Converting old bike to Ultegra groupset

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I have an old Focus Cayo 10 speed Shimano 105 (5700) groupset (bike was bought 2010 iirc)
the components are about ready for the bin so i was thinking of putting on Ultegra, hopefully 6800 11 speed

is there going to be problems with that compatibility wise?
i already have Ultegra 6800 wheels so i know that will be ok (just remove the spacer I assume :smile:)

anything else to look out for?

to be honest i'm not even sure of the project after stripping the bike. it's a carbon fibre frame, but it's bubbling in places (forks) and scuffed in places
can they be repainted ok?
 

fossyant

Ride It Like You Stole It!
Location
South Manchester
The bubbling is likely aluminium - e.g. the drop outs (where the wheel sits) or the fork crown - some are alloy with a bonded fork 'leg'. You can re-touch them up if needed.

What's wrong with the 105 groupset ? A darn good service will clean everything up, new cables, jockey wheels etc.
 
OP
OP
NorthernSky
the front derailleur is pretty rusted
it would need all new cables and cable housings likely
the right shifter is not in great shape after i came off a few years back :cry:
yeah, could maybe just service it all and replace whatever needs it 🤔

i've always fancied an ultegra groupset too
i was adamant my new bike would be ultegra, but ended up with Tiagra (which has been fine :thumbsup:) after i got it on a cycle to work scheme.
hate things lying about never getting used so was going to sell/dump or try do it up (old bike), and maybe learn a few things along the way
 

StuAff

Silencing his legs regularly
Location
Portsmouth
There are still a few new Ultegra R8000 groups out there, Merlin have them for £700. There's a 6800 rim brake set on eBay at the mo, just under £400. For new, 105 R7000 is terrific. I don't know if you've ever ridden Ultegra 6800.....R7000 is every bit as good, and still available brand new.
The Cayo is still a great frame, worth sorting out.
 

wafter

I like steel bikes and I cannot lie..
Location
Oxford
Blimey, is 2010 old ?

For placcy bikes with ally bits, sadly there's a strong argument for "yes".


OP - I'd get that fork checked out as it's a critical, heavily-loaded part with nasty consequences if it fails; and that bubbling (presumably ally corrosion) could be more than cosmetic.

As for the groupset swap, both have the same axle spacing so if you're taking off one groupset en-bloc and replacing it with the other I don't see any problems. Obviously there will potentially be compatability issues between 10 and 11sp parts if you're hoping to mix and match..
 
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OP
OP
NorthernSky
well that was an adventure getting the brakes off, rust and time made it a job 🫣

bubbling i was talking about..
these could be a carbon fork? have it emblazoned on the side...?
 

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StuAff

Silencing his legs regularly
Location
Portsmouth
well that was an adventure getting the brakes off, rust and time made it a job 🫣

bubbling i was talking about..
these could be a carbon fork? have it emblazoned on the side...?

Carbon fork, but with alloy steerer tube. Not uncommon, even today- my Viner of similar vintage is the same, I imagine my Trek is too.
 
OP
OP
NorthernSky
can someone help me with the anatomy of my front fork.
should there be something between the crown race and the bottom bearing?
20230903_124011.jpg
the bearing doesn't fit snug against it ..
20230903_124301.jpg


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20230903_124017.jpg

also the bottom bearing opens to show the bearings. i thought it was broken but i believe some do open
i'm going to replace it anyway as it's pretty bad looking.
will it be ok to replace with a sealed bottom bearing?
20230903_124202.jpg

(i've removed all the bubbling, plan to touch it up with paint)
 

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Jameshow

Veteran
I'd also check the carbon blades are well glued into the alloy crown. This is where you want to be doubly sure they are rock solid.
 
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