DJMcRoad

Hello,

I'm getting back into road bikes after riding mountain bikes for 20 years.

I just left my LBS, ready to buy a new Specialized Roubaix Comp Triple, but I noticed the rear cog set is 9 speed. After the salesperson made his speech regarding the intelligence of buying the 10 speed, trickle down technology and other rationalizations for favoring the 10 speed, I'm now wondering if buying the 9 speed would be a mistake ...

Can you offer an opinion? I'd sure be greatful. I love the bike, but don't want to find out after I own it that I bought outdated technology...

Thanks in advance,

DJ

gcasillo

Depends on the kind of riding you want to do. I have two bikes, one with 9-speeds and another with 10-speeds. The 9-speed is a commuter. The 10-speed is a top shelf racing bike that I'm selling. I rode my 9-speed last night to train, and while it was comfortable enough, I was really missing that extra cog in the back. Once you get a rhythm established with a 10-speed cassette, it's hard to go back to 9-speed.

Yet, if you're looking for a more casual, general fitness oriented approach to your riding, then a 9-speed should do. Especially if you're reacclimating yourself to road bikes.

chroot

9-speeds are a great buy. If you haven't been biking in 20 years, you're unlikely to notice any difference at all between 9 and 10-speed components. Shimano still sells replacement parts for 20-year old component groups, so don't worry about anything being "outdated." Enjoy the new bike, whatever you decide. FYI, I just bought a new '04 Trek 2300 with Ultegra 9 without a second thought.

The standard cogs on a 12-25 nine-speed are 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, and 25t
The standard cogs on a 12-15 ten-speed are 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, and 25t

The only difference is the presence of the 16t cog on the ten-speed, which will make shifting a little smoother than the nine-speed's 15-17t gap. Otherwise all the gears are exactly the same.

- Warren

DJMcRoad

Warren,

Thanks. That's what I love about these forums ... there is always the voice of reason out there when you need it.

Tomorrow I do the deal. Can't wait!

Later,

DJ

ac29593

I love the smooth shifting of having no gaps in the gears. I had the standard 9 speed 105 set that had ran 17,19,21,23 at the end. I swapped it out for the Ultegra with the gears running straight through 12-19 and then having the 21 on the end. Basically I swapped a 23T for an 18T and filled the gap. I love the ride I get now. My legs are not that strong right now because Im recovering from medical problems I had, so pedaling big gears are hard for me. The big ring was a difficult push without the 18T cog. My stamina is awesome so I can pedal the second ring and spin all day long, but there is a certain point where my legs wont push the resistance. A 42/12 is hard for me right now. Im trying to get faster and build my strength back by using the big ring more and the 18T helps. If I was recommending a bike to someone I would most likely tell them to look at a double crank with a 10 speed set because you can run more gears in a line. 9 is fine for me though, and I have my reasons why I want my triple. Each rider is an individual, and I have no reason at all to switch up my crank. This is just my opinion based on my riding experiences.

hmai18

I think I'd ideally run a 12,13,14,15,16,17,19,21,23 in a 9 speed config with my current 53/39 chainrings because I don't spend much time riding in the three largest cogs and the small jumps there wouldn't bother me as much as the gaps as you go to smaller cogs.

If I ever upgrade to 10 speed, I'd likely go with an 11-23 with a compact 50/34 for the same reason.

No Exit

I bought a higher end 10speed and got a trainer... then I decided that I wanted another wheel and cassette so I didnt wear out the good tires. 10 sp cassettes cost more but thats what i gotta get if i wanna be able to shift. I dont regret getting the 10sp but it would have been cheaper to get extra parts for a 9sp.

I like having nice toys but a 9sp would have been just as good.. maybe better for me

hmai18

Prices for casettes should be more reasonable once the new 105 comes out. I also wonder if SRAM is ever going to make 10 speed casettes and chains.

pwdrhound

DJ,

Just went through the same process a couple weeks ago. My conclusion was that it didn't matter to me, I walked away with the same bike, a Roubaix Comp triple. Love it, just seemed to fit right. It's actually surprising me how much I'm enjoying it, I've also been mainly a mtn biker over the years.
Mike

oboeguy

Heh. Both my bikes are 7-speed. Enjoy the extra two cogs.