ultegra triple crank no more
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Central Pennsylvania
Posts: 160
Bikes: litespeed blue ridge
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
ultegra triple crank no more
I am thinking of upgrading my drive train to an 11 speed, since Shimano no longer supports Ultegra 9 speed. I could get Sora shifters, but I like Ultegra, and my Litespeed deserves it. One problem: Ultegra is no longer producing triple cranks. I'd have to drop to 105, a fine product, for a triple. Or, I could go with an Ultegra 10 speed setup, which does have a triple crank. I use the small chainring maybe a handful of times a year, when I'm doing a steady climb up a mountain. Could I just adjust to a double crank? OR...should I get a 10 speed setup?
My motive for upgrading is that I want to be sure I can get Ultegra level shifters, etc for some time. I was thinking the 11 speed option would ensure availability of replacement parts for a longer time than 10 speed, which has already been in production for a while.
Opinions much appreciated...
My motive for upgrading is that I want to be sure I can get Ultegra level shifters, etc for some time. I was thinking the 11 speed option would ensure availability of replacement parts for a longer time than 10 speed, which has already been in production for a while.
Opinions much appreciated...
#2
Señor Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 621
Bikes: All of them
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 31 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Assuming you're ok losing a bit of top-end speed, going to the new 11-32 11-speed Ultegra 6800 cassette with a semi-compact (36-50) double up front should give you all the low end you need for those hills. 32:36 isn't quite 1:1 but should be easy enough for all but the craziest and longest steeps.
Last edited by cali_axela; 08-08-13 at 06:52 PM.
#3
It's MY mountain
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Mt.Diablo
Posts: 10,006
Bikes: Klein, Merckx, Trek
Mentioned: 70 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4363 Post(s)
Liked 3,027 Times
in
1,640 Posts
There's no 6803 crank for 2014, but there's plenty of 6703 cranks around that should work fine with 11-speed chain.
I had a 9-speed chain that kept dropping off my 8-speed crank on downshifts but that was Campy.
I had a 9-speed chain that kept dropping off my 8-speed crank on downshifts but that was Campy.
#4
Plays in traffic
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 6,971
Bikes: 1996 Litespeed Classic, 2006 Trek Portland, 2013 Ribble Winter/Audax, 2016 Giant Talon 4
Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 76 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 14 Times
in
9 Posts
Now, the other solution, is Campy. You can get Campy Athena in 11-speed triple. Buy your Campy from one of the British internet dealers. $185 for the levers here. Hell, buy your Shimano stuff there too.
Athena also comes in plain old untinted silver which will look nice against the bare Ti. I totally hated the greenish-blue Ultegra 6700 against the bare Ti on my Litespeed Classic. (Tried the charcoal gray too, and hated that as well.) Hated it so much I "downgraded" to the older 7800 series Dura-Ace and sold all that nasty Ultegra 6700. The 7800 shifts nicer too.
#5
Have bike, will travel
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 12,284
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 910 Post(s)
Liked 288 Times
in
158 Posts
+1 on Campagnolo. https://www.campagnolo.com/jsp/en/groupset/catid_8.jsp
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
#6
Erect member since 1953
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Antioch, CA (SF Bay Area)
Posts: 7,000
Bikes: Trek 520 Grando, Roubaix Expert, Motobecane Ti Century Elite turned commuter, Some old French thing gone fixie
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 121 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 38 Times
in
21 Posts
I too worry about this stuff (first-world problems... I know.)
My next bike will have some off brand or mtn. cranks I guess. I have no need of 52-11, or even 50-11.
Instead of bigger and bigger cassettes, I'm thinking smaller chain rings.
If i could run 11-28 or 11-26 in the back as a 10 or 11 speed and something sane (for me) like 48-32 or 46-30 or something in front I'd be a pig heaven.
My next bike will have some off brand or mtn. cranks I guess. I have no need of 52-11, or even 50-11.
Instead of bigger and bigger cassettes, I'm thinking smaller chain rings.
If i could run 11-28 or 11-26 in the back as a 10 or 11 speed and something sane (for me) like 48-32 or 46-30 or something in front I'd be a pig heaven.
#7
It's MY mountain
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Mt.Diablo
Posts: 10,006
Bikes: Klein, Merckx, Trek
Mentioned: 70 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4363 Post(s)
Liked 3,027 Times
in
1,640 Posts
D'oh... of course. Nevermind.
36x46 is starting to be an option... they still don't quite get it though... 32-48 would make so much more sense.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Santa Cruz Mountains
Posts: 6,169
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Why would he need a 6703 left lever to use a 6703 crank? The 11sp lever and derailleur should work fine on a "10sp" crank. The difference is not that great.
