9 speed triple to 11 speed conversion
#1
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9 speed triple to 11 speed conversion
I have a Specialized 2007 Tarmac Pro with 9 speed triple. I went to my local shop and asked about converting to Shimano Ultegra 6800 11 speed.
I was quoted parts about 900 plus labor. Since I think the rear wheel can't accept a 11 speed cassette I specifically asked about that and he said no problem. This guy was not the mechanic so I remain skeptical. The wheels are newer than the bike, Cane Creek Volos. These wheels have been bullet proof for me by the way.
What's the truth, I am afraid a new wheel set will be needed too? That will up the cost a lot but it will still be cheaper than a new bike. I like the frame.
I was quoted parts about 900 plus labor. Since I think the rear wheel can't accept a 11 speed cassette I specifically asked about that and he said no problem. This guy was not the mechanic so I remain skeptical. The wheels are newer than the bike, Cane Creek Volos. These wheels have been bullet proof for me by the way.
What's the truth, I am afraid a new wheel set will be needed too? That will up the cost a lot but it will still be cheaper than a new bike. I like the frame.
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The only Shimano 11s cassette that will fit is 11-34. There are probably other options with aftermarket brands. 11s cassettes generally require a longer cassette body, but some overhang the end of the splines.
I did a similar thing with 10s, machining a billet 10s cassette to fit on a 7s cassette body retrofitted to a 10s wheel to reduce dish.
I'd have said keep the triple groupset, if only replacing that middle chainring wasn't a problem. If you could find an aftermarket ring designed as a proper replacement, I'd buy a couple of those. I much prefer the ability to be both close and wide with a triple; pretty sure 3x9 can generally provide nicer ratios than 2x11. Replacement middle rings are the only Achilles heel, aside from the aesthetics of the external cables...
I did a similar thing with 10s, machining a billet 10s cassette to fit on a 7s cassette body retrofitted to a 10s wheel to reduce dish.
I'd have said keep the triple groupset, if only replacing that middle chainring wasn't a problem. If you could find an aftermarket ring designed as a proper replacement, I'd buy a couple of those. I much prefer the ability to be both close and wide with a triple; pretty sure 3x9 can generally provide nicer ratios than 2x11. Replacement middle rings are the only Achilles heel, aside from the aesthetics of the external cables...
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#3
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The only Shimano 11s cassette that will fit is 11-34. There are probably other options with aftermarket brands. 11s cassettes generally require a longer cassette body, but some overhang the end of the splines.
I did a similar thing with 10s, machining a billet 10s cassette to fit on a 7s cassette body retrofitted to a 10s wheel to reduce dish.
I'd have said keep the triple groupset, if only replacing that middle chainring wasn't a problem. If you could find an aftermarket ring designed as a proper replacement, I'd buy a couple of those. I much prefer the ability to be both close and wide with a triple; pretty sure 3x9 can generally provide nicer ratios than 2x11. Replacement middle rings are the only Achilles heel, aside from the aesthetics of the external cables...
I did a similar thing with 10s, machining a billet 10s cassette to fit on a 7s cassette body retrofitted to a 10s wheel to reduce dish.
I'd have said keep the triple groupset, if only replacing that middle chainring wasn't a problem. If you could find an aftermarket ring designed as a proper replacement, I'd buy a couple of those. I much prefer the ability to be both close and wide with a triple; pretty sure 3x9 can generally provide nicer ratios than 2x11. Replacement middle rings are the only Achilles heel, aside from the aesthetics of the external cables...
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A shift to 10 brake/shifters which Shimano says is an issue but can work pretty well, especially if your riding the lovely Ocean Beech and Mission Bay Bike Route, much less $ than the switch to 11, especially if you factor in new wheels and you can buy spare hoods for the future. I have a couple 11s and frankly for my riding no advantage.
