Parts upgrade ?

Russman

Hi all,
Quick question about buying parts....

If I planned on upgrading parts on a roadbike in 6-12 months time and wanted to gradually pick up the bits and pieces when time and funds allow, where is the best/cheapest place to get stuff like STI shifters, derailleurs, cassette etc ? or am I best to just save the money and buy a full groupset when the time is right ?

My current bike (Felt) has Shimano 2200 parts and the shifting isn't great & when I put the power down (which there isn't much of in fairness, basically when I stand up on the pedals !:)) the chain sometimes drops to a smaller cog on the back. Admittadly it still needs its first month service at my LBS which may tighten everything up nicely, but if not I may go to Tiagra or 105 eventually.

Cheers in advance

poochiem

Don't think I'm speaking out of order, but have a look in the adverts section above and Mr.Skeffington might be the way to go.

Russman

No, not at all i don't think you're out of order. Thanks for the reply, I'm a complete newb so apologies if i've asked something thats obvious. Will check out the adverts section - never thought of it to be completely honest !
Cheers

Ryaner

The chain dropping at the back when you stand on the pedals will most likely be fixed by adjusting the rear derailer. Cables most likely have stretched if it is a new bike - which is normal. Service should fix it.

blorg

As a general rule the cheaper stuff does work fine and adjustment may be worth a try before considering replacement.

Russman

Grand so, thanks very much for the advice.
Will drop it in for service after the Christmas break. Only had it about two weeks and been out probably 6 or 8 times on it so I'd hope its just that.

blorg

Russman wrote: »

Grand so, thanks very much for the advice.
Will drop it in for service after the Christmas break. Only had it about two weeks and been out probably 6 or 8 times on it so I'd hope its just that.

As suggested that could well be cable stretch. Any bike shop gives a free service after a month to address that, it is a quick fix.

Russman

Cheers for that guys, much appreciated.
I must learn some basic techy stuff about bikes !
This cycling lark is bloody addictive , if I'm not careful I'll end up healthy and fit !

abcdggs

glad to hear you're only two weeks in and already thinking of upgrading. keep it up.as said above, a good service should sort the chain skipping

papac

two weeks in and already thinking of upgrading.

Oh no!!! You are turning into a cyclist. Cancel your credit cards and seek medical help immediately.:D

+1 on the cable stretch.
My daughter has 2200 stuff on her bike and it works ok. Its not as slick and precise as the better stuff but its chugged along fine so far.

If you have any interest in doing your own sevicing in the future or now heres a good guy to know (if you haven't met him).
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/derailer-adjustment.html

Russman

Ya I know, I'll ty to get professional help ! But two mates are cyclists too and keep bloody encouraging me - its like a good angel and a bad angel on my shoulders . (well more like two bad angels). It seems cyclists absolutely MUST have every shiny new thing.....
I asked one of them the other day, in my naivety, "...is it not the person on it that makes the bike go quicker ?" - it was like I'd cancelled Christmas or something !!

Excellent link to Sheldon Brown, thanks a mill.

gman2k

Russman wrote: »

where is the best/cheapest place to get stuff like STI shifters, derailleurs, cassette etc ? or am I best to just save the money and buy a full groupset when the time is right ?

If you are going to be collecting parts over a long period, decide now on the groupset you want eg Ultegra, and then head on over to Ebay and learn how to snipe auctions. Within a few patient months you'll have all the pieces you want for bargain basement prices.
I built up a full Record groupset on my bike for less than 50% normal cost price!

papac

..is it not the person on it that makes the bike go quicker ?"

It should be obvious by now that we are all knee deep in denial on this issue.:D

Just a general point on upgrading-I think you have to be careful. You can buy a nice carbon bike for 1200 ish euros-Planetx for example-with lovely equipment on it.I think its a better idea to make do with your own bike as it is and save for something like this.
You could spend a big portion of this money upgrading(Ultegra group is half it anyway) and still only have one bike with an average frame. The other way you have a winter/everyday bike and a nice Sunday best jobbie.Food for thought.(I never follow this advice myself.:):)).

blorg

papac wrote: »

It should be obvious by now that we are all knee deep in denial on this issue.:D

Just a general point on upgrading-I think you have to be careful. You can buy a nice carbon bike for 1200 ish euros-Planetx for example-with lovely equipment on it.I think its a better idea to make do with your own bike as it is and save for something like this.
You could spend a big portion of this money upgrading(Ultegra group is half it anyway) and still only have one bike with an average frame. The other way you have a winter/everyday bike and a nice Sunday best jobbie.Food for thought.(I never follow this advice myself.:):)).

This is a very good point, the cheapest you will get a groupset will be on a new bike.

UK RRP for Ultegra 6700 is £799 (you can get it cheaper)... The Planet X complete bike with full Ultegra, carbon frame, fork, wheels and finishing kit is £999.