xbartx

I’m looking for opinions on the possibly of upgrading my bike. Recently I rode in a couple events that involved a lot of climbing and on more than a few occasions, wishing I had another gear to shift to. I hadn’t done much in the way of extended climbing before, but really enjoyed the challenge of these rides and riding in the mountains.
Part of me thinks that I should just use what I have, a 10 speed 50/34 crank and 11/28 cassette and just work on my strength and endurance. But I don’t live real close to any sustained climbs and at 62 years old I'm not sure I can gain the strength and endurance.
I have been riding for 5 years now and averaging 18-25 miles, 3-5 days a week ( less in the winter, more like 2 days week).
My bike is a Trek Madrone 3.1. Most of my riding is what I would consider mostly flat terrain, with no sustained steep climbs and I average about 17 MPH on my rides.


What do you think about changing to a 11/32 or 11/34 cassette.
I could buy a new 10 speed cassette, rear derailleur and chain for $140
or I could buy a whole new 11 speed groupset for 500$-700$
Would it be wise to put $500 into the Trek Madrone 3.1?

caloso

I'd just do the 11/34 and chain. You may need a new long cage RD. Or you may not. Are you sure your existing RD won't handle a 34?

xbartx

When I look up the specs for the Shimano 105 RD-5701 it does look like it could take up to a 32, I just didn't see a Shimano 10 speed 11/32 cassette anywhere.
The front crank is Sram and going on line a couple days ago, I saw this available from SRAM - Climber's Kit - Rival Rear Derailleur / 11-32 10-Speed Cassette / 1051 Chain for $140. Just now going to the REI website says it is no longer avalible. Are 10 speed component become harder to come by?

big john

10 speed stuff is harder to come by than it was a couple years ago. You might be able to use a Miche cassette, I use one for my Campagnolo group.

Do you think a 30 tooth cog would be enough? I use a 29 with a 34 up front and I'm older than you and probably heavier, too.

Stormsedge

I'd do the 11-34...I plan to change to that if I ever wear out my 11-32. 63yo, 210lb...and you are sustaining higher averages than me...hilly here, the 11-34 should really help you on the hills over your current cassette.

str8jakett

The Rival 22 medium cage rear derailleur will work just fine for your 10spd setup. Same cable pull ratio. I did the same thing actually, upgraded a Rival 10spd group with a Rival 22 rear derailleur, an 11-32 cassette, and new chain. Couldn't find the climbers kit anywhere available and pieced together the parts for much cheaper from Backcountry and eBay.

Just to add an opinion, it was a good decision and well worth it for the extra range.

surak

Tiagra 11-32 or 11-34

xbartx

Thanks for all the replies! It sounds like everyone agrees on a change to my rear cassette. I'll look into a 11/32 or 11/34.


What does everyone think about replacing the whole groupset to 11 speed, would it be a good idea or more of a waste of money?


My Madrone came with a mix of 10 speed components including a Sram crank, Shimano shifters & derailleurs and no name brakes. The brakes could be better and are something that I have thought about replacing in the past. For some reason the idea of having a single groupset or at least a single manufacturer seems like a good idea.


I'm not opposed to spending a bit on my bike. I have had this bike 5 years, gotten a lot of use out of it and really haven't spent anything on it other than replacing worn parts.

bpcyclist

Not sure exactly where you are ultimately going with all this, but I will say, 105 brakes are pretty cheap and they are every bit as good in my opinion as my Ultegra brakes. If you are also looking for a brake upgrade, I can certainly recommend 105 as a good value.

Maelochs

Either go to EBay and buy all the 10-speed stuff you can find, or swap up if the frame is decent (I'd say a 5-year-old Madone would meet the criteria.) As fro training, hill repeats, riding hills in way too high a gear (Listen to Your Knees) and intervals might help. On hill repeats ride down fast to limit recovery time.

Rides4Beer

I have the power to climb on a 28, but I don't need to prove anything, so I built the new bike with 50/34 and 11-34 out back, it's fantastic. Can climb anything around here without any issues and still have enough top end for the A group rides. Have already done multiple rides with over 10k ft of climbing and I'm glad I had the extra gear.

You can get the 105 r7000 groupset from Merlin for $450, with the 11-34 cassette and GS rear mech.

xbartx

As far as the 10 speed stuff being hard to find, the Shimano 105 instructions say I need to use the 10 speed super narrow chain and I'm having difficulty finding anyone who still carries that!
I'm now going out of my way to ride in the hills and that should really help. The hills close to me, might not be miles of steep climbing, but it is better that nothing.

I saw that same thing on the Merlin website and I'm tempted.

Maelochs

I'd jump on it. I haven't seen 105 for so low a price in quite a while. I got 5700 for a little less a few years ago, and from what I hear, 7000 is better or as good in every way.

I'd jump on it.

sfrider 

Anything compatible with 10s Ultegra/DA is "super narrow". I guess at some point 105 was made to use the same.

KMC X10SL is a fine chain and easily available, and I like the quick connect.