Fifty Plus (50+) - Klein q-carbon 2003, time to replace components what would you put on?

I have Shimano Tiagra. My wheel set is very good. I have put over 11,000 miles on my bike over the last 3 years. That is with a Dec 9th 2009 quadruple bypass. Here is a picture of the bike.

thank you

Depends on what is failing. Old Tiagra so probably 8Speed? I wouldn't bother but there is a difference between 10 and 8 Speed--About £300 to convert so I doubt it is worth it. If you are contemplating going 10 speed then 105 used to be the starting point.To be honest- I would not bother upgrading unless parts are/have failed. Just get the bike running again and enjoy

BUT--N+1 is a different matter.

I would look at current "5700" Shimano 105. That will provide a 2x10 or 3x10 drivetrain. I consider this to be Shimano's best value drivetrain.

I would look at current "5700" Shimano 105. That will provide a 2x10 or 3x10 drivetrain. I consider this to be Shimano's best value drivetrain.

+1

Newer 105 is at least as good as Ultegra was when the bike was made and probably close to Dura Ace. If the bike fits you well and you like the ride, 105 will last you a long, long time.

11,000 miles on Tiagra is getting close to the limit.

Component upgrades seldom make economic sense. I think that for a project like this it's important to think it through and cost everything out before you get started. You may find the total cost to approach the price of a whole new bike.

Everything on a bike works together so you can seldom replace just one part without having to change something else to make it work. The big money is in the shifters so that pretty much drives everything else. 10-speed shifters means you'll need a 10-speed cassette and chain. The rear derailleur will work but I suspect that's one of the parts you'd like to change anyway. I've never tried to upgrade from 8 to 10 speeds so I can't say if your existing crankset and front derailleur will work. I know that Shimano doesn't recommend using a 10-speed crankset with non matching components so I assume there's a dimensional difference somewhere.

Depends on what is failing.
+1
At only 11,000 miles the only things I'd expect to need replacing are the chain and tires. Possibly also the cassette if the chain was never replaced.

Is there some specific upgrade in capability that you're looking for? I.e. different range of gears, lighter components, etc. Otherwise I'd just replace items as they wear out.

I have Shimano Tiagra. My wheel set is very good. I have put over 11,000 miles on my bike over the last 3 years. That is with a Dec 9th 2009 quadruple bypass. Here is a picture of the bike.

thank you

At 11,000 miles you need a basic overhaul, replace the cables, brake pads, bar wrap (if it's original the ewww), chain, cassette, rebuild the hubs, inspect the chain rings,bottom bracket and rims, rebuild the headset and your pretty much ready for another 11,000 miles.

I have Shimano Tiagra. My wheel set is very good. I have put over 11,000 miles on my bike over the last 3 years. That is with a Dec 9th 2009 quadruple bypass. Here is a picture of the bike.

thank you

If you were a young wippersnapper in college I'd recommend 105. For a successful middle-aged professional putting a couple of kids through college, it'd be Ultegra. For a quad bypass geezer with one foot in the grave, it'd be Dura Ace Di2.

Lucky, but I put on 4700 miles this year.

Since indexed shifting, I've always liked Shimano. I think the 105, Ultegra and Dura Ace all function very well. I would, however, support Retro Grouch's notion that cost might take you into the realm of a new bike being as cost effective.

Cool bike. I can see why you want to hold on to it.:thumb:

Thanks I believed cycling saved my life, plus I was lucky they caught my blockages in time. The picture is of me at the end of a 4 day ride from Cleveland To Cincinnati. Ave Temp 95 degrees Ave speed @17.4mph

Here's an old thread on Tiagra life:

http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/t-560990.html

The responses are all over the place in terms of life but here's an interesting one


I had Tiagra on my oldest road bike (2002 Allez Sport) and the components went in this order: Chain (2 years), rear derailleur (3 years), cassette (4 years), brifter for rear wheel/derailleur (4-5 years), bottom bracket (6 years). I was putting 5 to 6 km on the bike per year on average.

A new speed 105 groupset will cost you around $450. Since you like your current frame and wheels, this gets you close to a new bike.

If you were a young wippersnapper in college I'd recommend 105. For a successful middle-aged professional putting a couple of kids through college, it'd be Ultegra. For a quad bypass geezer with one foot in the grave, it'd be Dura Ace Di2.

Probably the single most correct thing I've ever read on BF.

Often bike ownership is not strickly driven by economics.

One bike I enjoyed was a 1987 Trek that was upgraded to 2x10 speed Ultegra. The frame fit me well and I liked having something that looked a bit more old-school.

The modern wheels and drivetrain gave the Trek very good performance. My total investment in the bike was about $600, some of the parts were existing inventory.

Spending $600 to 800 for all new componients and wheels is a good investment if you enjoy the bike and it keeps you riding.

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll210/wildcat-bucket/2010bikepictures015.jpg

Thank you all for the info

If you were a young wippersnapper in college I'd recommend 105. For a successful middle-aged professional putting a couple of kids through college, it'd be Ultegra. For a quad bypass geezer with one foot in the grave, it'd be Dura Ace Di2.

This!!! Maybe even Ultegra Di2...

Somebody said a 105 groupset would cost around $450.00. I'd do that. I guess that keeps me in the "young wippersnapper" rather than the "one foot in the grave category". I like that.

I'd second the 105 option. I just converted my 97 R500 Cannondale from RSX to 105, with the exception of the brifters. I did this a few components at a time with my LBS and with ebay. The 105 offers me good performance and reasonable weight especially at around 150.00 total.

Bill

If I wanted my bike lighter I can lose 5lb. So I just want good performance.