dilema -11 speed ultegra or 10 speed

[Kiwiavenger]

I'm looking at New bikes up to 1k and the best value seems to be the planet x pro carbon which you can get for 1pless than my max spend but it comes with new ultegra 11speed. I would be happy enough with 105 kit as I'm on s2300 with thumb bits on the shifters!

Now should I go with cheap replacement bits on 10 speed or stump up for ultegra bits. Are 10 speed chains compatible and are sram 11 speed cassettes inter changable ?

Any alternatives for under 1k. Great Ali frame or carbon with tiagra minimum

 

[the_mikey]

It's unlikely that 10 speed chains will work satisfactorily with 11 speed cassettes. If the cost of replacements is an issue then there are better budget options with 10 speed, there are no right answers however.

 

[Soltydog]

I'm running 10 speed 105 on the road bike & I like it, would I pay the extra for 11 speed? I doubt it, paying extra each time for new chains & cassette not justified for my riding, but if you want optimum performance, then maybe worth it??

 

[vickster]

Any alternatives for under 1k. Great Ali frame or carbon with tiagra minimum

Caad model in budget will be about the best alu frame

Poster on here happy with his new dolan carbon

Thing is not all carbon frames are created equal, assume the px will be at the bottom end given the price of the rest of the kit

 

[Kiwiavenger]

The pro carbon gets good reviews but I think it's old tech now really, the price difference in cassettes will swing it as I dint think I can justify 3 times what I currently pay for my 8 speed one. It will just be a quick commute/ Sunday club machine, the allez will still be my hack (how many have said that though!!)

My lbs stock merida. Scott and saracen bikes so may see the offers they have on too

 

[Kestevan]

It's worth giving Planet X a ring.
They are usually more than happy to swap out bits for whatever else you want to spec

 

[stevey]

@Kiwiavenger I too have just upgraded my bike from a raleigh revenio with 2300 shifters to this http://www.dolan-bikes.com/road/roa...n/dolan-l-etape-carbon-road-bike-builder.html and i am ,more than happy spec'd it with 105 groupset it's very fast.

But i also looked at the PX carbon as much as i liked the bike there was something i was not happy with (Can't explain just one of those things).

Whchever you go with you will be more than happy.

Good luck with your choice.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

Are 10 speed chains compatible and are sram 11 speed cassettes inter changable ?

11 speed chains are thinner, using 10 speed chains on 11 speed systems causes shifting issues. 11 speed cassette requires a compatible hub which can be shimmed to take a 10 speed cassette.

I have 10 and 11 speed bikes and never once have I found myself thankful for that extra gear.

 

[jefmcg]

It really does feel like a spinal tap moment. I can't see much benefit in that extra gear. And it's nice to have a wide choice in chains.

 

[Nebulous]

I think eleven might be worth thinking about if you see it as a long-term bike. Isn't 105 moving to 11 speed in the autumn?

My allez had 9 speed tiagra, which was fine at the time, but now feels as though I have been left behind. Then again there was a time when shops were selling off 9 speed chains and cassettes pretty cheaply and I got some good buys. I should probably have bought more!

So you might be able to hoover up 10 speed shimano stuff on clearance.

 

[Kiwiavenger]

@Kiwiavenger I too have just upgraded my bike from a raleigh revenio with 2300 shifters to this http://www.dolan-bikes.com/road/roa...n/dolan-l-etape-carbon-road-bike-builder.html and i am ,more than happy spec'd it with 105 groupset it's very fast.

But i also looked at the PX carbon as much as i liked the bike there was something i was not happy with (Can't explain just one of those things).

Whchever you go with you will be more than happy.

Good luck with your choice.

How did you find the sizing? It says for my height I'm crossover between L and XL but my current steed is a xxl so it's interesting

 

[stevey]

How did you find the sizing? It says for my height I'm crossover between L and XL but my current steed is a xxl so it's interesting

I was a bit concerned when i first sat on it in that it was a medium (48) and it seemed really small, before i ordered it though i spoke to sam @dolan and for my height 5'-9"and inside leg 30" he recommeded the medium.

However my concerns were put to rest after a few alterations to seat and a new longer seat post the ride is 99% there i just need a slightly longer stem (My fault i ordered the wrong size).

I am now convinced my original/winter bike is too big for me

 

[Kiwiavenger]

Was looking at a Scott but the mix n match components put me off (ultegra brifters, tiagra front mech, 105 rear, fsa chainset) the meridas look lovely in the flesh and can get a tiagra specced one from the lbs, I then remembered ribble and the grand fondo with tiagra is in my price range.

To top it off I'm gonna look at a boardman tomorrow. Soo many choices but I'll be heading down the 10 speed route