Ultegra 6500 replacement parts
 

I'm pretty new to road biking and all the "technology" behind it so my appologies if this is somewhat of a noob question. I got a Giant TCR C2 2002 model and the components on it are Ultegra 6500. Since that's an old series if I ever need replacement parts such as new cassette or BB would they still be orderable from Shimano? Just curious how this stuff works....

You'll be able to get parts until Shimano stops making that gruppo. And then for a little bit after it until the oddball suppliers run out.

BUT, I doubt you'll have backwards compatibility problems down the line with most components unless Shimano does something crazy to their lineup.

I'd suggest reading up on bike components. There are some pretty helpful pages out there that can tell you what's compatible with what. For example: chains are, by and large, compatible even across manufacturers (except for Campagnolo), as are cassettes (except for Campagnolo) and even, sometimes, so are derailleurs (except for Campy.... noticing a trend are we?).

The big ticket item that isn't often compatible are the Brake/Shifter (Brifter) units.


EDIT: I realized after I posted this that in my first line I typed "Specialized" when I had intended to type "Shimano". For all ya'll who felt like such geniuses for calling me on it; I thank you. ;P

New dura ace is incompatible with present, and all all other dura ace groups that came before it. There goes that theory. It remains to be seen if they're going to do this with the lower groups.

I run 9 speed Shimano on a number of road bikes. Wear items for Ultegra, being bottom bracket for octalink, cassettes, chains, and chainrings are not a problem to obtain. Shifters(Brifters) are another issue. If you need a replacement you might have to go the scambay route. The NOS stuff that LBS are holding is very expensive, hey they are not stupid, Shimano does not make them any more and 9 speed users will most likely pay. Sram will be making 9 speed cassettes until the cows come home.

Ditching 9 speed was the biggest mistake Shimano ever made, and according to some industry insiders they know it. 9 speed is dependable and durable. Less alignment problems than 10 speed and chain wear is not the issue it is with 10 speed.

There are still plenty of wheel choices that can run 9 speed and if this is any evidence Shimano's new Dura Ace 7850 wheel is 9/10 speed compatible not 10 speed only.

Enough of a rant, I am sticking with 9 speed until they pry the brifters from my cold dead hand.

Also I was really unaware that Specialized made Ultegra.

It may be best to understand what you are talking (writing) about before posting.

Ultegra 6500 is standard Shimano 9-speed stuff and any of their 9-speed cassettes, chains, brifters, derailleurs, etc. will work with it. You could use 105 or Tiagra or Dura Ace 9-speed components as replacements when the time comes and Ultegra 9-speed is still available too. The only "6500" series component that you can't get easily these days is the bottom bracket but the 105 version is still in production.

You don't order parts from Shimano directly. You get them from your Bike Shop or mailorder.

Thanks guys, kinda clarifies some stuff for me. In general I'm finding it useful to learn all this stuff, kinda helps me understand what I have and what other ppl are talking about when it comes to group sets and components.

BTW... I come in to work this morning and I thought to myself 2002.... that makes my bike 6 yrs old.... I know it's NOT that old. So yeah it's actully a 2004 model http://archive.giant-bicycles.com/us...04&model=10812!

One other question... did the BB area of the frame change in any way once Shimano came out with the external BB bearing system? Basicly, if I ever wanted to upgrade to the external type does the frame have anything to do with it other than the thread?

That part I've heard before that only authorized dealers can order. I should of been more clear.... I meant orderable by the store from Shimano if I did want to get it.

Thanks again for the info!

The frame's bottom bracket shell did not change when external bearing bottom brackets were introduced. They thread into the same size and location threads the former designs did.

However, external bearings put more of a premium on having the shell faces as absolutely square and parallel as possible as they will not compensate for any significant mis-alignment. Unless your frame was faced when you bought it (unlikely with a production bike) you should have the LBS do a trial installation of the new crank/bottom bracket. If they don't line up nearly perfectly, have the shell faced.

It's the same 68mm wide shell whether you use an older internal bearing BB or the newer external bearing BB. So yes, you could upgrade to the external.

Flip your TCR over and look for a silver tag with a serial number maybe the 3rd or 4th digit (no bike in my office right now) is the year.

I had an 04 TCR C2, great bike, broke it in a crit crash (as well as a few bones in my hand). Now I have an 02 TCR C0 and an 04 TCR C1. These frames are awesome. I built them both up from scratch (as well as one for a teammate) so feel free to ask if you have additional questions. Enjoy.