thinwheels

Hi all - I've been riding almost non-stop since I was 4, and now I'm 40 and still I really don't understand bike lingo.

I generally rag my bikes, ride long and short distances, fast as I can, up and down steep hills, on the flat, sometimes down unmade footpaths - very bad and naughty! I ride to work, to the shops and for pleasure. I live in London which has many many road cyclists even tho' it's extremely busy and dangerous, 'cos it's sort of good for you (tho' the air's dirty, and you might get killed), and the cheapest option next to walking.

Anyway my chain literally fell off the other day so after my long walk home I bought another the next day and it seems I also need a new cogset and chain rings (at least). The Ridgeback comes with a 9-speed cogset and a triple chain ring set and a Shimano Tiagra RD-4400 derailleur. I've been through a few cogsets and chains so I'm thinking I want to perhaps simplify and take the opp to get new kit that works better. Anyway I really don't understand the Shimano compatibility charts, nor the online discussions on double vs triple crank...jobs.

So can someone suggest in plain english a cogset / chainring or crank set combination that is robust - lasts long - and works well, and will fit my bike? Don't really fancy changing the derailleur at this stage.

Thanks for any replies.

Tom

giantcfr1

Well your easiest option is to just swap your "bits" to Deore 9 speed components. Deore is good for what you want to use the bike for, and should be compatible with your 9 speed Tiagra deraileur. I use Deore with a 9 speed Ultegra deraileur with no problems. Tiagra / 105 / Ultegra are basically the same, except for the material they are made of.
You have an easy swap.

Start by looking here https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...?ModelID=30968 BTW, if you want to change the cranks you should be looking for a new Bottom Bracket while you are at it. (it's time to replace it)