Road Cycling - Upgrading... what are my choices?

i bought my sirrus before knowing a lot more about the difference in the teething, etc. the biggest gear i have on my entry level sirrus is 48t. it's a 8 speed bike, and i know there isn't much i can upgrade to. so i figure since i bought it and it's still new, i might as well make it like a TT bike for the long ride.

i'm looking to get the syntace stratos 15 degree drop handlebars to match with my syntace C2 aero bar. so is there any way i can just change the largest gear to like a 52T? i'll be looking to get the shimano 8 speed bar end shifters.

if there is something i am over looking, please let me know. i wish i can just sell the sirrus and get a road bike, but budget is limited.. so please advise. thanks

rui

Make sure your front derailer can handle shifting from a 38 to 52 chainring.
That said, the new compact chainsets 34/50 have just as big a spread.
You'll probably need a longer chain too.

Make sure your front derailer can handle shifting from a 38 to 52 chainring.
That said, the new compact chainsets 34/50 have just as big a spread.
You'll probably need a longer chain too.

humm.. i am not sure if my front deraileur will work. it's all sora stuff.. so as far as i know it's not the best at all.

sora can handle the gap. you can bolt on a larger chainring... though i wouldn't go any larger than 52, since your middle chainring is a 38. you will have to reposition the front derailleur on the seattube, though, and then re-tune it.

i bought my sirrus before knowing a lot more about the difference in the teething, etc. the biggest gear i have on my entry level sirrus is 48t. it's a 8 speed bike, and i know there isn't much i can upgrade to. so i figure since i bought it and it's still new, i might as well make it like a TT bike for the long ride.

i'm looking to get the syntace stratos 15 degree drop handlebars to match with my syntace C2 aero bar. so is there any way i can just change the largest gear to like a 52T? i'll be looking to get the shimano 8 speed bar end shifters.

if there is something i am over looking, please let me know. i wish i can just sell the sirrus and get a road bike, but budget is limited.. so please advise. thanks

rui

You see a problem, I see opportunity.

First, count the number of teeth on your smallest cog. If it's 12, 48 x 12 = 108 gear inches. If it's 11, 48 x 11 = 117 gear inches and that's a pretty stout high gear. If you want to go faster, I'd recommend working on your position on the bike and on increasing your pedal cadence. Both are biggies that will have a hugh effect on your performance. Both are things that will make you faster now and that you can take with you when you get your next bike.

sora can handle the gap. you can bolt on a larger chainring... though i wouldn't go any larger than 52, since your middle chainring is a 38. you will have to reposition the front derailleur on the seattube, though, and then re-tune it.

ok, so if i change it to a 52t, would i have to get a new chain as well?

Retro Grouch, just a quick reminder that although high pedal cadence is good, I think that ruirui had a good thought in going for a larger front gear ratio. If I'm thinking correct in time trials a person typically wants to pedal the largest gears possible even if it means giving up a high cadence. Thts why many people size up in crank arm length on their TT bikes.
By the way, Nashbar has $40 8 speed barend shifters, $36 if you use a %10 off coupon code which you can get in the hot deals forum.
Good Luck.

Retro Grouch, just a quick reminder that although high pedal cadence is good, I think that ruirui had a good thought in going for a larger front gear ratio. If I'm thinking correct in time trials a person typically wants to pedal the largest gears possible even if it means giving up a high cadence. Thts why many people size up in crank arm length on their TT bikes.
By the way, Nashbar has $40 8 speed barend shifters, $36 if you use a %10 off coupon code which you can get in the hot deals forum.
Good Luck.

sweet.. thanks neilthemeal... i was looking at some shimano barend shifters on ebay and already they are over $35 used. thanks for the tip! u wouldn't by chance have the coupon code would ya?

ok, so if i change it to a 52t, would i have to get a new chain as well?

Yep, very likely - your current chain is probably too short. If you do wind up making the swap, drop me an IM, as I'm thinking of looking for a 48T chainwheel for my commuter...

-chris