#5
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A shift to 10 brake/shifters which Shimano says is an issue but can work pretty well, especially if your riding the lovely Ocean Beech and Mission Bay Bike Route, much less $ than the switch to 11, especially if you factor in new wheels and you can buy spare hoods for the future. I have a couple 11s and frankly for my riding no advantage.
#6
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I forgot to say that perhaps the real reason I would like to do this is that the shifter rubber hoods are degrading and becoming very sticky. They are not made anymore. I have found some old shifters on ebay but felt I didn't want to throw good money on equipment not supported anymore.
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I could not agree more, I have two bikes with DA 7400 STIand I am reminded of this every ride. It is so annoying I should probably pay the $100 price I see these hoods but I would again be pissed every ride. Probably had a lot to do with the last three groupsets I bought for my and the families bikes are Campagnolo and my very first Sram.
#8
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I found these hoods $12 that are for Shimano 6800's and a search also shows the company Hudz make aftermarket ones as well (in lots of colors).
https://www.performancebike.com/shim...gaAvZeEALw_wcB
https://www.performancebike.com/shim...gaAvZeEALw_wcB
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I found these hoods $12 that are for Shimano 6800's and a search also shows the company Hudz make aftermarket ones as well (in lots of colors).
https://www.performancebike.com/shim...gaAvZeEALw_wcB
https://www.performancebike.com/shim...gaAvZeEALw_wcB
You will not be able to find replacement hoods for an old 9 speed brifter, not from Shimano, not from aftermarket.
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For me this easy. Forget 6800 just buy 105 7000 11 sp groupset. It will do the same thing cheaper and be miles better than what you have. Buy the whole group set crank and all. Buy one new rear wheel that is 11’sp if you want to save money.
Do the work yourself not complicated you are done for less than $900 for sure. Otherwise find a shop or someone to do it for you. Still cheaper. You have a good bike and frame and when do a gem.
Do the work yourself not complicated you are done for less than $900 for sure. Otherwise find a shop or someone to do it for you. Still cheaper. You have a good bike and frame and when do a gem.
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MicroSHIFT makes 3x9 Shimano-compatible levers. The SB-R493 seems to be generic Shimano 9 speed, the SB-R493A is marked as specific to Ultegra 4403. (I'd guess that the difference is in the front shifter, but I'm not sure.) Never used them, but then I've never liked STI. They show replacement hoods, I'd buy a pair or two so you don't end up here again.
What about 9 speed bar-ends and a new pair of brake levers?
Swapping out an entire drivetrain and spending a thousand bucks just because you need new brake lever hoods seems a bit extreme...
--Shannon
What about 9 speed bar-ends and a new pair of brake levers?
Swapping out an entire drivetrain and spending a thousand bucks just because you need new brake lever hoods seems a bit extreme...
--Shannon
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Hope this is not seen as a threadjack - I have a similar project underway. I have a 2 x 9 Giant TCR-1 that has worn brifters and 15K+ miles on the drivetrain. I want to switch to 2x11.
After careful parts-stalking, I've acquired 8000 Ultegra brifters, FD and RD. I have a 105 11-28t cassette. Shouldn't this be fine? The wheelset are pretty typical, Mavic Elite rims and I cannot remember who made the hubs.
For a variety of reasons I'm committed to the change - will I need a new wheelset? I'd simply assumed (yes, I'm ignorant) that the 11 speed cassette would fit ... perhaps I should try it this weekend? I wouldn't object to getting new wheels if necessary.
After careful parts-stalking, I've acquired 8000 Ultegra brifters, FD and RD. I have a 105 11-28t cassette. Shouldn't this be fine? The wheelset are pretty typical, Mavic Elite rims and I cannot remember who made the hubs.
For a variety of reasons I'm committed to the change - will I need a new wheelset? I'd simply assumed (yes, I'm ignorant) that the 11 speed cassette would fit ... perhaps I should try it this weekend? I wouldn't object to getting new wheels if necessary.
