It's install AND new tape.

Just so it's clear, your bike working well for your body is a much bigger priority than any aesthetic considerations. Kind words from internet yahoos (myself included) isn't worth it if you have to lower you bars to the point that you can't ride your bike safely and comfortably for hours on end. By all means, work on getting to that point gradually (removing a spacer at a time, etc), but don't kill yourself if you never reach the flipped and slammed limit.

That's a decent price if the 'cable mess' is bugging you that badly. You can probably sell you current STI's and recoup about half.

I know what you mean about the current frame. My carbon bike is low to mid quality (on the heavy side with alloy steerer). I'm really interested in 6800...but not sure the frame justifies it.

I just don't have the desire to spend thousands on a new bike right now, seems like a few hundred to spruce it up a bit is worth it for the next couple of years. I'd not waste money upgrading my group either, not for this bike at least.

im im with you Gus90! I have a 07 caad 9 I went with 5700 shifters and 6800 brakes and love it. I wish I could drop a few grand. But no need rt now.

o by the way. If you go with the new shifters you should really replace brakes as the cable pull is different with the new levers.

Interesting, i didn't realize that, this may make the cost not worth it. I'll check it out, thx.

Np

So, how much has it cost you to participate in this thread? ;)

S

I switched out 5600 levers for 5700 - even knowing that there was a difference in pull, I couldn't tell.

Yeah, I'm not sure ill need to change the brakes, referring to brake pull, is it supposedly a shorter pull on the lever than the 5600? I'm not sure i really understand what exactly is meant by pull. I'm home now so I can google it, lol

I googled it, i think it boils down to the strength of the spring in the brake calipers to pull the cable back. In my case, since my cables will be routing into and through the zipp vuka sprint bar rather than between the bar and the tape, I don't think it will be an issue for me as there shouldnt be any increased tension or friction from being squeezed under tape. At least thats my theory.

well, if I don't need to swap the brakes to work with the 5700 shifters than about $210 for shifters black tape and a white cage. Or, a a month or two supply of beer. :/

It's a slight difference in leverage - supposedly it takes a harder squeeze on the brake lever to give equal stopping power; hasn't been a problem for me.

Is this the "Hot or Not" photo thread? Or, the Shimano Lever/brake compatability thread?

And, yes, the hidden cable levers pull more cable than the previous exposed shifter cable versions. So, braking will old calipers and newer style levers will be firmer and less powerful.

Ok, ok, play time is over, back to posting your bikes, thanks guys you've been great, sincerely.

Then, you got off easy.
Scorchin' HOT will cost you another grand. ;)
S

It'd be amusing to see the median price of bikes that get majority hot votes from this thread.

Probably a bit lower than some imagine.

Might be equally amusing to see the median price of those that recieve not votes. And, to compare the two values.

More pictures, less chit chat.

If I were buying a new bike now, it'd be this but with black tape, saddle, and cages.. Couldn't find a pic of one properly staged but Hot or not?

So, you posted a pic of a bike you'd like, but couldn't find the one you like, so posted this one, mis-staged and all, in the Hot or Not thread? Even I know better. :p

;)...

It's a not on many levels. Strikes me as a poseur bike and money spent is not the issue... the lack of drop/stem/spacers/upturned bar and the compact crank paired with aero wheels are common on most tour de' freds.

Donno if "budget" hot or not ... so, I posted in both.
I can post a better pic, once the power gets turned back on, from yesterdays wind gusts -or- this current rain storm moves through...


https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/...15750114_n.jpg

I like, although I don't know that I've ever seen a Bianchi that looks like a Bianchi than this.