The problem with Campy is you have to like how their shifters work (the thumb lever). Not everyone does.
jlstrat, you can probably get the same gearing range with a 50/34 compact and appropriate cassette as you have with your current triple. And if you don't need the lowest gears with the triple it'll be that much easier.
The problem with Campy is you have to like how their shifters work (the thumb lever). Not everyone does.
jlstrat, you can probably get the same gearing range with a 50/34 compact and appropriate cassette as you have with your current triple. And if you don't need the lowest gears with the triple it'll be that much easier.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 272
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 28 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
Why would he need a 6703 left lever to use a 6703 crank? The 11sp lever and derailleur should work fine on a "10sp" crank. The difference is not that great.
The problem with Campy is you have to like how their shifters work (the thumb lever). Not everyone does.
jlstrat, you can probably get the same gearing range with a 50/34 compact and appropriate cassette as you have with your current triple. And if you don't need the lowest gears with the triple it'll be that much easier.
The problem with Campy is you have to like how their shifters work (the thumb lever). Not everyone does.
jlstrat, you can probably get the same gearing range with a 50/34 compact and appropriate cassette as you have with your current triple. And if you don't need the lowest gears with the triple it'll be that much easier.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SoCal
Posts: 3,078
Bikes: Roubaix SL4 Expert , Cervelo S2
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 85 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
You need a triple specific left shifter to work with a triple crank. If the new 11 speed 6800 only supports double cranks than there's no way to use it with a triple. Anyways, 6800 is supposed to be a huge step up in shift quality from 6700 so I'd be inclined to go with a compact double setup unless you know that you need a triple.
Last edited by Dunbar; 08-08-13 at 09:26 PM.
#12
Ancient Clydesdale
Everything past 5 speed freewheels ruined everything!
But, seriously, adding cluster cogs every few years has created a mess for anyone wanting to use their bike for many years to come. I guess that it's the scourge of planned obsolescence. My 9 speed 105 components do a great job and I feel no need or desire to "upgrade" to 10 speed or God forbid, 11 speed. What's the point?? Maybe society's unquenchable lust for "newest, latest, greatest" gadget is the motivating factor, lead by the manufacturers greed for $$$ by creating a need for the latest tech. Or users fear that they won't be able to get parts for their aging bikes. It's just not the modern way to offer adequate performance and value, with a technologically static offering.
With my views, it's no wonder I don't run Shimano or SRAM!!
But, seriously, adding cluster cogs every few years has created a mess for anyone wanting to use their bike for many years to come. I guess that it's the scourge of planned obsolescence. My 9 speed 105 components do a great job and I feel no need or desire to "upgrade" to 10 speed or God forbid, 11 speed. What's the point?? Maybe society's unquenchable lust for "newest, latest, greatest" gadget is the motivating factor, lead by the manufacturers greed for $$$ by creating a need for the latest tech. Or users fear that they won't be able to get parts for their aging bikes. It's just not the modern way to offer adequate performance and value, with a technologically static offering.
With my views, it's no wonder I don't run Shimano or SRAM!!
#13
Senior Member
I too worry about this stuff (first-world problems... I know.)
My next bike will have some off brand or mtn. cranks I guess. I have no need of 52-11, or even 50-11.
Instead of bigger and bigger cassettes, I'm thinking smaller chain rings.
If i could run 11-28 or 11-26 in the back as a 10 or 11 speed and something sane (for me) like 48-32 or 46-30 or something in front I'd be a pig heaven.
My next bike will have some off brand or mtn. cranks I guess. I have no need of 52-11, or even 50-11.
Instead of bigger and bigger cassettes, I'm thinking smaller chain rings.
If i could run 11-28 or 11-26 in the back as a 10 or 11 speed and something sane (for me) like 48-32 or 46-30 or something in front I'd be a pig heaven.
We only had to walk 50yrds of a wee hill outside Balleycastle.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Toronto (again) Ontario, Canada
Posts: 6,931
Bikes: Old Bike: 1975 Raleigh Delta, New Bike: 2004 Norco Bushpilot
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
Everything past 5 speed freewheels ruined everything!
But, seriously, adding cluster cogs every few years has created a mess for anyone wanting to use their bike for many years to come. I guess that it's the scourge of planned obsolescence. My 9 speed 105 components do a great job and I feel no need or desire to "upgrade" to 10 speed or God forbid, 11 speed. What's the point?? Maybe society's unquenchable lust for "newest, latest, greatest" gadget is the motivating factor, lead by the manufacturers greed for $$$ by creating a need for the latest tech. Or users fear that they won't be able to get parts for their aging bikes. It's just not the modern way to offer adequate performance and value, with a technologically static offering.
