Chainset compatability advice for novice builder!

captain_vimes

Having decided to get back into biking early this year I bought an old 1980's road bike that I enjoyed restoring so much I am now building myself a more modern bike from parts. This way I hope to be able to do all my own servicing in future, even when I buy a £2000 bike in a couple of years!

I have a couple of questions for the collective bikeradar knowledge pool!

I have managed to get a new full Shimano 2300 groupset and just need the chainset and bottom bracket. Am I right in thinking that Sora, Tiagra and 105 are all compatible with the 2300 groupset? This gives me much more options for getting a decent 2nd hand chainset.

The 2300 chainset is I believe the double version (as the triple is the 2303) but the left shifter has three positions. Is this correct or have I got a 2303 shifter?

That's it for now, but I am sure more will follow!

Thanks in advance. I will be starting a build thread shortly.

Vimes

smidsy

I do not know specifically for the 2300 but it is common for Shimano LH shifters to be universally able to do both double and triple front mech set ups.

captain_vimes

Thanks Smidsy, that's reassuring as I am sure the rest is a double set up.

I have seen a very good price on a Tiagra compact double and bottom bracket (Ribble, £52) so if someone can confirm that will go with the rest of my group set I will have all parts to begin the build!

sungod

if you go to...

http://techdocs.shimano.com

...and look under road->2200 (yes 2200, not 2300) you'll find the 2300 components, the si-* files give you the specification and installation/adjustment instructions

the 2300 shifter thumb lever has a trim setting, giving two clicks for full travel

even if it is a triple shifter, you can still use it with a double chainset

2300 is 8-speed, early sora was 8-speed, then 9-speed, tiagra/105 were originally 9-speed, then 10-speed

some 9/10-speed parts can be used with 8-speed, but not all

a 9/10-speed chainset can be used with 8-speed other stuff, but you may need to run the matching chain to avoid chain rub (8-speed rear mech/cassette will be fine with 9/10-speed chains)

captain_vimes

Many thanks for that. I'll have a look at the link.

If the only possible issue is the need to run a 9/10 speed chain I'll probably go for the Tiagra chainset and BB.

Cheers