Bicycle Mechanics - Do Cyclocross bikes wear the gear out more than other bikes?

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Chansnewbike
05-23-08, 10:06 PM
Hi I've always wanted my cyclocross bike to shifter smoothier and easily (and maybe act) like a racing road bike. But I'm not sure if it's worth going beyond 105s. So question is...

I have a Giant TCX1 and would like to replace all of the Shimano Sora components with Ultegras. Is this really worth it? I heard that Anything beyond 105 is going to easily break when going on tough terrain. And also I'm not sure if I can feel the difference between 105s and Ultegras especially when going off road.

By the way, I plan to use my CX bike 80% of the time on the road and 20% off road.

Wordbiker
05-23-08, 10:33 PM
105 or Ultegra should honestly hold up equally well.
HillRider
05-24-08, 07:03 AM
The answer to your title question "Do Cyclocross bikes wear the gear out more than other bikes?" is obviously yes if you ride them as true cyclocross bikes. Mud, water and dust obviously wear things out faster than clean dry roads.

105 or Ultegra are both plenty durable with a slight edge (and weight benefit) to Ultegra if used under favorable conditions. If you are going to beat them up off-road, go with 105 as the inevitably damaged components will cost less to replace.

acorn_user
05-24-08, 05:20 PM
Replacing that stuff will be expensive unless you do the work yourself and buy the parts from an online discounter. Have you thought about selling the bike and putting the money towards a new one?

OTOH, it's a fun, adn interesting job! May I recommend Veloce instead though? It's a lot cheaper and very pleasant.
HillRider
05-24-08, 05:53 PM
May I recommend Veloce instead though? It's a lot cheaper and very pleasant.
I like Campy too but are you sure a Veloce group is cheaper than 105?
acorn_user
05-25-08, 06:06 PM
It was cheaper when I built my bike 2 years ago, but 105 10 speed was brand new at the time... I did find these prices:

Total Cycling: Vel - $512, 105 - $565
ProBikeKit: Vel - $530, 105 - N/a Ultegra $670
RepartoCorse: 105 - $800, Vel - $840

I think the Veloce bits are a lot more if you buy them through a QBP shop, but at least they are available.

Btw, either group would be sensible for a cross bike. No point in Gucci parts there; plenty of broken glitzy parts to be seen after muddy races!