With my views, it's no wonder I don't run Shimano or SRAM!!
But, seriously, adding cluster cogs every few years has created a mess for anyone wanting to use their bike for many years to come. I guess that it's the scourge of planned obsolescence. My 9 speed 105 components do a great job and I feel no need or desire to "upgrade" to 10 speed or God forbid, 11 speed. What's the point?? Maybe society's unquenchable lust for "newest, latest, greatest" gadget is the motivating factor, lead by the manufacturers greed for $$$ by creating a need for the latest tech. Or users fear that they won't be able to get parts for their aging bikes. It's just not the modern way to offer adequate performance and value, with a technologically static offering.
With my views, it's no wonder I don't run Shimano or SRAM!!
The question though, is 11 speed practical, the chains are thinner and narrower, meaning they wear out faster, some people say a lot faster, and they cost more to replace. The cogs also wear faster, and are more expensive to replace. I doubt many people would notice a very large performance change between 10 and 11 speed, unless they race and a hundredth of a second is a big deal.
#15
Trek 500 Kid
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Spokane WA
Posts: 2,562
Bikes: '83 Trek 970 road --- '86 Trek 500 road
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2906 Post(s)
Liked 383 Times
in
308 Posts
The whole idea with adding more cogs is to make it easier to stay within the 80-95 RPM power band. Up until 8 speed it was often practical to have 2 or 3 freewheels with different ranges, and you selected the appropriate one. Racers in a race like the TdF would have one for the flat stages, another for mountain stages and probably a third for intermediate stages.
The question though, is 11 speed practical, the chains are thinner and narrower, meaning they wear out faster, some people say a lot faster, and they cost more to replace. The cogs also wear faster, and are more expensive to replace. I doubt many people would notice a very large performance change between 10 and 11 speed, unless they race and a hundredth of a second is a big deal.
The question though, is 11 speed practical, the chains are thinner and narrower, meaning they wear out faster, some people say a lot faster, and they cost more to replace. The cogs also wear faster, and are more expensive to replace. I doubt many people would notice a very large performance change between 10 and 11 speed, unless they race and a hundredth of a second is a big deal.
#16
Plays in traffic
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 6,971
Bikes: 1996 Litespeed Classic, 2006 Trek Portland, 2013 Ribble Winter/Audax, 2016 Giant Talon 4
Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 76 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 14 Times
in
9 Posts
Triple. He's looking for a triple on the front--which requires both a triple crank and a triple lever--and triple is not available in 6800.
#17
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Central Pennsylvania
Posts: 160
Bikes: litespeed blue ridge
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Since I'm upgrading the whole drive train, shifter compatibility is not an issue, since I'm replacing mine. The issue is whether I'll miss the small chainring in the handful of long, sustained climbs over a mountain I do a few times a year.
#18
Have bike, will travel
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 12,284
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 910 Post(s)
Liked 288 Times
in
158 Posts
The whole idea with adding more cogs is to make it easier to stay within the 80-95 RPM power band. Up until 8 speed it was often practical to have 2 or 3 freewheels with different ranges, and you selected the appropriate one. Racers in a race like the TdF would have one for the flat stages, another for mountain stages and probably a third for intermediate stages.
The question though, is 11 speed practical, the chains are thinner and narrower, meaning they wear out faster, some people say a lot faster, and they cost more to replace. The cogs also wear faster, and are more expensive to replace. I doubt many people would notice a very large performance change between 10 and 11 speed, unless they race and a hundredth of a second is a big deal.
The question though, is 11 speed practical, the chains are thinner and narrower, meaning they wear out faster, some people say a lot faster, and they cost more to replace. The cogs also wear faster, and are more expensive to replace. I doubt many people would notice a very large performance change between 10 and 11 speed, unless they race and a hundredth of a second is a big deal.
The 11-23 includes- 11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,21,23
The 11-25 includes- 11,12,13,14,15,16,17,19,21,23,25
The 12-25 includes- 12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,21,23,25
The 12-27 includes- 12,13,14,15,16,17,19,21,23,25,27
The 12-29 includes- 12,13,14,15,16,17,19,21,23,26,29
I have a 3x7 on my 1983 Trek, It has 52/40/28 and a 13-24 freewheel
I have a 3x8 on my 1985 Serotta, It has 52/42/30 and a 12-28 cassette
I have a 3x9 on my Monstercross bike, It has 48/36/22 and a 12-27 cassette
I have a 3x10 on my 2012 road bike, It has 50/39/26 and a 12-27 cassette
I have a 3x10 on my 2012 Cyclocross bike, It has 50/39/26 and a 12-30 cassette
All of these triples can keep a tight cadence on flatter sections and provide the bail-out gearing I like to have on hilly century rides.