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You really need to ask the guy at the shop about why he said your current wheel was no problem. We can interpret that all sorts of ways. And I can think of a few were it would be no problem. But what I imagine might not be what the guy you are potentially paying money to is planning on doing.
You should have ask him then to be more specific about what no problem meant. Not us.
You should have ask him then to be more specific about what no problem meant. Not us.
#15
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Absolutely! The first time I called the bike shop the mechanic said kinda yeah just get a new bike and I was frankly a bit shocked. This is however normally a very good shop.
#16
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You really need to ask the guy at the shop about why he said your current wheel was no problem. We can interpret that all sorts of ways. And I can think of a few were it would be no problem. But what I imagine might not be what the guy you are potentially paying money to is planning on doing.
You should have ask him then to be more specific about what no problem meant. Not us.
You should have ask him then to be more specific about what no problem meant. Not us.
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Hope this is not seen as a threadjack - I have a similar project underway. I have a 2 x 9 Giant TCR-1 that has worn brifters and 15K+ miles on the drivetrain. I want to switch to 2x11.
After careful parts-stalking, I've acquired 8000 Ultegra brifters, FD and RD. I have a 105 11-28t cassette. Shouldn't this be fine? The wheelset are pretty typical, Mavic Elite rims and I cannot remember who made the hubs.
For a variety of reasons I'm committed to the change - will I need a new wheelset? I'd simply assumed (yes, I'm ignorant) that the 11 speed cassette would fit ... perhaps I should try it this weekend? I wouldn't object to getting new wheels if necessary.
After careful parts-stalking, I've acquired 8000 Ultegra brifters, FD and RD. I have a 105 11-28t cassette. Shouldn't this be fine? The wheelset are pretty typical, Mavic Elite rims and I cannot remember who made the hubs.
For a variety of reasons I'm committed to the change - will I need a new wheelset? I'd simply assumed (yes, I'm ignorant) that the 11 speed cassette would fit ... perhaps I should try it this weekend? I wouldn't object to getting new wheels if necessary.
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A shift to 10 brake/shifters which Shimano says is an issue but can work pretty well, especially if your riding the lovely Ocean Beech and Mission Bay Bike Route, much less $ than the switch to 11, especially if you factor in new wheels and you can buy spare hoods for the future. I have a couple 11s and frankly for my riding no advantage.
MicroSHIFT makes 3x9 Shimano-compatible levers. The SB-R493 seems to be generic Shimano 9 speed, the SB-R493A is marked as specific to Ultegra 4403. (I'd guess that the difference is in the front shifter, but I'm not sure.) Never used them, but then I've never liked STI. They show replacement hoods, I'd buy a pair or two so you don't end up here again.
--Shannon
--Shannon
Hope this is not seen as a threadjack - I have a similar project underway. I have a 2 x 9 Giant TCR-1 that has worn brifters and 15K+ miles on the drivetrain. I want to switch to 2x11.
After careful parts-stalking, I've acquired 8000 Ultegra brifters, FD and RD. I have a 105 11-28t cassette. Shouldn't this be fine? The wheelset are pretty typical, Mavic Elite rims and I cannot remember who made the hubs.
For a variety of reasons I'm committed to the change - will I need a new wheelset? I'd simply assumed (yes, I'm ignorant) that the 11 speed cassette would fit ... perhaps I should try it this weekend? I wouldn't object to getting new wheels if necessary.
After careful parts-stalking, I've acquired 8000 Ultegra brifters, FD and RD. I have a 105 11-28t cassette. Shouldn't this be fine? The wheelset are pretty typical, Mavic Elite rims and I cannot remember who made the hubs.
For a variety of reasons I'm committed to the change - will I need a new wheelset? I'd simply assumed (yes, I'm ignorant) that the 11 speed cassette would fit ... perhaps I should try it this weekend? I wouldn't object to getting new wheels if necessary.
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