48/32 10 speed question

[Dogtrousers]

I'm watching this thread with interest as I have half a mind to do something similar, seeing that I spend much of my time in the little ring and almost never visit the higher end (50/11) of my gearing. Why not shift it all down a bit and even out my big/little use? Lower bottom gear would be a bonus.

 

[Guitars and Bikes]

I'm watching this thread with interest as I have half a mind to do something similar, seeing that I spend much of my time in the little ring and almost never visit the higher end (50/11) of my gearing. Why not shift it all down a bit and even put my big/little use? Lower bottom gear would be a bonus.

Yep I started cycling in 2007 and I used 53/39 with 12/23 cassette, I feel dizzy just thinking about it. Those days are behind me now, comfort is now my priority

 

[fossyant]

I'm watching this thread with interest as I have half a mind to do something similar, seeing that I spend much of my time in the little ring and almost never visit the higher end (50/11) of my gearing. Why not shift it all down a bit and even put my big/little use? Lower bottom gear would be a bonus.

Lots of 'sub compact' chainsets are available these days, so you don't always have to stick to Shimano spider/4 bolt systems and can get a more generic make. I have an FSA 46/34 on my CX bike (standard compact), but even when I'm using the road wheelset, I'm not using the 46x12/13 much if at all.

 

[Guitars and Bikes]

You should be able to just drop the front mech assuming it's band on type. Some fixed frame lugs might not go low enough.

Is there not a width difference between my 10 SPD ultegra front mech and a 10 SPD grx one that would result in poor shifting despite moving my ultegra down ?

 

[si_c]

Is there not a width difference between my 10 SPD ultegra front mech and a 10 SPD grx one that would result in poor shifting despite moving my ultegra down ?

Difference is about 4mm either side, I'd be incredibly surprised if you were unable to adjust the front derailleur to accommodate that, normally have quite a lot of range when you unwind the limit screws.

 

[fossyant]

Yep I started cycling in 2007 and I used 53/39 with 12/23 cassette, I feel dizzy just thinking about it. Those days are behind me now, comfort is now my priority

52/42 and 13/21. And used to go up Winnats on it. Those two bikes are now running 39x26 bottom gear, and that's the lowest they will do - super short cage. The CX has 34x34 for climbing the steep stuff.

 

[oxoman]

Is there not a width difference between my 10 SPD ultegra front mech and a 10 SPD grx one that would result in poor shifting despite moving my ultegra down ?

Only if you go grx. But as mentioned you've got quite alot of adjustment on it. My commute / road touring bike is 10x3 so that gives you an idea of the travel available. FSA are a good shout as well and should play nicely with your bottom bracket.

 

[Guitars and Bikes]

OK guys, will THIS give me great shifting:

KEEP my 105 5700 10 spd shifters
REPLACE my 10 spd ultegra front mech with 10 speed GRX one
REPLACE my 10 spd 105 5700 chainset with 10 spd 46/30 GRX one
KEEP my hollowtech ii bottom bracket
KEEP my tiagra 10 speed chain
KEEP my medium 105 5700 rear mech
KEEP my 10 speed 11-34 Shimano cassette

I want smooth as silk shifting without hesitation and chain rubbing that would become annoying . Will the above setup on a Caad 8 work nicely?

 

[Dogtrousers]

Personally, if I was doing all that I'd probably replace the chain (definitely) and cassette (probably unless it's nearly new) just so I'm getting a whole new bike. I'd probably retape the bars too, to give it that new bike feel. But that's just my quirks.

Can't comment on what you're actually asking, which is all to do with component compatibility.