Upgrade groupset or upgrade the entire bike?
#1
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Upgrade groupset or upgrade the entire bike?
So, I have a Roubaix SL2, with Sram Apex as the groupset. A bike from 2011
It's in great shape, the frame has no cracks, hasn't been crashed and has logged some good miles on it. The bike fits perfectly, and is comfortable to ride.
So here's my thinking
..upgrade the entire bike to a modern CF bike with disc brakes, OR upgrade the entire groupset (along with wheels)
If i were to go the route of an upgrade of the groupset, I would seriously consider the new 105 R7000 rim brake option.
Or the other option and sell the bike and find a 105 disc brake road bike.
It's in great shape, the frame has no cracks, hasn't been crashed and has logged some good miles on it. The bike fits perfectly, and is comfortable to ride.
So here's my thinking
..upgrade the entire bike to a modern CF bike with disc brakes, OR upgrade the entire groupset (along with wheels)
If i were to go the route of an upgrade of the groupset, I would seriously consider the new 105 R7000 rim brake option.
Or the other option and sell the bike and find a 105 disc brake road bike.
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First off, that bike looks great!
The real question is, what's your budget? If it is smaller, just upgrade the groupset and keep riding...if it is larger (or you can mange to make it larger), get a new bike that is disc brake equipped, full hydraulic if possible.
The real question is, what's your budget? If it is smaller, just upgrade the groupset and keep riding...if it is larger (or you can mange to make it larger), get a new bike that is disc brake equipped, full hydraulic if possible.
#5
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Try aligning the rear derailleur hanger. Take the rd off and inspect it to see if it has developed play along the pivots. Replace the cables and housings throughout. If the rd has indeed worn out a new one for $50 and some maintenance vs a whole new groupset is worthwhile. Check the cassette, chain and chainrings to see if they are worn. I would take those savings and buy a nicer wheelset which will improve the bike more.
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Since you have Sram, why not stick with it. Depending on your budget look at the Trek Domane SL7 with Force eTap and disc brakes. Not cheap but if you really enjoy riding its a BIG step forward.
Keep your old bike for rain and foul weather since you'll be lucky to get $700 for it.
Keep your old bike for rain and foul weather since you'll be lucky to get $700 for it.
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#7
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My roubaix is a 2012 sl3 and it’s a great bike and fits me perfectly. I upgraded the group set to ultegra a few years ago and it made a great difference. I’m glad I did and the prices of new bikes , I’ll probably be riding it for a long time. I have 28 k on my bike and it’s like new.
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Decided to get its replacement - a 2021 Domane SLR7 with Di2 and discs. I do not regret the decision one iota. Old and new show the stark differences in the first and third generation bikes, just 8 years apart. Frame sizes and dimensions are identical, but quite a few changes within the frame itself......
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Decided to get its replacement - a 2021 Domane SLR7 with Di2 and discs. I do not regret the decision one iota. Old and new show the stark differences in the first and third generation bikes, just 8 years apart. Frame sizes and dimensions are identical, but quite a few changes within the frame itself......
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#10
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Wouldn't the most budget option to be just to swap the mech out if it's shifting performance you're not happy with?
I would imagine than getting a new set of wheels + an entire modern groupset could easily cost more than a new bike and would really only make sense if you're very attached to the frame.
I would imagine than getting a new set of wheels + an entire modern groupset could easily cost more than a new bike and would really only make sense if you're very attached to the frame.
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Curious...why the switch from SRAM to Shimano?
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Who wouldn't want a new bike? Sounds like you want disc and that would be the way to go.
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Have you ever replaced your cables and housings?
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Wouldn't the most budget option to be just to swap the mech out if it's shifting performance you're not happy with?
I would imagine than getting a new set of wheels + an entire modern groupset could easily cost more than a new bike and would really only make sense if you're very attached to the frame.
I would imagine than getting a new set of wheels + an entire modern groupset could easily cost more than a new bike and would really only make sense if you're very attached to the frame.
And also, when considering a NEW bike....the prices now are climbing ever so beyond what is perceived to be affordable.
My roubaix is a 2012 sl3 and it’s a great bike and fits me perfectly. I upgraded the group set to ultegra a few years ago and it made a great difference. I’m glad I did and the prices of new bikes , I’ll probably be riding it for a long time. I have 28 k on my bike and it’s like new.
Since you have Sram, why not stick with it. Depending on your budget look at the Trek Domane SL7 with Force eTap and disc brakes. Not cheap but if you really enjoy riding its a BIG step forward.
Keep your old bike for rain and foul weather since you'll be lucky to get $700 for it.
Keep your old bike for rain and foul weather since you'll be lucky to get $700 for it.
Try aligning the rear derailleur hanger. Take the rd off and inspect it to see if it has developed play along the pivots. Replace the cables and housings throughout. If the rd has indeed worn out a new one for $50 and some maintenance vs a whole new groupset is worthwhile. Check the cassette, chain and chainrings to see if they are worn. I would take those savings and buy a nicer wheelset which will improve the bike more.
