CharlieC

Hello Everyone,

I had this Bianchi, but the frame is too big for me;

2006 Bianchi Giro - BikePedia

full 105 (5600) 3x10. New bike take off Fulcrum 5 wheels. 3x10

I found and bought this LeMond Reno on CL. It fits and I want to keep it;

2005 LeMond Reno - BikePedia

Tiagra shifters and FD. 105 RD with 9 speed. 2x Bontrager crank with older style BB. Wheels are Tiagra hubs and Alex AT450 rims. I can't identify the brake calipers.

So, I assume use the;

new Fulcrum wheels?

105 brake calipers?

Should I switch the rest of the group to get the 10 speed? I would have to use all of it I think. That would put me with the 3x front. Is the 10 speed worth it or just stay with 9 speed (I could do a close ratio cassette in the 9 speed and get the same feel since I cant push tall gears now anyway).

What problems/parts(BB?) would I run into if I did this swap?

The LeMond is not as stiff (fast feeling) as the Giro. I assume some of that comes from the wheels and the crank. I could probably get a used 2x crank for less than $100. Should I just do that and convert the BB?

I am very mechanically inclined and am looking for excuses to by specific tools and learn the bike, so labor is not a concern.

The left over parts will go on the Bianchi and be sold on CL.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Charlie

jyl

I'd switch everything that will fit. I dont like mixed groups.

SkyDog75

If you elect to keep the 105 10-speed drivetrain from the Giro, you'll be riding a triple. You can't keep the 105 shifters and swap the crankset out for a double because the triple front shifter has to be mated with a triple crankset and derailleur. It's hilly around here and I'm not the greatest climber, so I'd personally keep the 105 10x3 drivetrain. But that's just me and my situation. Your mileage may vary.

Keeping the Fulcrum wheels is a no-brainer. And the 105 brakes are likely nicer than the generic ones on the LeMond, so feel free to keep them, too.

It's a shame the Giro doesn't fit you. It's the same "SL3 Alu/Carbon" frame as my San Mateo and I really like that bike.

Slash5

I'd move everything over. The seatpost and the front derailleur may not be compatible due to seat tube size - everything else should be fine. May have to buy a triple front derailleur. If you want to get rid of the triple you could offer a swap on the local buy and sell, probably get lots of takers. Or just remove the granny and lock out the front derailleur with the limit screws.

deacon mark

I would sell all the components and the frame too big and apply it to a new group. Could go 5800 11 speed compact crank. Need 11 spd wheels but get a cheap set, the you avoid a triple and it would be a great upgrade.

joejack951

No reason why you couldn't use the triple shifters and front derailleur on a double. I know Shimano had issues with some triple shifters being used to shift doubles due to people trying to force the shifter another shift when it was locked out by the high limit screw on the FD. That can be avoided by paying attention or using the last two positions of the shifter rather than the first two.

But, I do love triples when there are hills around.

CharlieC

FD clamp size is different. I think this series of shifters were used for 2 or 3 speed. There were problems when used as 2 speed as mentioned above. I could keep the 2 speed Tiagra FD and use the 105 shifter. But then I would not get the better crank.

Am I correct that the 105 crank would be better (regardless of 2 or 3 speed) that the Bontrager select crank? I just saw an Ultegra 2 speed crank in the classifieds here of I think $175 or so.

What would I need BB wise to switch the cranks?

joejack951

ISIS bottom brackets like the one the Bontrager crank uses aren't known for their longevity (though if you buy a decent one they'll still last quite a while). They are getting tougher to find as the ISIS spline is no longer used and hasn't been for a while as far as I know.

The external bearing bottom bracket cups with the 105 crank will transfer right over to the other frame, though. You just need the appropriate tool. I like this style: Bottom Bracket Tool | Park Tool

When you do look for tools, make sure you get one for the older style 44mm cups and not the newer 41mm cups.

CharlieC

Agree, I like the Giro a lot. Even though it is ugly (yellow and scratched up) and the LeMond looks much better.

The Giro feels more solid and firm without being harsh. The LeMond feels very soft in comparison, though it is more comfortable, it does not feel as fast or responsive. The Giro feels overall like it is more refined.

I wonder how much of that is the components.

CharlieC

Thanks, that's the kind of nitty gritty info I am looking for.

That leaves just the FD to contend with. If I switch over, I would need 2 new FD's. one for each bike since the tube size are different.

That is, besides cables and maybe bar tape (I could switch bars, but the LeMond has a new specialized 31mm bar that looks pretty good) that may not survive the change over.

joejack951

You can get a shim to adapt one of the FDs to the smaller tubing on the other frame. But have you checked to see if they happened to use braze-on FDs with an adapter clamp? It is a very long shot but if braze-ons were used on both bikes you can leave the tube clamps in place and just swap the derailleur. If you go shopping for a new FD for one or both bikes, looking for braze-on style derailleurs will at least open up your options. The tube clamps are cheap.