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 08-09-13 at 08:32 AM.
#19
just keep riding
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Milledgeville, Georgia
Posts: 13,560
Bikes: 2018 Black Mountain Cycles MCD,2017 Advocate Cycles Seldom Seen Drop Bar, 2017 Niner Jet 9 Alloy, 2015 Zukas custom road, 2003 KHS Milano Tandem, 1986 Nishiki Cadence rigid MTB, 1980ish Fuji S-12S
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 173 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times
in
22 Posts
What is your current gearing? 50/39/30 and 11-28 or what? The Ultegra 11 speed 50/34 with 11-32 would match that range. There would be nothing to miss.
#21
working on my sandal tan
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CID
Posts: 22,638
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Mentioned: 98 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3873 Post(s)
Liked 2,574 Times
in
1,581 Posts
With Ultegra new 6800 you can create all kind of gearing up front The four-arm spider amplifies this characteristic, but more important to Shimano, it embodies its 'rider-tuned' philosophy. In this, Shimano created 6800 to work for you, the rider. Case in point, the four-arm design and the 'top-secret' BCD allows for front chainring combinations from 46-36T to 55-42T on the same spider.
#22
feros ferio
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Posts: 21,825
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
Mentioned: 44 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1400 Post(s)
Liked 1,350 Times
in
851 Posts
This thread makes me glad I have stayed w/ friction shift and 6 to 8 speed cogsets. I can mix and (mis)match components and gear ratios under a very relaxed set of constraints.
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Toronto (again) Ontario, Canada
Posts: 6,931
Bikes: Old Bike: 1975 Raleigh Delta, New Bike: 2004 Norco Bushpilot
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
I agree that 3x11 is not a huge improvement over 3x10. The primary advantage of the 11 speed cassette is the 16 cog on both the 12-17 and the 12-29. The 16 cog might be missed by a expert cyclist who wants to stay in the 85 to 95 cadence range while fighting a headwind or climbing a 2 to 6% slope.
The 11-23 includes- 11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,21,23
The 11-25 includes- 11,12,13,14,15,16,17,19,21,23,25
The 12-25 includes- 12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,21,23,25
The 12-27 includes- 12,13,14,15,16,17,19,21,23,25,27
The 12-29 includes- 12,13,14,15,16,17,19,21,23,26,29
I have a 3x7 on my 1983 Trek, It has 52/40/28 and a 13-24 freewheel
I have a 3x8 on my 1985 Serotta, It has 52/42/30 and a 12-28 cassette
I have a 3x9 on my Monstercross bike, It has 48/36/22 and a 12-27 cassette
I have a 3x10 on my 2012 road bike, It has 50/39/26 and a 12-27 cassette
I have a 3x10 on my 2012 Cyclocross bike, It has 50/39/26 and a 12-30 cassette
All of these triples can keep a tight cadence on flatter sections and provide the bail-out gearing I like to have on hilly century rides.
The 11-23 includes- 11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,21,23
The 11-25 includes- 11,12,13,14,15,16,17,19,21,23,25
The 12-25 includes- 12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,21,23,25
The 12-27 includes- 12,13,14,15,16,17,19,21,23,25,27
The 12-29 includes- 12,13,14,15,16,17,19,21,23,26,29
I have a 3x7 on my 1983 Trek, It has 52/40/28 and a 13-24 freewheel
I have a 3x8 on my 1985 Serotta, It has 52/42/30 and a 12-28 cassette
I have a 3x9 on my Monstercross bike, It has 48/36/22 and a 12-27 cassette
I have a 3x10 on my 2012 road bike, It has 50/39/26 and a 12-27 cassette
I have a 3x10 on my 2012 Cyclocross bike, It has 50/39/26 and a 12-30 cassette
All of these triples can keep a tight cadence on flatter sections and provide the bail-out gearing I like to have on hilly century rides.
#24
Erect member since 1953
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Antioch, CA (SF Bay Area)
Posts: 7,000
Bikes: Trek 520 Grando, Roubaix Expert, Motobecane Ti Century Elite turned commuter, Some old French thing gone fixie
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 121 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 38 Times
in
21 Posts
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Toronto (again) Ontario, Canada
Posts: 6,931
Bikes: Old Bike: 1975 Raleigh Delta, New Bike: 2004 Norco Bushpilot
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
See a 30 on the crank is available on a road triple, which is just over 3 gear inches lower (27.9 vs 24.6), that doesn't sound like much, until your touring and hauling 40lbs of gear up heart attack ridge. Shimano can fix this easily enough, simply add another ring option, a 46-30 would be the same tooth ratio as a 50-34, riders who want a lower low, probably don't mind a lower high.