Bicycle Mechanics - 105 SRAM 9 versus "New" 105 10

Hi. I'm building a new road bicycle, and the shop has spec'd out a 105 SRAM 9-speed and a 105 "New" 10-speed. I'm coming from a 1988 105 "12-speed" (two chain rings, 6 rear cogs), so 18 speeds seems like quite a windfall, relatively. I'll be mating it with a compact drive. So, a few questions:

1. Is a 10-speed really all that more desirable? The 9-speed group, I guess because it's deprecated technology, is significantly less expensive.

2. Mechanically, is the new 10-speed stuff better/more reliable?

3. Aside from the additional cog, what are some of the other differences between the SRAM 9 and the New 10? Are the brifters different?

4. (Not a drivetrain question) The bike is being spec'd with 3T (TTT?) 4Gx stem and bars. I've googled, but other than the mfg's web site and a few cursory mentions, I can't find much on this brand. Good enough? Crap?

Thanks, and happy new year!
David

1. No. You are right, 9 is cheaper now.
2. No. 9 is quite good.
3. 105 SRAM 9? Not sure what this means. It's either Shimano or SRAM. Unless it's a 105 der with a SRAM chain. Or just a SRAM der. SRAM doesn't make road shifters yet.
4. 3T is good stuff.

Bottom line - unless you are dying for a 10 speed setup, save your money.

55/Rad

Ah, you're right (and I was confused -- I thought SRAM was a Shimano brand name or something).

The bike is spec'd with Shimano 105 9-speed derailleurs, and with SRAM cassette and chain.

Thanks for the clarification.

David

agree with everything Rad said, the sweet spot for components now are shimano 105 and ultegra...very good quality components at fantastic prices if you are willing to shop around. the 105's will last a long time and are quite reliable.

that's Tecno Turbo Turismo, they made the first alloy handlebars BTW.

that's Tecno Turbo Turismo, they made the first alloy handlebars BTW.

Turbo (as in turbocharger) or Tubo (as in hollow metal cylinder)?

damn, got me...Tecno Tubo Turino, or Ambroso. It's a boring day at the LBS.

that's Tecno Turbo Turismo, they made the first alloy handlebars BTW.

OT: cinelli were making the same claim on their website, but i'm almost positive the french (AVA?) were making alloy bars in the prewar period.

http://www.classicrendezvous.com/Italy/Ambrosia.htm
http://www.classicrendezvous.com/Italy/ttt_main.htm
I belive Abrosia became Ambroso in the 60's later turning into 3T.
OP, those bars have some history, they are fine and dandy.

I did not mean to derail your thread David. What kind of frame are you building anyway?

I did not mean to derail your thread David. What kind of frame are you building anyway?

Oh, sure, *now* you get a conscience! ;)

Gunnar Roadie, and I can't wait, but I have all these details to sort out, which is fun, but a little maddening, too. If I were buying "off the shelf" I don't think I'd be stressing as much, but since I have the chance to, within reason, pick what I want, I don't want to mess up the opportunity.

Wheels; fork; compact (36 or 34 or 38!), or standard; saddle.... I've decided to let ride the 3T 4gx stem and bars spec'd by the shop. See? I'm learning to let go!

Have a happy new year!

David

Nice choice! I love my Roadie, though I'm lazy enough to be happy that the shop had already built it up when I fell in love with it. Mine's a 2003 frame, that I bought in late 2004, spec'd with a 105 drivetrain, Salsa stem, TTT bars, and Selle Italia Concours Light saddle. Works great for the mileage I put on it (not enough). My only nitpick is that I wish I would have bargained for a compact crankset. My knees have never exactly been good, and grinding a 39/25 combo around Colorado isn't helping any.

Please post a picture on the Road forum or over on Gunnar's forums when you get it done. I love seeing how people outfit their Roadies - gives me ideas for what I might do when I start wearing out parts (if ever), or win the lottery and give in to upgrade-itis.