Shimano RSX
 

I've been riding a 1999 (i think) GT Force. It has Shimano RSX components on it (brifters, front/rear derailleurs, hubs). I know Shimano doesn't make the RSX line anymore, but what is it's equivalent current lineup (Sora, Tiagra...)? I hope to upgrade to a new bike sometime within the next year with 105's or Ultega on it, but I'm just going to make the best of what I have now. Thanks for any information anyone might have.

I think its similar to tiagra. I had a bike with RSX and it was tough -- I rode it across Canada. I probably put over 10,000 miles on the components. The only things I had to change were the large and middle chainring when they wore out and the rear derailleur when UPS broke it while shipping.

The old RSX levers are WAY better than the new Sora and Tiagra stuff!!!!

Totally different unit -- can't compare them.

I can't remember if it's the RX100 or the RSX, but one of them was apparently the exact same mecahanism as the 105, but with a different cover.

I still have RX100 and RSX levers working perfectly, and my similar 105 levers (mid 90s) are only just starting to wear out after about 30,000 miles!!!!

It's not a perfect way to compare things but here's the general lineup disregarding a technological timeframe factour.

That was RX100. RX100 had the same internals for all the components as 105SC except exterior trim and housing was slightly heavier. This is akin to what Shimano did with the Deore DX and Deore XT back in the early 1990s.

RSX and RX100 stuff is very good quality for lower-end. I used RSX brifters on my Pina for a few years and I still use some RSX brake calipers in a couple of my bikes. Good polished finish, sturdy construction. Not sure how they compare with Sora and Tiagra, but definitely useful. Yeah, 105 or Ultegra would be a nice upgrade. Start with the rear-derailleur. You can get a 105 rear der. for $25 on e-bay.

What's your rear dropout spacing?

If it's 130mm, I'd be looking at Tiagra or 105 9-speed stuff. I doubt I'd want to pay the cost penalty for 10-speed on a bike of that age and quality.

If it's 126mm, It's hospice time. Just do whatever's necessary to keep it operating for as long as you can the way that it is.