Some Advice on Groupsets Please

derv

I am hoping to get some advice on 2 things related to groupsets.

Firstly, I am trying to find out what groupset my current bike has.
I is a 24 speed Shimano (3x8). On the crankset it just had Shimano written with no particular model like 105 or Tiagra etc.
How can I find out which groupset I am using.
There is '50-D' engraved on there but I don't think this is the model?

Secondly I am looking for some advice on a new set-up.
The range of gears on my current set-up doesn't have enough on the lower end.
i.e. when I am in the lowest gear on a flat or downhill I wish there were a few harder gears.

Which groupset is better for offering a wider range of gears, both high and low?
It feels like the one I am using has a lot of high & mid range gears.

Thanks in advance,

couerdelion

What bike and what year is the model?

My 2010 Allez doesn't have anythign written on the groupset but it's 2300. The gear shifters are Sti but you use a thumb shifter to change back down.

happytramp

Most likely it Shimano 2300. Their entry level stuff, not bad but reasonably basic.

Rather than a triple chainset (three rings on front) get yourself a double. A compact double is a decent bet. A large ring and a small one for climbing, on the front.

derv

The bike is a Lapierre 200 R-Lite
I can't say for sure how old it is because I bought it 2nd hand.
But I think it's 2008 or 2009.

couerdelion

derv wrote: »

The bike is a Lapierre 200 R-Lite
I can't say for sure how old it is because I bought it 2nd hand.
But I think it's 2008 or 2009.

Probably 2200 then - http://www.evanscycles.com/products/lapierre/r-lite-200-2009-road-bike-ec017836#features

countrykid

countless ways to improve the groupset... but before you do any of that be sure your happy with the bike...i.e frame and wheels you have too...
sometimes works out better to knock it on as a starter bike and then upgrade to a good secondhand with something like shimano ultegra / campagnolo centaur / sram force....
lots of nice bikes with nice groupos about.,..
or just swap yours out for something shimano so you dont have to change BB or rear hubb maybe 105 for under €600 or ultegra for around €800...

derv

thanks for the info,

is it simply a case of replacing the crankset, with something like this for example:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=50444

or is there a bigger piece of work involved?

countrykid

if your simply looking for a better gear for fast flat moving then change the cassette..
count the smallest rings teeth... most likely it'll have 13 teeth..
then order a 11/26 or something similar and get it put on..
cheap easy fix if the rest of the groupo is still performing..
call to your local bike shop...theyll sort you out

derv

yes i would just like some harder gears than the current set up offers,
thanks for the advice, that looks like a much cheaper option,