newbe wondering how easy(or hard) it is to change a groupset

ianbar

hello, i have a forme rapide.. it is my first bike. i admit it is too early to make changes really to the bike. but i am looking at a new groupset, i was just wondering if i am to change everything is this a very taxing job?

Wirral_paul

Depends really if you have the tools to fit both the old and new groupset really. I've got a Campagnolo Chorus Carbon groupset waiting to go on to my summer bike, with a SRAM Force groupset going on to a new winter bike build. Just waiting on a new Freehub to come from the States to allow the swap.

If you have the tools then really the job should be pretty straightforward - i'd say a couple of hours for the actual swap plus setup time. Are you sticking to Shimano / Sram??

cubicboy

The factor to consider the most is just how much the 'right tools' may cost you. You could easily splurge £200 just on a stand, chain whip, wrenches etc. Anything other than the right tools will either require a great deal of skill... or luck!

ianbar

i was thinking of sticking with shimano reallly yeah. need to do alot more research even on just sets i want to buy. i wont be going on anything hugely expensive but see it as a long term building up of the bike.

having the right tools sounds another task to look at!

daviesee

The tools will pay for themselves if you are competant and will do work over the years verses a couple of trips to your LBS and labour costs.

It all depends on how much work you intend to do.

ianbar

i like the idea of builing and adding to my bike over the years so they would be worth buying.

bill57

Looking at the Forme Rapide, I think you'd be much better off enjoying it as your first bike. then moving on to something better when you feel ready. It's really not worth the upgrade to a new groupset, and to be honest will not make it any faster. Focus on becoming stronger on the bike you have, while you save your money for a better bike.

ianbar

That had been my other thought, as a thought how much would a bike worth upgrading be roughly in your opinions? I would guess in the future I would go as far as 1500 if I had the money. I'm pretty sure these things are not an exact science but recommendations are welcome for me to study for now. I am working hard on my cycling did 50 miles for first time sunday

Nuggs

bill57 wrote:

Looking at the Forme Rapide, I think you'd be much better off enjoying it as your first bike. then moving on to something better when you feel ready. It's really not worth the upgrade to a new groupset, and to be honest will not make it any faster. Focus on becoming stronger on the bike you have, while you save your money for a better bike.

I think this is good advice.

When you do come to upgrade, you could consider buying the frame and forks as one unit and then the rest of the kit separately.

That's what I did a couple of years ago. I learned so much building up a new bike that now there's not much I can't fix myself. I've also been able to help out some of my mates and have saved them a few quid in the process.

If you're planning on cycling for a long time (and why wouldn't you?), a decent toolkit will pay for itself many times over. FWIW, I swear by Pedro's and Park tools.

ianbar

this is all good thank you.

yah i intend to ride forever really. bought my forme at easter at first as a training aid for my running but motivation to run has gone (unless i get a place at london marathon). i have commuted to work too so gets plenty of different use.

rubertoe

I had the same thoughts as you.. all those guys on their carbon bikes with there Ultegra and Chorus and Rival group-sets and me with the same group that you have on your bike - i too was thinking of upgrading the group - however even from going to the 2300 to Sora is about £200 WHICH IS HALF THE COST OF THE BIKE! admittedly you can probably pick it up cheaper 2nd hand

So i am doing what is suggested. i am saving for a new bike that will have at least a full 105 group (which will mean probably some carbon on the frame/forks at least) and will use what is my first road bike as a winter/commuting hack.

one thing that was recommended to me was to upgrade the wheels - as the ones that came with my carrera are Sh*te and weigh a ton - i expect yours do too - so i recommend getting some new wheels - even shimano rs10's (which i have) make a massive difference to the no name stocks that came with the bike.

ianbar

thats really good to hear from someone in that same situation. been looking at frames but not really sure about them lol bike wise guess i just need to save then will see what i want. problem is not sure how much to spend that makes it worth while.

flateric

I have upgraded several bikes, i found the right tools invaluable, and not all that expensive.

I also upgrade with an if it aint broke dont fix it philosophy. I have only bought good bikes from good brands, Dawes, trek, ect so upgrades only whenn broke has saved lots and kept good bikes going for years.

mike