Groupset options, wheels and stem

AstraMonti

As i decided to go and spend more money (taxman was overtaxing and i got money back yoohoo!) and actually get a second bike build on the PlanetX frame .. i found that i am between the SRAM Rival and the Campagnolo Centaur Carbon Groupset. The first one is 140£ cheaper but Campa looks better. Shimano is very expensive at the moment and judging its weight not worth it.
Apart from saving 140£ (which i would like to do as i have a bunch of new stuff to buy now) is there a reason to choose one from the other? My knowledge is 0 on these. Also.. there are options when buying the groupset that i don't have a clue about.

Rear derailleur options: Carbon Rear Der/ Short Carbon Rear Der/ Medium, whats the difference?
Cassette options: 11-25 Cassette 12-23 Cassette 12-25 Cassette 13-26 Cassette 13-29 Cassette 14-23 Cassette. Again.. what should i choose? I am not by any means even close to be called a strong cyclist (i am actually very weak on hills)
Front derailleur options: Braze 32mm Clamp 35mm Clamp , Again whats the difference?
Crankset options: 170mm 39/53 Carbon 172.5mm 39/53 Carbon 175mm 39/53 Carbon 170mm 34/50 Carbon 172.5mm 34/50 Carbon 175mm 34/50 Carbon, I would suppose that i need 175 but the rest?
Bottom bracket options: English B/Bracket Italian B/Bracket, English i 'd suppose.
Shifter Options: Carbon Ergo Levers, no option.. how nice

Secondly.. wheels.. I am between Fulcrum 3 and Campagnolo Zonda as i love their look. What do you think? Any other choice on this price range?

Third.. stem. I measured the current stem i have and its 140mm.. I thought that the majority is between 90 and 130mm. How do i know which size to choose?

Cheers guys.

Stark

AstraMonti wrote: »

Cassette options: 11-25 Cassette 12-23 Cassette 12-25 Cassette 13-26 Cassette 13-29 Cassette 14-23 Cassette. Again.. what should i choose? I am not by any means even close to be called a strong cyclist (i am actually very weak on hills)

The larger the higher number, the more assistance you'll have getting up hills. The smaller the lower number, the more speed you'll be able to get going down the hills. Not sure about the rest of the stuff. If hills are your weakness, the 13-29 probably matches your requirements most closely.

scottreynolds

Rear derailleur options: -- depends on your casette.

Cassette options: -- 12-25 Cassette is pretty standard. For these groups sets you can always get another casette cheap enough < 100 euros

Front derailleur options: -Depends on you frame. If there's a tag for the front der. on your frame is a braze on.

Crankset options: - Essentially you have standard gearing (39/53) or compact (34/50). Get compact I'd say if your not a powerful cyclist. Length standard is 172.5 but its to do with the length of you legs etc.

Shifter Options: -- go campag its european.

Secondly.. wheels.. ksyrium elite 2009 -- light fast - the wheel of choice..


Third.. stem. set your bike up and buy a stem locally asking them to help you choose the correct one. Measure from the top of the seatpost to the front of your stem. to get a rough idea on your current bike.

Morgan

AstraMonti wrote: »

As i decided to go and spend more money (taxman was overtaxing and i got money back yoohoo!) and actually get a second bike build on the PlanetX frame .. i found that i am between the SRAM Rival and the Campagnolo Centaur Carbon Groupset. The first one is 140£ cheaper but Campa looks better. Shimano is very expensive at the moment and judging its weight not worth it.
Apart from saving 140£ (which i would like to do as i have a bunch of new stuff to buy now) is there a reason to choose one from the other? My knowledge is 0 on these. Also.. there are options when buying the groupset that i don't have a clue about.

