ribble Sportive with Zonda wheels, Carbon Centaur 10 speed groupset, and 2007 Binachi C2C with Sora 8 speed and Aksium wheels. I currently have the Ribble for nicer/dryer weather and the Binachi setup as a Winter hack (already loaded with guards, lights etc). I’ve become obsessed and don’t know what to do next. All I know is I need to buy something, or save for something. But what? I did post a thread a week or two ago about deep section wheels as I thought that may be the way to go, but I have been somewhat put off. Why - not quite sure? Hassle, cost etc? :?

Anyways I was thinking the Sora appears to be the obvious weak link. So should I drop the Centaur onto the Bianchi – turning it into a better bike, and look to upgrade the groupset on the Ribble? And if so to what? Is Chorus a worthwhile upgrade? I don’t think I afford to go and buy Record all in one go? Is there any way I can slowly upgrade the Centaur? I get all confused over compatibility over 10 to 11 speed etc. Is there any way I can gradually upgrade these groupsets? Is there something obvious I’m overlooking? Money is an issue, but if it’s worthwhile then I’m sure I’ll find the dollars. Suggestions? :idea:

And before anyone says get out more, upgrade your legs etc. I’m riding reg. I’m commuting, and am just about to start winter training at Mallory park, Some sort of chain gang thingy. Starts next week! :shock:

Cheers

hopper1

I can't comment on what Campag group is compatible with what, but I wouldn't suggest for you to 'eune' your engine, etc...
It's your hobby, if you want to upgrade, do it, whether it's justifiable, or not

Chrissz

You can gradually upgrade but - from what I've managed to work out - the 10spd and 11spd gears are incompatable

You would need to swap over the ergo levers, rear mech and cassette all in one go (not forgetting the chain).

I'm in the process of doing just that myself - going from 9speed Record to 11speed Super Record.

Thankfully it's all going onto my summer bike so I can do it bit by bit - the only bits left for me are the rear mech, cassette and ergo levers

Is it worthwhile? Probably not financially - although I am relying on being able to sell the old levers and rear mech to subsidise further purchases. However, it will make me feel better and so, hopefully, I'll ride more during the better months as well as maintain fitness levels in the winter - gives me something to look forward to come the summer

Chip \'oyler

As your bikes stand at the moment they're not compatible anyway so having two bikes at 10spd & 11spd shouldn't be a problem.

I'd go with your initial idea - put Centaur onto your Bianchi then treat yourself to Chorus for the Ribble.

I've got Chorus 11spd and can honestly say that I couldn't see how Record and Super Record can be significantly better - it is a superb value for money groupset

And it looks the dogs

Once_In_A_Blue_Moon

Firstly, I don't know what you're doing running Shimano on a Bianchi anyway, get the Centaur groupset put on it!

Secondly, ask yourself do you really *need* an upgrade? Is it necessary to run 11 spd Record for commuting? If cost is an issue, don't do it! But as mentioned above, it's your bike, your upgrade, so enjoy it while you can!

volvicspar

You'll regret fitting anything more than 9 speed to a commuter I suspect. 8 speed is perfect and low maintenance.

Good luck whatever you choose.

zedders

Just for everyons info. I brought the sora groupped binanchi as it was all I could afford at the time, and as I was just starting out I had a whole lot of other stuf to buy. I thought it would be better to start with an entry level ride and find out if I actually like cycling first; as I hadn't been on a bike since a kid! I now know I should have gotton campag on it, but when I bought the bike I didn't realise how wrong it was! And the LBS never said anything either. Since getting the Ribble, the bianchi has turned into the winter / commute ride. So no Record or Chorus will be going on it.

So Chorus 11 speed seems the best option. Put that on the Ribble, and move the 10 speed Centaur onto the bianchi I think. No ones said othewise!

Has anyone had ''Chorus'' &/or Record &/or Centaur. Where does chorus sit as a groupset? Is it much better than Centaur? Is it almost as good as Record?

Chip \'oyler

As I mentioned in my post - in my opinion Chorus is as good as Record (as far as I'm aware the differences are down to titanium pins bushes etc). Super Record has a lot more carbon parts and weighs a lot less, but I doubt it's worth the extra money.

Bhima

Depends what your goals are.

Fitness:
- Spend money on a powermeter if you want to improve your riding.
- Spend money on coaching if you want to improve your ridng further.

Comfort:
- Spend money on custom clothing if you want to improve comfort or get your own personally designed kit. Most people don't have quality clothing that actually fits, believe it or not. Get good overshoes and a spare pair of gloves for when your other pair get wet half way through a ride.
- Get your bike position analysed if you have any pains anywhere.
- Spend money on a team car/driver with spare parts/food/towels/masseuse/etc for the ultimate "upgrade".

All those are better than buying new "bling" for the bike, in my opinion.

zedders

Bhima wrote:

Depends what your goals are.

Fitness:
- Spend money on a powermeter if you want to improve your riding.
- Spend money on coaching if you want to improve your ridng further.

Comfort:
- Spend money on custom clothing if you want to improve comfort or get your own personally designed kit. Most people don't have quality clothing that actually fits, believe it or not. Get good overshoes and a spare pair of gloves for when your other pair get wet half way through a ride.
- Get your bike position analysed if you have any pains anywhere.
- Spend money on a team car/driver with spare parts/food/towels/masseuse/etc for the ultimate "upgrade".

All those are better than buying new "bling" for the bike, in my opinion.

