clgustaveson

Ok so this question is mildly premature. I have two bikes and I've ridden four different kinds: chromoly, full carbon, and aluminium. I have to say that I am absolutely in love with the roubaix comp triple. It feels great, perfect size, and the gearing is great for a noob like me on the terrain of San Diego.

The question I have is how long can a carbon frame stay good. The bike has a few thousand miles on it and there is considerable wear on the teeth. I got it for $500 but I love it, so sue me.

The question I have is when things get worse for wear should I buy a new bike in the same vein or just get a new groupset put on and give the bike some extra life? I have a feeling in its current condition it will last another 1k+ miles. So in a year when it's time, what should I do?

I don't like that 105 set on it doesn't have an indicator on the levers, my other bike does. For a noob that's helpful when considering shifting for inclines or downgrades.

Any insight is greatly appreciated!

Giant Fuji

If the frame is still good just replace the worn out parts. It is significantly cheaper to replace a chain ring, cassette and chain then buy a whole new bike. You would have to go to a lesser group set to get the cheesy indicators. Over time you will just know what gear to be in, and if it isn't the right one you can just change gears.

IcySmooth52

A carbon frame will outlast anyone on this forum if it doesn't go through any forces it wasn't designed for. No corrosion, and actually pretty durable from impact (unless some ultra-high MOD performance frame that's 700g).

If you like the frame so much, just change the components when needed.

clgustaveson

I've seen them on Tiagra shifters not on the older 105.... Not sure why they are tacky since I can't imagine they have any impact on functionality. I'll probably keep it and just upgrade!

IcySmooth52

You wouldn't be able to get any higher than 9 speed in upgrades if you were to use the shifters with indicators. The new Tiagra is 10 speed, but doesn't have those. The new Sora is 9 speed, but does. (New Sora is essentially the old Tiagra)

Giant Fuji

Tiagra is a lesser level in the Shimano lineup. Gear selection for me is more about feel, i.e. cadence and effort. I have no need for indicators to tell me what cog I am on. If it works for you then great, but to get them you will need to downgrade to something lesser than 105 and that, in my humble opinion, is counter intuitive.

spdracr39

Just some insight. I had Sora with the indicators and thought the same thing you do. I upgraded to Ultegra and never for a moment missed them.

clgustaveson

Thats wierd, my aluminum frame has the Tiagra 4600 groupset and has them. Granted I know Tiagra isn't on the high end but it's the downline from the 105.

I wouldn't say that I need the indicators by any means but with a triple it seems worth it. Since there are two shifts on two of the cogs.

IcySmooth52

The new Tiagra 4700 does not have the indicators.

clgustaveson

I guess with time on a triple they will be less of a necessity.

clgustaveson

If I upgraded would it be possible to put an 11 on the bike? Does it just require new wheels?

Giant Fuji

You would need a rear wheel with a hub capable of the 11 cogs as well as the proper group set (derailleurs and shifters) and the chain would need to be compatible too. Now you are getting into some serious $$. Still, cheaper than a new bike

Homebrew01

Maybe new rear wheel (I think some 9-10 wheels could take an 11)
maybe rear derailleur
definatly cassette, chain, shifters

A big expense just to get 1 more cog, which will probably be an 11t, which will almost never get used.

Homebrew01

Depends how long it takes you to accidentally run over it with your car.

rpenmanparker 

Gear indicators are useless. You don't shift by number or even by position. You shift a bike by what you need, easier or harder. Put yourself on the right front ring for the terrain you are on and you won't have any question about how to shift the rear.