Rear derailleur options: Carbon Rear Der/ Short Carbon Rear Der/ Medium, whats the difference?
Cassette options: 11-25 Cassette 12-23 Cassette 12-25 Cassette 13-26 Cassette 13-29 Cassette 14-23 Cassette. Again.. what should i choose? I am not by any means even close to be called a strong cyclist (i am actually very weak on hills)
Front derailleur options: Braze 32mm Clamp 35mm Clamp , Again whats the difference?
Crankset options: 170mm 39/53 Carbon 172.5mm 39/53 Carbon 175mm 39/53 Carbon 170mm 34/50 Carbon 172.5mm 34/50 Carbon 175mm 34/50 Carbon, I would suppose that i need 175 but the rest?
Bottom bracket options: English B/Bracket Italian B/Bracket, English i 'd suppose.
Shifter Options: Carbon Ergo Levers, no option.. how nice

Secondly.. wheels.. I am between Fulcrum 3 and Campagnolo Zonda as i love their look. What do you think? Any other choice on this price range?

Third.. stem. I measured the current stem i have and its 140mm.. I thought that the majority is between 90 and 130mm. How do i know which size to choose?

Cheers guys.

Having used Centaur and Rival on different bikes, I much prefer the ergonomics of the Rival.


The different rear mech lengths mean they can accomodate wider gear ratios. The one you choose will depend on the crankset and rear cassette.

11-25 or 12-25 is a good spread. 13-29 is a bit over the top and you'd probably miss the 11 or 12 cog.

The front mech has to fit the seat tube of your bike - either measure it search the web.

Cranks - depends on the length of your legs. 175mm if you're over 6 foot. The chainrings are either standard or compact. This has been discussed several times before. Personally I'd say - standard for Ireland, compact for the Alps.

English BB

TinyExplosions

As for cassette, I'd go for 12-27 -will get you up anything really (you may swear a bit, but you'll get up there fine)

I'd go rival and save your 140, which means the Fulcrums would look better, but if you go Campag, you may as well get the Campag wheels.

The Rear Derailleur is dependant on the cassette -if you've a larger number of teeth on the cassette you'll not want short.

Front derailleur you'll need the Clamp option, or an adaptor (easier to just get the clamp on)

English BB for the PX

blorg

PX takes a 34.9mm clamp-on derailleur (35mm). English BB.

50/34 is compact chainset, 53/39 is standard. I would suggest the compact with a 12-27 if you have trouble with hills. 12-25 if 27 not available in Campagnolo. As Morgan says don't go near 13-29 (Campagnolo-only option.)

IIRC you are very tall and that is probably why you have the 140mm stem- best thing is to try match your current distance saddle to bars, you may need the same, or less, depending on the frame (can't get longer anyway.)

Short/medium rear derailleur refers to the cage length and thus the range. AFAIK you only need medium with a triple or extreme gear range, I can run 50/34 with 12/27 with a Dura Ace short cage anyway.

Personally I think the Campagnolo three-spoke thing looks pants and would go Fulcrum (made by Campagnolo anyway.)

thesunwashot

For the rear mech, the site you are getting it from will probably list the specs so you can be 100% sure you are getting the right one. E.g. :

• Speeds: 10-speed
• Max. Sprocket: 27T
• Min. Sprocket: 11T
• Max Front Difference: 23T

rottenhat

Campy make this information startlingly difficult to find on their website but it appears that using a standard or compact double the short cage derailleur will work with any cassette bar the 13-29. I infer that the chainwrap (difference between chainrings + difference between largest and smallest cog) is 29T or so.

Chips Lovell

Are you keepin the BeOne? If so, you may be better off getting Rival since you can swap wheels between the two bikes.

AstraMonti

Thanks all.

Yes el tonto i am keeping the beone for commuting purposes! Good thought about changing wheels!

I am still confused, if i put a 50/34 compact chainset with a 12-27 cassette what i am losing? Top speed for example?

If i have all correctly.. i am planning on giving 1400euros.. ouch!

sy

AstraMonti wrote: »

....I am still confused, if i put a 50/34 compact chainset with a 12-27 cassette what i am losing? Top speed for example?

