Converting a 10 speed to an 11 speed.

Mountain Pass

Hi, I currently have a 2011 Trek Madone 6 series Dura Ace that is in great shape. I want to convert it from a 10 speed to an 11 speed. I have a 50/34 12-28 but want to go to a 11-32 or 11-34 due to climbing events I have coming up. Is this doable and what does it entail. Thanks Rob

PhilipPirrip

If everything's working well and you're just after lower gears then you may be able to do it by buying an 11-32/34 10 speed cassette, a derailleur extender and new chain.

That's what I did when I wanted low gears for climbing on a 10 speed set up although I also converted the rear derailleur from an SS to a GS.

Matthewfalle

you won't notice any difference between 10 & 11 speed but if you insist...


11 speed shifter/s
11 speed derailleur
11 speed chain
11 speed cassette

MF would just get a longer 10 speed mech chain and cassette. you'll be able to put a 30 on there as is.

cougie

I'd stay 10 speed unless your drivetrain is shot.

lesfirth

The only difference between a 10 speed 11/32 cassette and an 11 speed 11/32 cassette is that you have a 13
tooth sprocket on the latter. All the other sprockets are the same. Do you really need a 13 tooth sprocket that much?

I would go for a new 10 speed rear mech and cassette.

Mountain Pass

Thanks for all the feedback...i was leaning that way..hope to get a new bike in a year or 2. Would the shimano ultegra mid cage derailleur accommadate an 10 speed 11-34? I'm doing the Race to the Sun Haleakala climb next year along with some climbs in Calif and Colorado also. Thanks

PhilipPirrip

You would need an Ultegra 6700 GS rear derailleur as that was the last 10 speed Ultegra derailleur. Hard to find new now, and expensive if you do, but you could get one second hand. You would have to reverse the b screw and it should be able to cope with a 32 or 34 tooth sprocket.

Another approach would be to stick with your rear derailleur and use a derailleur extender like the Wolftooth Roadlink - others might be able to suggest alternative products. The derailleur would definitely be able to cope with bigger sprockets but if it's a short cage then there'll be greater extension forward of the cage. As you'd need a new chain anyway then you could play with chain length so it should work without over-extending the cage.

keef66

You might find it easier to get hold of a 10 speed 105 medium cage rear mech, ie a 5700.

veryslowtwitch

Hi OP, Haleakela is an incredibly steady 5-6% with no super steep bits (and only 400m of flat) so you may be absolutely fine on your current set up. You might be too spinny on a 34/34 or 34/32 combo. Can you find a local 5% hill to try out your current gearing?

apreading

https://www.evanscycles.com/shimano-rd- ... e-EV177774

Or you could use this - especially if it is only for one ride: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-105-rd- ... 5360511993

This might be worth a read too: https://road.cc/content/forum/229563-sh ... -cage-mech

lesfirth

keef66 wrote:

You might find it easier to get hold of a 10 speed 105 medium cage rear mech, ie a 5700.

You need a 5701 GS to use a 32t sprocket. A 5700GS will only go to 30t. That is according to Shimano and me. I have been there.

svetty

Your existing rear mech will accomodate an 11-30. Unless you are doing sustained climbing at 12% or more this should be adequate with a 50-34 chainset.

Another option would be a 9 speed MTB rear mech which would accommodate a 34t or 36t sprocket and would work with your existing 10sp road shifter.