groupset or single ?

[stuee147]

hi all iv been looking at different gearing and i was wondering is it better to buy a groupset with everything i need all the same make and model ect or is it better to just pick and chose the individual items mixing and matching parts which is what i have at the moment a mix of about 4 different makes lol

stuee

 

[Cycleops]

I thought most groupsets came with brakes as well, it sounds like you just need the transmission bits.

 

[stuee147]

Yea it is just the transmission I need I've seen a few groupsets without brakes

 

[young Ed]

i say mix and match and get exactly what you want
Cheers Ed

 

[stuee147]

i say mix and match and get exactly what you want
Cheers Ed

i was thinking that but are there any rules to watch for when mixing and matching do some makes work together and others not ?

 

[smokeysmoo]

Probably cheaper to buy a complete groupset as they tend to be subsidised when compared to individual component cost.

MERLIN & RIBBLE are usually among the cheapest offerings IME.

 

[stuee147]

Probably cheaper to buy a complete groupset as they tend to be subsidised when compared to individual component cost.

MERLIN & RIBBLE are usually among the cheapest offerings IME.

i was more thinking of the convenience of buying the set at least i know all the bits will work together i want to upgrade my transmission but i also have a slight issue at the moment that i think is due to the different parts i have a shimano indexing gear leaver and a shimano front derailleur but the front triple is some obscure make that iv never heard of. i can select all gears going up 1st 2nd 3rd but if i want to go from 3rd to 2nd i have to go all the way down to 1st then back up to 2nd, iv tried adjusting cable tension and using the H/L screws if i get it so i can go down the gears then i can get back to 3rd or it falls off the inside of 1st. im sort of getting used to it but i would like it sorted and thats why im thinking of getting new stuff.
i have been looking at shimano stuff but thats mainly because its a name i know and i used to use a lot as a kid but im open to any suggestions, i want a triple at the front and at least 7 speed rear with a min of 32t top gear i would prefer 34t.

 

[jack smith]

just go with a sora groupset ( if for road) the lot for 200 ish and youll have everything and peace of mind

 

[redcard]

Sounds like you've answered your own question.

Also, there's no reason to get a triple - don't bother, it only complicates things.

 

[Dogtrousers]

i was thinking that but are there any rules to watch for when mixing and matching do some makes work together and others not ?

There are, but there are also people (not me!) here who understand such things and can advise. The main thing is the amount of cable (gear that mainly, but types of brakes need considering too) a lever pulls, being compatible with the mechanism at the other end. This article (which may be a bit dated) is possibly worth a read as it shows the kind of things that need to be considered.

 

[downfader]

Sounds like its a chainset you're after, not specifically a groupset. If you already have brake levers etc then list them here. Others might be able to inform you as to what is compatible.

 

[cyberknight]

If i had the cash i would change my sram apex to tiagra as i have decided i prefer the shape of shimano hoods so i would just need the shifters and rear mech, the rest i would leave the same .
Not gonna happen unless the lottery fairies shine the light though or santa is very nice to me !

 

[young Ed]

i would say compatibility wise, shifters, derrailers and chain sets/cassette is the most dangerous area but asking lots of questions on here should clear that up.
generally speaking most brakes will work with most levers assuming they are the same type as in cable operated rim, hydraulic rim, sable disc or hydraulic disc etc so when i get a road bike eventually or when i taker over my brothers vintage road bike i will change the brakes to shimano 105 as i have ridden someone else's bike with 105 and i loved the brakes. and if/when i take over my brothers bike i will change the brake levers to some modern ones so that i can ride 'on the hoods' as i spent 99% of my time 'on the hoods'
Cheers Ed

 

[Nigelnaturist]

I just change from sora to 105, both shifters FD ( I got an RD a few weeks ago £27) chain and cassette for a triple 10sp for just over £170 from ribble, doubles are cheaper, the chainset is from when it was a 7sp works fine, the middle ring is a stronglight dural this works better on the 105. i personally having used both sora and 105 would never get sora again.

 

[cyberknight]

http://www.celebrazio.net/bicycling/shimano_compatibility.html

I just change from sora to 105, both shifters FD ( I got an RD a few weeks ago £27) chain and cassette for a triple 10sp for just over £170 from ribble, doubles are cheaper, the chainset is from when it was a 7sp works fine, the middle ring is a stronglight dural this works better on the 105. i personally having used both sora and 105 would never get sora again.

Old style sora? the new style has levers like 105 with external gear cable .