Not unless you intend racing but you can get a 11/ 23 when you get stronger in the hills. The 11 gives quite a few more gear inches than the 12.

emty

AstraMonti wrote: »

Thanks all.

Yes el tonto i am keeping the beone for commuting purposes! Good thought about changing wheels!

I am still confused, if i put a 50/34 compact chainset with a 12-27 cassette what i am losing? Top speed for example?

If i have all correctly.. i am planning on giving 1400euros.. ouch!

This is the set-up I have on my planet-x and I have a feeling you would like it too.Perfect for Wicklow and the cassette is easy to change if you want to give yourself more of a workout
Btw,is there any way for you to source this cheaper at home?

AstraMonti

Thanks sy So whats the downside of the compact? And i don't plan on racing, not for this year at least.

emty wrote: »

This is the set-up I have on my planet-x and I have a feeling you would like it too.Perfect for Wicklow and the cassette is easy to change if you want to give yourself more of a workout
Btw,is there any way for you to source this cheaper at home?

I can get cheaper stuff, like cheaper wheels, bars, stem.. but i am a little picky. Since i decided to hand the over the €s, i could give something more and have the one that i would just love to look at it, let aside riding it!

TinyExplosions

No downside to compact... it's what I have. You can always get a standard crankset in the future, but stick to compact for now

AstraMonti

TinyExplosions wrote: »

No downside to compact... it's what I have. You can always get a standard crankset in the future, but stick to compact for now

Cheers!

Btw mine doesn't do any noises.. and i noticed that they sent me an alu seatclamp too :mad:

blorg

The downside to the compact is that there is a big gap when you shift at the front and so a major cadence difference (compared to a standard.) Compact shifting is however better than a triple. I would still suggest the compact, I used one in the Sierra Nevada and will be using one for the Marmotte. It's a good compromise.

TinyExplosions

AstraMonti wrote: »

Cheers!

Btw mine doesn't do any noises.. and i noticed that they sent me an alu seatclamp too :mad:

Bugger!

Oh well, at least I had it checked out and passed as ok, Joe Daly can sort it if needs be I guess.

For saddle choice, CRC have the Arione on sale atm in White with Red stripe (would fit in great with the colour scheme!)

AstraMonti

TinyExplosions wrote: »

Bugger!

Oh well, at least I had it checked out and passed as ok, Joe Daly can sort it if needs be I guess.

For saddle choice, CRC have the Arione on sale atm in White with Red stripe (would fit in great with the colour scheme!)

I am in love with this:

Selle Italia SLR Kit Carbonio Flow White Saddle

but i am trying to convince my self that its the same with

Selle Italia SLR Gel Flow White Saddle

TinyExplosions

Sure, in for a penny, in for a pound.... get the Carbonio!

AstraMonti

Has anyone experience with Shinybikes.com? I found some good prices there but i don't know the site.

Raam

AstraMonti wrote: »

I am in love with this:

Selle Italia SLR Kit Carbonio Flow White Saddle

but i am trying to convince my self that its the same with

Selle Italia SLR Gel Flow White Saddle

I recommend that you don't get those saddles. They get very scuffed and look awful after a short while. I have the second one and it looks a state.

AstraMonti

Raam wrote: »

I recommend that you don't get those saddles. They get very scuffed and look awful after a short while. I have the second one and it looks a state.

Cheers for that, too bad, because they look sexy!

TinyExplosions

AstraMonti wrote: »

Has anyone experience with Shinybikes.com? I found some good prices there but i don't know the site.

I've ordered from 'em and had no problem

AstraMonti

Judge me!

