Chainset upgrade

andymorgan84
Posts: 3
Hi , I have a 2011 Scott Addict R3 with Shimano 105 Compact. I’m looking to replace / upgrade my chainset and wanted some advice. I was going to keep my 105 shifters, I assume I can upgrade to the casssette and cranks to Ultegra for example? I’m looking at the Ultegra 6750 Hollowtech II Compact Chainset or the Ultegra SL 6650 Hollowtech II but not sure on compatibility or sizing. I think I want 50/34 but not sure what length 165 – 175mm means (the length of the crank?). Will this work with by bracket?
On the Cassette I think I want an 11-25. Presumably any Shimano Cassette will be compatible?
Overall I'm looking at the cranks, the cassette and the chain - silly question but am I missing anything important which should also be upgraded
Many thanks in advance.
Andy
On the Cassette I think I want an 11-25. Presumably any Shimano Cassette will be compatible?
Overall I'm looking at the cranks, the cassette and the chain - silly question but am I missing anything important which should also be upgraded
Many thanks in advance.
Andy
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Comments
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It's not really worth upgrading the chainset unless it's worn out. There is unlikely to be a perceptible difference. It is an expensive upgrade for little return (best upgrades for performance per £ are always wheels and tyres). . I think most people use 170mm cranks on road bikes (175mm on MTBs). If you are shorter or taller than average (and your frame reflects that) then maybe you could go for a different size, but if you are happy with your current crank length (it says on the inside of the cranks) then why change?
The chainset usually comes with a BB, but as far as I know they are the same in dimensions, if not quality/weight (but again imperceptible).
SRAM cassettes will also fit and work fine, so you have more choice of price / size and quality.
KMC or SRAM chains are my preference over Shimano (I prefer KMC on 10 speed).0 -
I went from a recently replaced (so still relatively new) 5600 105 on my old bike (Scott CR1) to 6700 Ultegra on my new bike. The shifters are ergonomically better (personal preference) and the brakes are significantly better. That's it. When both groupsets are well set up and maintained there's nothing in it in terms of shifting performance/feel.
Stick to your 105 and when that's worn out then replace it with like for like and spend the money saved elsewhere. That's advice I wish I had taken myself TBH. I seen Ultegra as the next rung up the Shimano range, so obviously better! Wrong! Unless of course, you just fancy a change and splashing the cash. It's your money
The crank length should be etched on the inside of the crank arm and just above where the pedals are screwed. The number of teeth on the chainrings (your ratios) will be etched on the rings themselves check the inside face. Just take a close inspection and you should be able to spot them. Your bottom current BB will probs be 105 and that will work with Ultegra, likewise an Ultegra BB will be compatible with a 105 chainset. Your bike should be English threaded BB but ensure you check that before you order.
If you're finding your gearing adequate for the types of rides your doing and your local routes then I wouldn't worry about changing it.“Training is like fighting with a gorilla. You don’t stop when you’re tired. You stop when the gorilla is tired.”0 -
jordan_217 wrote:The shifters are ergonomically better (personal preference) and the brakes are significantly better.Faster than a tent.......0
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Rolf F wrote:jordan_217 wrote:The shifters are ergonomically better (personal preference) and the brakes are significantly better.
The 105's had replacement DA inserts, the Ultegra's have the standard ones (Ultegra?) and they are still noticeably better. I can honestly say, I was left a little disappointed that I only feel the brakes are an upgrade (but not exactly a bad thing).“Training is like fighting with a gorilla. You don’t stop when you’re tired. You stop when the gorilla is tired.”0 -
Thanks all. My cassette and chain are worn and I was looking to replace them, and I thought I'd take the opportunity to see if it was worth doing the cranks at the same time. By the sound of things, no. I'll get a cassette the same ratio. Was going to order a chain of wiggle and get it installed as part of my next service, one last question - how do I know how many links I'll need for my compact set up?
THanks0 -
chain reaction have ultegra chains at the mo for £20... cheap as 105! get 116 links will be fine, i think you lose 5 links maybe....
brake upgrade- second hand sram force brakes come up alot they are better than shimano imo...0