Swap out 2300 for Tiagra groupset

Hi ,
I have a Specialized Allez, 2012 with Shimano 2300 parts/groupset. I am just wondering if it would make any/much difference to swap these and put on a Tiagra groupset. I was looking at 105 groupset but probably couldn't afford it, so figured Tiagra would be a better option.
I will probably be holding onto the bike for a while and figure I will make upgrades whenever cash allows.
Also, if I bought his from my LBS would it be reasonable to expect them to fit it FOC or for even a nominal fee?
Thanks,
Eric
I have a Specialized Allez, 2012 with Shimano 2300 parts/groupset. I am just wondering if it would make any/much difference to swap these and put on a Tiagra groupset. I was looking at 105 groupset but probably couldn't afford it, so figured Tiagra would be a better option.
I will probably be holding onto the bike for a while and figure I will make upgrades whenever cash allows.
Also, if I bought his from my LBS would it be reasonable to expect them to fit it FOC or for even a nominal fee?
Thanks,
Eric
Specialized Allez 16 - 2012
0
Posts
Can't see a bike shop doing a full groupset swap for nothing either
Sorry, wouldn't expect them to do it for nothing, it'd seem like a pain to do anyway.
I might keep the 2300 on the bike so, it's working grand, just wanted to put something a bit nicer on it.
Thanks,
Cheers
E
http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=40091&t=12902545
the only problem is you cant use the thumb shifter when in the drops with 2300 or sora. Rather annoying.
ah yeah, that - and if you want 10spd - are the only real reasons I would consider upgrading. Mind you, I dunno whether it's worth that sort of money just for less hassle. I'd prefer to save up and get a caad10 or something haha
Yep, starting to get a little annoying for me. I was thinking over swapping over to the Sora 2013 shifters. I've seen them for about £120 but i'm not in a rush so they might have come down in price by the time i'm ready to swap them over.
Full 105 gs can be got for ~400 quid ish - to get that on a new road bike is over £1k I believe. So are you going to get £600 for a second hand base Allez?!
If you like the frame of the Allez then wheels and group set could be a sensible upgrade. Or am i missing something?
I managed to get the whole groupset (new) for less than £280 so by the time I sold the old stuff it didn't really cost that much.
Quite agree with the weight - but I wouldn't be looking to do it for weight savings - I could happily loose more than the difference on the engine!
So - the 105 gives better shifting & position (is that just finger rather than thumb?) - it is also the lowest model to offer inside cable routing - I like (the idea of) that too ..
To start saving on the weight of the frame I'd have to spend significantly more to save anything material ... ie A Specialized Tarmac SL2 weighs in at 9Kg and they start at £1k and for the 105 kit you're looking at £1500 ..
So for someone like me - going to a 105 GS could offer better shifting, position, integral cabling as well as going from 8 speed to 10 speed - all on a frame I like and for less than I could spend on buying a new bike.
Don't get me wrong - I wouldn't suggest going out and buying a base model with the intention of upgrading the parts straight away, but if you've got a good frame and it's in good condition then it seems a shame to throw that away just to save a 1Kg and have slightly better kit on it.
I suppose the real answer is to relegate the Allez to a hack bike and buy a nice new carbon race bike ...
Saying that, echo what others have said, if it ain't broke, don't bother upgrading.
But if you do have a frame, and you do want internal cabling (I didn't know 105 was the first internal cabling groupset!) then off course, by all means it's more of a justification to get it.
Anyway, it is up to the op to decide on this, just offering advice on what I did with my spesh allez - I also considered going down the 105 route, hope he finds the right choice for him
I'd be upgrading from 8 speed 2300. I've already got a nicer pair of wheels and I'm not into racing so all out speed isn't the aim!
Btw. I think the 105 5700 is the lowest shimano kit you can get with cabling routing inside. The cabling down the frame is external but I can live with that
Pinarello GAN