piper_chuck

I've found a good deal on a bike that meets my needs. The only "issues" are that it's a couple years old, but new, and is equipped with 9 speed 105 instead of 10 speed. The crankset is a 52/42/30 TruVativ Elita SL. I've read a few things that make me wonder if I should buy this slightly older technology or hold out for a 10 speed with the newer 52/39/30 crankset. For reference, I don't usually swap out components and usually stick with what I buy for quite a while. Would buying this create any risk of not being able to fix it down the road? Is the shifting of the 10 speed 105 any better than the 9 speed? Any other issues I should consider?

irish pat

I have 105 9 speed on my training bike and my 'cross bike, I have had no problems with them, cassettes and chains are cheaper for a 9 speed and they last longer, regarding the 42 vs 39 issue, with a triple it should not make a difference and if you prefer you can buy a 39tooth ring for $15-20.
If you know how well this bike has been maintained and you're getting a good deal on it, I would buy it. -if you are going to be buying a triple anyway.

DieselDan

You shouldn't have any problems finding parts for years ahead. Too many nine speeds were made for too long for it all to go obsolete quickly. New MTB stuff is still 9 speed. I still use 7 speed and have no trouble finding parts.

Bontrager

You have to ask why hasn't it sold for "a few years"???

I have a regular 10 speed double. Gf has a 8 speed sora triple. If the 105 has 1/2 clicks up front then go for it. Or get a 10 speed compact double and don't worry about crossing the chain.

nobrainer440

No reason not to buy. Just do it.

ManBearPig

No reason to buy. Just don't do it.

piper_chuck

Not sure why it hasn't sold. Perhaps triples aren't as possible as compacts these days?

I've done lots of calculations on Sheldon's site and the triple seems to suit the riding that I'm doing/will do better than a compact. That's why I'm looking at this bike. I actually had a compact picked out, but then decided a triple is a better choice. If parts won't be an issue down the line, and the 10 speed would not be leaps and bounds better than the 9 speed, this bike represents a reasonably priced replacement for my aged Trek 1200 that's got a 7 speed cassette and down tube shifters. I'll probably keep the Trek and use it when I go to the beach. That way I won't expose my new bike, whichever I choose, to the salt air.

Thanks for the input so far. It seems that my fears of lack of parts may be unfounded. Any more thoughts?

ericcox

If the price is right, go for it.

green814

Piper,

I am just getting into road riding ( still looking for the ride ), but my mtb is a '96 & up until last year, I could get replacement Shimano IG chains no problem. I found they started getting hard to find, & stocked up. Now, if I need a shifter/brake lever unit, it is ebay. From what I have read though, you should be ok.

What model bike is it? & are you SURE you want to keep the Trek. Even though it probably isn't worth much, I would take it off your hands if you pay the shipping .

Personally, I would probably keep it myself as well. I know if I bought a new mtb, my '96 isn't going to go anywhere, not to mention it MAY not be worth enough to justify selling it.

Good luck on deciding,
Chris

oilman_15106

If the bike is in the shape you describe - jump on it. The biggest mistake Shimano ever made was ditching road 9 speed and the 105 group is pretty bombproof. There are lots of issues with 10 speed such as chain life, der. alignment problems, chainring issues, etc. Add that to the more limited wheel choice with the 10 speed only hub. I can not quote the source but a Shimano rep even admits there are many issues with the 10 speed.

piper_chuck

Chris, thanks for the input. Yes, I'm sure I want to keep the Trek! I go to the beach 8-10 times per year and would like to be able to take something down there that I won't have to worry about. Since it's flat down there, the triple that I'm looking at won't be needed.

piper_chuck

That's interesting info. The bike is definitely new, is from a trusted company, has good feedback here and at review sites, and has a pretty good price tag, especially compared to the 2007/8 bikes with 105 components. It sounds like the consensus (other than one contrarian ) is to get it.

skinnyone

None unless you dont need a triple..

waterrockets 

My wife's new used bike has 105 triple on it. It's a great group. I prefer 9-spd to 10-spd because it's easier and cheaper to maintain. You'll never miss that 10th gear in the back -- it just not needed.

rollin

My wife's bike has 9 speed, I wish she had 10 just for cross compatability.

piper_chuck

Thanks for the input everyone. I ended up going with the bike, an 06 Jamis Quest. It's listed as an early edition (or some such thing), which I was told means it comes with the 2006 frame and 2005 components (triple instead of compact). I've input a variety of gearing (standard, compact, and triple with several cassette options) into Sheldon's calculator and the triple does the best job for the riding I plan to do.

green814

Congrats!!!! Now, WHERE ARE THE PICS????!!!!!

Chris

ridethecliche

+1!

Where are the pictures?

piper_chuck

Won't be able to get pics until sometime next week.

baj32161

Another brilliant and helpful post

pdq 5oh

My Pilot has a 9 spd/triple with 105 shifters and Ultegra derailluer. This setup works great for me. Shifting is flawless and fast. Gearing is fine.

diesel_dad

My old road bike was 9-speed Shimano 105. No issues. Would not be a worry. Also compatible with MTB cassettes if you wanted a touring gear range.

fprintf

Congrats on the new bike. My Trek 1500, new this year, has 9 speed 105 and it works great. I just looked at my cassette and noticed the chain has *never* been in the 12 tooth, and it looks like the 13 tooth has barely been touched!