Thoughts - To Di2/SRAM or sell

[DSK]

I was lucky enough a little while ago to add a bike to my fleet that I have kept quiet about.

2013/2014 Giant TCR Advanced with a Shimano Ultegra (6870? correct me if I'm wrong) DI2 conversion. I only bought as it has a very healthy DI2 system and also its a bike I lusted after for quite some time in this very colour scheme. Whilst I keep telling myself I need a hack, I never buy anything unless its mint and then keep it that way or improve it. So no chance of my fleet seeing anything other than quiet sunny days.

(I've not detailed the bike yet, just been riding it and keeping it unmarked)

However when I go for a ride, I'm always defaulting to my 2017 Propel with its original Shimano 105 cable set up (no idea of what variant it is). Whilst this works beautifully, I keep pondering about converting it to electronic shifting.

1. Putting the electronics aside, is the Ultegra groupset shown on the Giant TCR better than my 2017 105 groupset on the propel? (i.e more modern)
2. Those of you who have tried both Di2 and SRAM, which do you prefer and why?

My options are as follows at the moment.

1. Sell the lovely Giant TCR as is with Di2 for someone else to cherish and enjoy, then put the money towards something else such as an electronic groupset or bike with electronics.
2. Swap the groupsets from both bikes over and then either sell the Giant TCR or, keep it as my 'everything bike'.

 

[Drago]

1. Only you can decide if it is "better", since neither will make you any faster than the other. It'll come down to which you prefer the feel, look, or bragging rights of. Being more modern doesn't automatically make it better - Shimano are generall pretty consistent, but have dropped some clangers over the years...low normal, plastic paralleogram pivots, stuff like that.

2. The SRAM, just felt a little better in my big hands for some reason.

Having said that, I personally wouldn't have either, just doesn't do it for me. That said, if my life depended on having one I'd have the Shimano kit due to the well trodden hobbyist path of installation and modification and the volume of knowledge out there.

 

[BianchiVirgin]

That 105 series on your Propel is 5800 if the front derailleur is anything to go by therefore your Di2 Ultegra will be a higher grade groupset.

 

[DSK]

Thank you for identifying the components. 👍

I contacted SRAM and they said the SRAM Force conversion is possible but more involved compared to Shimano. So to keep it simple, DI2 is what I will go for. It will take short while as I have to decide whether or not to sell the TCR or, keep it and just buy a new di2 kit as its hard to trust 2nd parts especially when they are not cheap.

I'll update this thread in due course but as a bottom bracket removal/fit is required I'll be getting a reputable specialist to do the job.

 

[Elybazza61]

Have bought plenty of Di2 bits off ebay and the only iffy thing was an Ultegra rear mech that was a bit scruffier than photos showed and was missing one limit bolt and worn jockey wheels but these were easy to replace,otherwise the mech worked fine.

Just have to be a bit careful but people selling di2 Ultegra and Dura-Ace parts are usually selling to upgrade to the newer versions,that's how I picked up the older 11-speed D-A stuff at reasonable prices;most were near as dammit in new condition.

 

[DSK]

Have bought plenty of Di2 bits off ebay and the only iffy thing was an Ultegra rear mech that was a bit scruffier than photos showed and was missing one limit bolt and worn jockey wheels but these were easy to replace,otherwise the mech worked fine.

Just have to be a bit careful but people selling di2 Ultegra and Dura-Ace parts are usually selling to upgrade to the newer versions,that's how I picked up the older 11-speed D-A stuff at reasonable prices;most were near as dammit in new condition.

Thanks for that. I was just dubious as to why quite a few tend to be on the market and its easier to buy once than twice. That's why I bought the TCR so I could satisfy myself the kit and set is in healthy shape and use it as the donor.

After some thinking, when something needs to be done to the groupset on the Propel, I'll just buy an ultegra DI2 upgrade kit at that point. Until then, as the shifting is slick as silk, I'll leave it alone.

I will either keep the TCR in the fleet or sell it to fund a Propel Di2.