Powermeter? .....Coaching?......Custom clothing?.......Analysed?.....Team driver? :shock:
You've had to many bananas (again) Bhima.
Surely you would agree upgrading my Sora 8 speed is a worthwhile option? No?

Bhima

I was joking about the team car, in case you didn't realise.

Unless you have a serious problem with not having enough gears on climbs or whatever, it wont really make a difference. A profound difference, anyway.

I was trying to say that there's other things you can spend your money on which will give MUCH more of a noticable difference.

When a LBS was shutting down, I got given a load of free stuff, which included a dura-ace cassette and chain, which did not feel any different to my previous sora ones. n fact, they got worn out just as quick. However, improving my position on the bike and getting proper-fitting clothing has improved the feel of my rides by a LOT.

As you say, you've become obsessed with spending money. As someone who doesn't have much to spend on "bike bling", I only "upgrade", if it's an absolute necessity.

zedders

Bhima wrote:

I was joking about the team car, in case you didn't realise.

Unless you have a serious problem with not having enough gears on climbs or whatever, it wont really make a difference. A profound difference, anyway.

I was trying to say that there's other things you can spend your money on which will give MUCH more of a noticable difference.

When a LBS was shutting down, I got given a load of free stuff, which included a dura-ace cassette and chain, which did not feel any different to my previous sora ones. n fact, they got worn out just as quick. However, improving my position on the bike and getting proper-fitting clothing has improved the feel of my rides by a LOT.

As you say, you've become obsessed with spending money. As someone who doesn't have much to spend on "bike bling", I only "upgrade", if it's an absolute necessity.

I know you were joking about the team car!

I take your points about position & clothing on board. And valid point they are. But I was asking about my bike! I'm happy with the way I ride, and don't suffer, other than a bit of shoulder pain now and again. But that's an old injury from a car crash! And although I don't wear Rapha or Assos, clothing is not an issue for me. I have an adiquate amount of clothing. It all fits! and it all works!

And besides so called ''blinging'' your bike is as much fun as riding it! IMO. I'd rather spend my hard earned dollars (and trust me they are hard earned) on my bike rather than pee'ing it up the wall! And I don't spend much on other stuff, as cycling is my number hobby! Other than on the misses of course!

You trying to take the fun out of it? Should you be discouraging me or other from spending money on their ride, just because your finances are a bit tight?

Garz

I think a great compromise would be between your ideals, wait till something needs upgrading then spend that snowballed bling money on a superior part instead of just a good part. This way you still are pround of your blinging with enough incentive to keep riding, yet as bhima puts it wont be wasting the money for the sake of it!

Chrissz

If YOU like it and YOU enjoy it then it's worthwhile and not wasted money :!: :!: :!:

Bhima

zedders wrote:

You trying to take the fun out of it?

No no no, of course not! Spend away... I agree with Chris above. I'm not trying to lecture anyone.

It's just you seem like a very rich headless chicken!

I look at everything logically; only spending money on stuff that I need. Of course, if you've got all the non-bike stuff sorted, that's cool. I gave that advice because most people I know want to get deep section wheels without even having basic tools or equipment while moaning about thier jersey flapping about and shoes not fitting, etc, you see. :roll: Cyclists can be strange people. You really don't get the whole "I must buy bling" mentality in any other sport, it's quite funny really. I'm not trying to spoil your fun, although i'd just save the money for when new clothing/spares are needed.

You seemed as though you HAD to spend the money on SOMETHING right NOW, whereas I'm more of a "if it aint broke, don't fix it" kinda person.

Garz

Bhima wrote:

people I know want to get deep section wheels without even having basic tools or equipment while moaning about thier jersey flapping about and shoes not fitting, etc, you see.

This is a good summary, it is debatable what people need however some don't get priority in a sensible order.

Chrissz

Priorities will be different for different people.

At the end of the day - as previously stated - your bike, your money therefore YOUR choice. Do what makes YOU happy. If that is a nice, logical process - cool! If that is a decision made by the heart rather than the head - also cool!

shockedsoshocked

Bhima wrote:

When a LBS was shutting down, I got given a load of free stuff, which included a dura-ace cassette and chain, which did not feel any different to my previous sora ones. n fact, they got worn out just as quick.

You'd really need to have a full groupset to feel a difference in the groupsets. The jump even from sora to 105, for instance is massive, and chains (even DA) don't last forever. I'm quite impressed you managed to wear out a DA cassette mind you. I clocked over 300 miles per week including racing and turbo time from about april-october and my cassette is still in spotless condition.

Mothyman

spend and enjoy..but dont use all the Leicester rainy day money!...

ps - are the Foxes gonna get automatic promotion?

edhornby

Bhima wrote:

Cyclists can be strange people. You really don't get the whole "I must buy bling" mentality in any other sport

go skiing, go to Snow and Rock where the princess parkway meets barlow moor road (just before the M60) and have a look at the prices of all the pointless sh1t in there

go to a scuba shop

no, no wait.....

buy a horse

buy a yacht

Pross

edhornby wrote:

Bhima wrote:

Cyclists can be strange people. You really don't get the whole "I must buy bling" mentality in any other sport

go skiing, go to Snow and Rock where the princess parkway meets barlow moor road (just before the M60) and have a look at the prices of all the pointless sh1t in there

go to a scuba shop

no, no wait.....

buy a horse

buy a yacht

Or take up fishing - the amount some people spend on camouflaging anything and everything from their clothes (which may help) to their weights (WTF?). At the end of the day a lot of people just enjoy making their bike nicer and good luck to them.