Talk to me about upgrading....

[Dr Murdoch]

OK, i'm currently running Tigra and would like to upgrade, bit by bit to Ultegra.

At the weekend I replaced the BB which was failing, new one now Ultegra. I noticed that the large chain ring is showing signs of wear. Now, can I change just the ring, or do I need to change the crank?

Also, and this maybe related, i'm running a 10speed cassette, can I simply change this for an 11 speed? Or do I need to change the hub?

Cheers

[uncinqsix]

You probably can change the chainring easily enough, but it'll be cheaper in the long run to just buy the crank now.

[Dr Murdoch]

Thanks, would I need to change the cassette to 11 speed and obviously a new chain?

So new crank, new cassette + new chain. All are linked (as in, can't do one without the other?)

[uncinqsix]

You'll need new shifters, cassette, and chain. Not sure whether a 10 speed tiagra derailleur is compatible with 11 speed either. I have a feeling the cable pull ratios are different, so you're likely to need to add a rear (and maybe front) derailleur to the list too.

I think the crank and brakes are about to the only things you could change in isolation!

[louiebaby]

I would have thought you would want something like this:

https://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-ultegra-6800-...

In one go, to have the compatible shifters and mechs. Ideally with the cranks as well. However, all that will leave is the brakes, I think, so it might be worth doing it all in one go.

I know this is more expensive upfront. But you will need shifters, mechs, chain, chainrings and cassette at the same time, I think, anyway.

[Dannbodge]

The internal width of 10 and 11 speed chain is the same, so you can run Ultegra cranks with Tiagra groupset (iirc)

[Dr Murdoch]

Thats interesting.

I might change the crank then and then take up Louibaby's suggestion in a few months time (when funds can be available)

[Dr Murdoch]

Jesus wept, I wasn't expecting so many options, how do i figure what I need?

https://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-ultegra-6800-...

[louiebaby]

Dr Murdoch said:

Jesus wept, I wasn't expecting so many options, how do i figure what I need?

https://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-ultegra-6800-...

Just realised that is 6800, which is a generation out of date. Ultegra 8000 came out last year, if you care about such things.

[uncinqsix]

Dr Murdoch said:

Jesus wept, I wasn't expecting so many options, how do i figure what I need?

https://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-ultegra-6800-...

Your Tiagra crank is probably 50/34, and you probably want 170mm or 172.5mm unless you are quite tall.

[Dr Murdoch]

uncinqsix said:

Your Tiagra crank is probably 50/34, and you probably want 170mm or 172.5mm unless you are quite tall.

Thanks, I originate from a short leg tribe, so 170mm should be fine!

[Dr Imran T]

It truly is a minefield out there when is comes to drive-train and compatibility.

If you currently run 10sp, you can keep your shifters and get a new chainset, cassette and chain. I would personally replace all the group-set parts that are worn out. Might want to check for wear on the rear derailleur too. Check the profile of the teeth and if they look shot replace at the same time as other parts.

You can use a 11sp chain on a 10sp. I also think but can't remember for sure that you can use a chainset that states 11sp on a 10 speed setup.

Just have a quick look on google, loads of great advice from fellow cyclists in the same predicament.

Ebay is great for bike bits if you're after a bargain.

[uncinqsix]

Dr Imran T said:

If you currently run 10sp, you can keep your shifters and get a new chainset, cassette and chain.

10 speed shifters might have a few issues shifting 11 cogs on the cassette

[Daveyraveygravey]

I am sure I have read somewhere you can't just take a 10 speed cassette off and stick an 11 on. It's to do with the wheel or hub or axle.
You're pretty much having to shell out for a whole groupset (and a wheel if I'm right!) so I would probably look at Ebay and just buy a second hand bike. My mate just bought a 1700 Roubaix for under 300 quid 😲

[louiebaby]

Daveyraveygravey said:

I am sure I have read somewhere you can't just take a 10 speed cassette off and stick an 11 on. It's to do with the wheel or hub or axle.
You're pretty much having to shell out for a whole groupset (and a wheel if I'm right!) so I would probably look at Ebay and just buy a second hand bike. My mate just bought a 1700 Roubaix for under 300 quid ??

Most relatively recent wheels are 10/11 speed compatible, with a small spacer used for 10 speed.

[Dr Imran T]

uncinqsix said:

Dr Imran T said:

If you currently run 10sp, you can keep your shifters and get a new chainset, cassette and chain.

10 speed shifters might have a few issues shifting 11 cogs on the cassette

of course, I didn't say one could use 10sp shifters with a 11sp cassette?? maybe that came out wrong.

Chain-sets, rear mech. and chain listed as 11sp work perfectly fine on 10sp shifters was my point.. if Op intends to buy a 11 speed cassette then he certainly needs 11sp components to match.

[uncinqsix]

Dr Imran T said:

of course, I didn't say one could use 10sp shifters with a 11sp cassette?? maybe that came out wrong.

Chain-sets, rear mech. and chain listed as 11sp work perfectly fine on 10sp shifters was my point.. if Op intends to buy a 11 speed cassette then he certainly needs 11sp components to match.

I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that the cable pull ratio was different between 10 and 11 speed, so an 11 speed rear mech might not work with 10 speed shifters and cassette either.