Campagnolo Centaur Groupset £447.82
FSA 0S-115 White Stem £84.21
FSA K-Force Handlebar 2009 £118.23
Campagnolo Zonda Wheels Pair £264.40
2xContinental GP4000S Folding £37.88 (for reference)
Time RXS Carbon Pedals £86.95
Sidi Genius 5 Pro White £104.67 (for reference)
SELLE ITALIA SLR KIT CARBON £108.25 (for reference)

with vat and stuff.. 1460£.. Ouch? Yes ouch..!

Add the amount of the frame.. and we are talking for almost a 2200-2300euro bike.. am i doing something wrong here? lol

DirkVoodoo

That's a big chunk of change...I won't ask what you are getting the girlfriend to balance the scales

EDIT: Might suggest getting a few wiggle vouchers, chances are she won't want them and she will give them to you, it's win-win! And who says I don't understand women??

AstraMonti

DirkVoodoo wrote: »

That's a big chunk of change...I won't ask what you are getting the girlfriend to balance the scales

EDIT: Might suggest getting a few wiggle vouchers, chances are she won't want them and she will give them to you, it's win-win! And who says I don't understand women??

Lets not discuss this.. i am still trying to figure a way how to avoid the conversation.. would be something.. its doesnt cost that much.. and i will sell the other bike to compensate it (which i won't..). I am just a dead meat.. right? lol

scottreynolds

AstraMonti wrote: »

Campagnolo Centaur Groupset £447.82

Is that carbon ?

AstraMonti

scottreynolds wrote: »

Is that carbon ?

Yeap, without Vat though.

TinyExplosions

Why campag? Rival is sexy!!!

AstraMonti

TinyExplosions wrote: »

Why campag? Rival is sexy!!!

Haven't decided yet but i can say the campy looks sexier! The weight of Rival is 2,149g but i am having trouble finding the centaur carbon one.. Anyone?

Chips Lovell

Raam wrote: »

I recommend that you don't get those saddles. They get very scuffed and look awful after a short while. I have the second one and it looks a state.

It's the leather covering that scuffs badly like that. The Lorica is fine I've found.

Murph100

Going off the Campag site, the Carbon Centaur Compact is 1966g + chain & cables. It virtually is last years Chorus, so very good for the money. I have this groupset on my bike and its really smooth, takes a good hammering with no complaints, and most importantly looks deadly !!

Blorg is right about having to 'double shift' with compacts, but on the Campags its a breeze, as you can jump 4 sprockets up or down with one throw, avoids that goolie mangling change on cadence when ya shift down from the big ring.

You might also take a look at the 'Team Edition' 3T bars and stems, really light and not crazy money. They are all over the pro peleton this year.

AstraMonti

Murph100 wrote: »

You might also take a look at the 'Team Edition' 3T bars and stems, really light and not crazy money. They are all over the pro peleton this year.

The "usual suspects" sites do not stock them, where can i find these?

Murph100

Try these lads :

http://www.slanecycles.com/productdetail.aspx?id=1919&subid=281&catid=67

TinyExplosions

AstraMonti wrote: »

The "usual suspects" sites do not stock them, where can i find these?

Really?

AstraMonti

TinyExplosions wrote: »

Really?

Thanks guys.. i am just.. blind

TinyExplosions

AstraMonti wrote: »

Thanks guys.. i am just.. blind

Took me quite a while to find them too from a google search actually (was looking at the ergosum myself...)

AstraMonti

Since my bank decided that my visa has been alerted as a possible victim of fraud because i use it every 4-5 days (......) i 've had the time to make a list of shops and prices. I am just sharing it in case someone else is on the same boat:



With blue is the cheapest and with red the most expensive. Prices in pounds.

