hexron

Long story short don't have as much as I thought I would for a new gravel-specific bike so transforming my road bike drivetrain from a 4yo 105 5800 to a new Ultegra 8000: fd, rd-rx800, 11-32 cassette and chain. I also got some Clement 35 USH 120tpi for 30 bucks a piece.

Q1: Everything I've read says my old 105 11sp shifters and 52/36 crankset will work with new Ultegra drivetrain - true?
Q2: What cassette should I get for my rd-rx800 for a gravel ride like Almanzo seeing as how I still have a 52/36? It looks like Ultegra cassettes only go up to 11-32 - can I use an SRAM 11-36?
Q3: I'm making good decisions right? The reason I'm replacing the FD is that my current one has been driving me crazy - if there's even the slightest chance for improvement then I'll pay 50 for it. (hopefully it's not the shifters)

Elvo

1. Yes I am using RD-RX800 and FD-8000 with 6800 shifters and crankset
2. SRAM 11-36 is 1x "optimized". I personally use a sunrace CSM8 11-36T. You will need a bigger chain for 52x36
3. Yes the FD8000 is amazing and the tension adjustment screw is much better than fiddling with barrel adjusters. I got one for $33.

mstateglfr 

I dont follow.
you mention you are going to transform a road bime with an 11-32 cassette, but then mention wanting an 11-36 cassette.
the SRAM pg1170 cassette is 11-36 and works perfectly with shimano 11sp drivetrains.

why not just update your front derailleur since you dislike your current one and update your rear derailleur only if it isnt already a GS mid-cage? A 5800 GS rear derailleur works fine on an 11-36 cassette.
the Ultegra rx rd is a clutch, so I guess that's nice, but at $100 it isnt cheap.


perhaps using the money for a cyclocross crank and a 34t chainring would be better?
https://www.bike-discount.de/en/buy/...RoCjNoQAvD_BwE
this crank plus this chainring
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Shimano-Ult...UAAOSwuQhcV5Qt

and you have more gravel oriented gearing for $90. 46/34
It will give you a 34t small ring instead of 36 which is a big difference.

TimothyH

Yes. True.

I run a SRAM PG-1170 (Force) 11-36 cassette with an otherwise all Ultegra drivetrain.

The bike is a Niner RLT 9 RDO with RX-805 GS derailleur. No wolftooth or derailleur hanger extender was used. Cranks are 50/34. It shifts fine.

I'm not saying it will work on your bike but only that it works perfectly on mine. You should be fine though. Some people go even bigger in the rear.


-Tim-

Cyclist0108

True.

Ultegra (and 105) now go to 11-34. That, and SRAM's 11-36, will work (at least they do with mine).

I find smaller chainrings help. A lot.

shoota 

11-34 cassette, 50/34 or 46/34 chainrings, new fd if you think you need it. done.