Shifter upgrade for Triban 3

[Andrew_Culture]

I've been looking into brifter upgrades for a friend who has a Triban three, which appears to have 8 cogs on the rear cassette (is this right?). My friend has had enough of the thumb shifters so wants to upgrade to twin-lever changing.

My problem is that most of the 105 level shifters I'm finding on ebay are 9 or 10 speed. Am I confused, by which I mean even more confused that usual?

 

[fluffkitten]

I've been looking into brifter upgrades for a friend who has a Triban three, which appears to have 8 cogs on the rear cassette (is this right?). My friend has had enough of the thumb shifters so wants to upgrade to twin-lever changing.

My problem is that most of the 105 level shifters I'm finding on ebay are 9 or 10 speed. Am I confused, by which I mean even more confused that usual?

They are 8 on the rear. Your friend could try the Microshift setup from the 3A or go for Shimano's Claris shifters. Neither are 105 level (more base level) but they do get rid of the thumb shifter.

 

[Brad123]

You are right about the 8 speed (cogs) I also were fed up with the thumb shifter. I have just gone for the shimano claris. Got them off EBay.
Waiting for them to arrive so cant say what they are like

 

[zizou]

Claris will be a big improvement from 2300

 

[Andrew_Culture]

Claris is somewhat overwhelmingly recommended then!

I'm guessing if you changed the rear cassette to 9 or ten speed it wouldn't be a simple as just switching out the rear durreliier doorallier dureeullier durreelier dangly changing thingy.

 

[TheDoctor]

Erm...yes. Yes it would.
The new STI levers are the costly bit - a new rear mech is not so very expensive.
Mind you, I'd see if the old mech shifts acceptably first.

 

[themosquitoking]

Get the 2013 sora shifters, two paddles and 8 speed and a straight swap. Couldn't be easier.

 

[Easytigers]

I'd be really interested to know how these upgrades go and if they made a big difference...I've been thinking about upgrading for a while but have limited funds.

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

Get the 2013 sora shifters, two paddles and 8 speed and a straight swap. Couldn't be easier.

2013 sora is 9 speed.

 

[themosquitoking]

2013 sora is 9 speed.

SO it is, and i've just discovered three more gears on my bike. Happy days.

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

Erm...yes. Yes it would.
The new STI levers are the costly bit - a new rear mech is not so very expensive.
Mind you, I'd see if the old mech shifts acceptably first.

I agree the existing mech should be ok, I am not so sure about the chain based on my earlier experience, for Shimano 8 to 9.

 

[midliferider]

I am thinking of changing the rear cassette to 10 speed and change shifters to something better like tiagra.
Any advice on what will I need to change and how much will it cost?
Rear cassette- about £40
Rear mech-?
Chain-?
Shifters?
Bar tape
Then mechanics cost

 

[Fab Foodie]

I am thinking of changing the rear cassette to 10 speed and change shifters to something better like tiagra.
Any advice on what will I need to change and how much will it cost?
Rear cassette- about £40
Rear mech-?
Chain-?
Shifters?
Bar tape
Then mechanics cost

Will the wheels take a 10 speed cogset?
To be honest, I don't think it's worth it on a Triban 3. If you have money to burn buy new wheels and tyres.
8 spd maybe a bit clunky, but you don't change gear that often do you? 8speed is very reliable, cheap to replace and very durable. A new set of shifters and changers won't make you faster, but better wheels and tyres will transform the speed and feel of your bike.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

I am thinking of changing the rear cassette to 10 speed and change shifters to something better like tiagra.
Any advice on what will I need to change and how much will it cost?
Rear cassette- about £40
Rear mech-?
Chain-?
Shifters?
Bar tape
Then mechanics cost

also you would probably need to change your gear cables & quite possibly the brake cables as well (depends on wear on your existing one) - that can easily add £10 to the cost - I usually replace outer cable sheaths at the same time, but that is just me.

 

[midliferider]

OK, thanks. I will ride it to the end of its life...