And most probably i am going this way:

Campagnolo Centaur Carbon 09 514,99
FSA OS-99 Stem 107,99
FSA 2008 carbon Handlebar 118,3
Campagnolo Zonda Wheels Pair 304,06
Time RXS Carbon Pedals 86.45
Schwalbe Ultremo R Evolution 64,44
Selle Italia SLR Kit Carbonio 114.31
Shimano R086 Shoes 60,45
Total 1170,23

Just waiting the new credit card now.. and can't wait

TinyExplosions

53x11 had the FSA OS99 at $68, but it seems to be out of stock at the moment, just keep an eye on them (it's where I got mine)

You could also possibly look at some of the 3T stuff, the Ergosum bars are great, and the Aluminum ones are pretty cheap

AstraMonti

TinyExplosions wrote: »

53x11 had the FSA OS99 at $68, but it seems to be out of stock at the moment, just keep an eye on them (it's where I got mine)

You could also possibly look at some of the 3T stuff, the Ergosum bars are great, and the Aluminum ones are pretty cheap

Do you know the shipping costs for them?

TinyExplosions

AstraMonti wrote: »

Do you know the shipping costs for them?

I paid a total of $72.69 delivered back in november

AstraMonti

Ok.. new credit card is here.. and i am about to buy the stuff (hurray! Tiny get ready :P)

Question.. i am a bit puzzled.. i am using 175mm cranks.. should i get the same or 172.5?!

TinyExplosions

AstraMonti wrote: »

Ok.. new credit card is here.. and i am about to buy the stuff (hurray! Tiny get ready :P)

Question.. i am a bit puzzled.. i am using 175mm cranks.. should i get the same or 172.5?!

If you're comfortable with 175, keep using 'em -not a huge amount of difference anyway really

Lumen

AstraMonti wrote: »

Question.. i am a bit puzzled.. i am using 175mm cranks.. should i get the same or 172.5?!

Hah, contentious issue. Longer cranks - more leverage. Shorter cranks - greater potential lean angle, possibly better for less flexible riders.

Murph100

Thats a tricky question which can get you really bogged down. Some say if your inseam is longer than 'X' then you should have 175mm, others say it depends on the length of your thigh, and it goes on an on.

Then you read about someone who had accidently had two different cranklengths fitted at the same time and never noticed.

I in the end said boll@cks to it and ordered 172.5mm and find them fine.

I did recently get a bike fit done in Cyclesuperstore which said I should have 175mm cranks, but I aint losing any sleep over it.

Try this if you like :

http://www.machinehead-software.co.uk/bike/cranks/cyclist_crank_length_calculator.html

blorg

@Astra- IIRC you are a fair bit taller than me and I use 175, simply because I always have. I don't know what difference it would make otherwise.

TinyExplosions

Based on nothing more than "I remember seeing it somewhere", shorter cranks make it easier to spin at a higher cadence, as well as helping avoid pedal strike etc. For this reason, I have 165mm cranks on my fixie, and went for 172.5 on the Planet X, and if I'm honest, I don't really notice any appreciable difference between them, and the 175's on my Focus.

That's just me though, so YMMV!

Murph100

Hey Tiny,

A bit off topic, but do you have the 3T Ergosum bars ?

TinyExplosions

Murph100 wrote: »

Hey Tiny,

A bit off topic, but do you have the 3T Ergosum bars ?

No, I have FSA K-Force carbon bars myself, but have heard very good things about the ErgoSum's and how comfy they are which is why I mentioned them above -also, they come in black and white that woud perfectly fit AstraMonti's bike

penexpers

Re: Crank length, Sheldon has a good article here

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/cranks.html

Lumen

TinyExplosions wrote: »

No, I have FSA K-Force carbon bars myself, but have heard very good things about the ErgoSum's and how comfy they are which is why I mentioned them above -also, they come in black and white that woud perfectly fit AstraMonti's bike

They look comfy alright, but I don't understand the logic of the "QuickBend" on the ErgoSum.

"We redesigned the bend with a tighter radius where the brake lever sits, so you can adjust the angle of your handhold on the hoods easily without moving the lever far in either direction. We liked this feature so much, we gave it a name: QuickBend."

But surely a tight radius at the brake lever means that when you move it up, the bottom of the levers will swivel out of reach from the drops?