Budget is stretchable. I can honestly afford a new groupset, and a decent set of 20-30mm CF wheels.
#15
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Yep, they get checked, if not replaced every season.
You're right. Who doesn't want a new bike? but I'm not quite ready to pull the trigger on NEW NEW bike just yet.
Just to have some diversity. I appreciate both brands and don't mind using either.
Just to have some diversity. I appreciate both brands and don't mind using either.
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Is there anything your current bike doesn't do well? I.e., do you ride in rain or dirty conditions where you want better braking? Do you want to be able to run wider tires than the rim brakes allow? If the desire to get the new bike is more of a "want" than a "need", you might find that upgrading to a disc brake bike doesn't really do much to improve your ride over what you already have.
I'm a fan of disc brakes, I have them on my bikes, and really don't see a reason to buy a new bike with rim brakes. However, brakes are for stopping and bikes are meant to go, not stop. Most rim brakes with aluminum rims work just fine and quite frankly, I think rim brakes are much easier to work on than disc brakes.
To me, the next "big leap" one can take with road bikes that makes a pretty big difference is electronic shifting (Di2 or eTap). If you can afford to go that route, then by all means buy a new bike with discs and electronic shifting and then you will notice a big change from what you are currently riding.
I'm a fan of disc brakes, I have them on my bikes, and really don't see a reason to buy a new bike with rim brakes. However, brakes are for stopping and bikes are meant to go, not stop. Most rim brakes with aluminum rims work just fine and quite frankly, I think rim brakes are much easier to work on than disc brakes.
To me, the next "big leap" one can take with road bikes that makes a pretty big difference is electronic shifting (Di2 or eTap). If you can afford to go that route, then by all means buy a new bike with discs and electronic shifting and then you will notice a big change from what you are currently riding.
#17
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I wouldn't mind a new bike but don't want disc brakes, so I'm pretty much stuck with what I've got and try to keep it running as best as possible. So far its working for minimal cost. YMMV
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[QUOTE=Phreshnphunky;
Just to have some diversity. I appreciate both brands and don't mind using either.[/QUOTE]
I'm the same. Running SRAM Red on my Guru and 105 on my CAAD 12.
Just to have some diversity. I appreciate both brands and don't mind using either.[/QUOTE]
I'm the same. Running SRAM Red on my Guru and 105 on my CAAD 12.
#19
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#20
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If you want to go with carbon wheels, it may be worthwhile to get the new bike with disc brakes. Especially if you are looking for a rationalization to bump to the bigger upgrade. : )
#21
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I don't know, I just put a new chain and cassette on my 15 year old bike and it shifts like new. Silent too. You should be able to do that too, but I don't know SRAM. If you want a new bike though I'd say go for it. I thought about it myself this past year but decided at my age (65) it wouldn't be worth it. I certainly won't get another 15 years of use out of it. My current bike is carbon but it is getting to be old carbon. It hasn't exploded yet though. It looks a little beat up, but when you are moving nobody really notices.
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A 105 soup to nuts group is around $650. That gets you shifters, rim brakes, derailers, cassette, chain, crank and b-bracket. Is your b-bracket BSA or press fit ?, if the later are you in need of a shop to yank old and install new ?. 105 is as good as Ultegra was 10 years ago, so is a good choice and assumes you can install a 11 spd cassette, or add in new wheels ?, easily another $500 for something basic and not killer light.
Hard call on a 9 year old bike, even as nice as the Specialized is. Near $1200 to upgrade ?, I question that. I’d rather have a new bike, but a Roubaix 105 seems to be about $2900, which I think is about $500 - $700 above what it’s worth, thus I’d look at other brands if going new.
Hard call on a 9 year old bike, even as nice as the Specialized is. Near $1200 to upgrade ?, I question that. I’d rather have a new bike, but a Roubaix 105 seems to be about $2900, which I think is about $500 - $700 above what it’s worth, thus I’d look at other brands if going new.
#23
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I was riding down the road about 2 months ago with my wife as we were taking her dog to the vet, I saw some dude on a relatively new Emonda with di2 and I was like.....hmmmmm, new bike would be nice. Nothing wrong with my old bike, shift great, rides great, nothing needs updated, but something in me said, it's time. The reasonable guy in me says just update the groupset... the "I want a new bike" guy in me says, screw it, it's only money and you can't take it with you. I originally thought I wanted the Emonda SL7, as I love the Emonda ALR I have, but ended up going for Domane SLR 7 after taking it for a 30 test ride. It got shipped last Thursday.
My thought is, if you are asking this question, you already know the answer.
My thought is, if you are asking this question, you already know the answer.
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Sounds like you might just need a new cassette. Get a new chain at the same time. Shouldn't cost more than a hundred bucks.
#25
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One thing to consider is if you're getting new wheels, they'll be rim brake wheels and if your goal is to eventually go disc, the sunk cost is not insignificant, seeing how wheels are so expensive.