Should I buy seperately or get the whole groupset?

chris_bass

Hi

My commuter/everday bike is showing a lot of signs of wear and tear at the moment and quite a few bits need replacing.

the crankset is very worn, the shifters are far from good as new, the brakes are far from good (think this is where spec saves money!!) and obviously the chain and cassette will need swapping at some point.

is it cheaper to shop around and find the pieces seperately or just get the whole groupset? I guess i could always sell the bottom bracket and any other bits I dont need?

also, would i be able to swap and fit it all myself/how hard is it? i'm not bad with bikes, have changed bottom bracket/headset/cassette/gear cables/wheels before without many issues!

FunBus

I think you've answered your own question. It sounds like you need everything you'd get in a groupset as all your bits have worn out - so, you're more likely to get a deal if you buy it all in one go due to the value of your order.

As for fitting, again, you've done it all before.......?

chris_bass

sorry I also meant to say if I do go for the lot is it better to buy individual bits as opposed to the whole lot as a set.

it was more the fitting shifters/rear and front mech, is this difficult or does it require any partcular skill to get right?

jomoj

if you follow the setup instructions with the mechs you should be fine. Be methodical and patient and take the opportunity to thoroughly clean the frame, service the bearings etc for a nearly new bike feeling when you're done. Probably the main thing is having all the tools you need for the job as that's an extra expense but one worth paying for IMHO. Give a man a fish etc...

regarding complete set vs individual parts - depends what you want so you'll have to do some price research. If it's an everyday bike then you may not need top drawer parts for everything and can mix and match where it counts. Personally I'd put my money into the shifters, rear mech and chainset. Front mechs, brakes and so on are much of a muchness at the lower / middle price range. A cheap brake with good pads is better than an expensive brake with cheap pads.

cougie

Sometimes you'll find you can get a complete bike for not much more than the cost of a groupset - so dont limit yourself.

FunBus

As above, depends really on the spec/price you want but in whole, shifter and mechs are straight forward enough to fit. There's no specialist tools you'll need except a chain splitter - but you'd need that anyway to replace your chain (i'd recommend KMC then, with a split-link to make everything much easier!!).

Setting up mechs can be a bit fiddly, but again as above, keep your cool and you'll get them running smooth eventually. I've had many a night swearing at my front mech and spitting my screwdriver out the cot....if you get to that stage, walk away and you'll find it sets up perfect the next morning with one last tweak!!

Worst case scenario, give it a go, if you get stuck, take it to your local bike shop - you wont break anything and will at least save on some labour costs by doing the basic bits yourself.

chris_bass

cougie wrote:

Sometimes you'll find you can get a complete bike for not much more than the cost of a groupset - so dont limit yourself.

dont say that!!!

thats a whole new can of worms then!! things can escalate quickly!

amaferanga

cougie wrote:

Sometimes you'll find you can get a complete bike for not much more than the cost of a groupset - so dont limit yourself.

Where?

ShutUpLegs

amaferanga wrote:

cougie wrote:

Sometimes you'll find you can get a complete bike for not much more than the cost of a groupset - so dont limit yourself.

Where?

The internets

rolf_f

Mind you - that depends on how hard you try to get a discounted groupset. Internet works for both bikes and groupsets!

rpd_steve

Also depends on what groupset you want to put on. You can go for 105 which will set you back £550 ish, and for that you can get a bottom of the range Alez or trek 1.1. Alternatively there are people like myself who have whole 2300 groupos for sale for £120, and you cant get a bike for that!

chris_bass

well i want 105, ultegra would be great but unless I can get a good deal then its unlikely.

here is my dilemma!

i need to replace the rear shifter and derailleur (sp?!), the chainset and chain and cassette. Shopping around i think i can get all these in 105 for about £280ish or thereabouts. Other bits could do with replacing but not essential for now.

ribble currently have the whole 105 groupset for about £415.

so should I pay the extra £130 and get the brakes, front shifter and mech and bottom bracket thrown in or just get what i need!!

it really is a dilemma!

back to the point about the bike for the cost of the groupset, if anyone can point me in the direction of a 105 equipped bike for £450 then please do

chris_bass

ok so 105 groupset for £368 on discount-bikes.de so thats made my mind up

nochekmate

Chris Bass wrote:

back to the point about the bike for the cost of the groupset, if anyone can point me in the direction of a 105 equipped bike for £450 then please do

I have over the last couple of years bought more than one carbon framed bike with 105/Ultegra - even 5700 105 for just over £500. It can be done but not always every day!