Originally Posted by Mr IGH

I'm upgrading a 1998 Santana Arriva from 8 speed to 10 speed (and customizing bars/stem/saddles/pedals). Here's the path I took to keep my costs low. I'm not a fan of 2x11, I prefer triples for my own reasons (and choose not to discuss my reasons here on BF ).

- I kept the original cranks and mounted modern Shimano 10 speed chainrings from 105 crankset (53/39/24). Cost was ~$50 total (ebay). Setting up a tandem with Ultegra crankset isn't going to be easy or cheap. For that matter, anything except your stock cranks is going to be expensive.

- I bought Tiagra 4603 shifters off ebay that are brand new in OEM bags for $110. I like them because they have the window for chain position (nice to have on a tandem) and external shift cables to help with the extra long rear derailleur cable friction. Also, Tiagra 4603 shifter should work with low-cost 7-8-9 speed MTB derailleurs (of which I have several in my spare parts bin). The Tiagra 4703 have hidden shift cables, lack the chain position window and need a special version rear derailleur. Anything 2x11 requires an 11 speed rear derailleur.

- I stayed with 10 speed so I could use low cost rear hubs. I bought a set of 40H Shimano HF-08 for $180. If I wasn't stuck with 160mm spacing and a rear drum brake I'd just buy 32H Shimano XT 756 rear hub and install a steel axle and 5mm of spacers. I'm building new wheels so I can run 35mm tyres on wider rims. I'm selling the old skinny tyre wheelset because it's cheaper in the end.