Hi All –
I am seeking advice from experienced riders for a few modifications to my 2010 Trek 2.1 road bike. I am 6’ tall / 190-200lbs. I ride for fitness, hence my primary objective is not shaving grams from the bike’s weight. I ride mostly in the foothills of eastern, PA. We have some long, gradual uphill climbs in my area.
My cycle currently has stock components (specs below) with the exception of a saddle change.
Frame: Madone-style aluminum – 58 cm
Fork: Bontrager Race, Carbon; SpeedTrap Compatible
Wheels: Bontrager SSR (43cm, alloy hubs w/650C Alex Rims)
Tires: 700x23c (switching to 25mm tires soon)
Shifters: Shimano 105 STI, 10 speed
Front and Rear Derailleur: Shimano 105
Crank: Shimano R-600 50/34 Compact (5 bolt, 110mm BCD)
Cassette: Shimano 105 12-27, 10 speed
Brakeset: Shimano Tiagra w/ Shimano 105 STI levers
Freehub: Bontrager SSR Aero Road Wheel rear hub and Shimano free hub (part no. 268886?)
I am currently servicing the bike including:
· New bottom bracket (Shimano BB-RS500, Hollowtech II, 68mm)
· New SS brake/shift cables and housing
· Inspecting / repacking all bearings (wheel hubs, free hub, headset, etc.)
· Lube and adjust derailleurs
· Wheels are true
· Chain, chain rings and cassettes are within spec; replacement not urgently needed at this time.
I don’t find myself using the 34T chain ring much. I am considering changing both chain rings to 52/39 (Shimano 5700-series) or perhaps keep the stock 50T and swap the 34T for a 39T for closer gearing. I am also considering changing the stock 10-speed cassette from 12-27 to an 11-28.
Will the gearing range be too close or too difficult for the grades/terrain? I’ve read some articles recently about the importance of spinning cadence over power…makes good sense to me considering my age (second half) and objectives. I don’t want to have any regrets making these changes in the middle of long hill climbs.
Any suggestions/thoughts on these chain ring / cassette changes?
Lastly, any suggestions for an inexpensive, decent quality device to track mileage/time during rides?
I look forward to your replies. Thanks!
Regards
I am seeking advice from experienced riders for a few modifications to my 2010 Trek 2.1 road bike. I am 6’ tall / 190-200lbs. I ride for fitness, hence my primary objective is not shaving grams from the bike’s weight. I ride mostly in the foothills of eastern, PA. We have some long, gradual uphill climbs in my area.
My cycle currently has stock components (specs below) with the exception of a saddle change.
Frame: Madone-style aluminum – 58 cm
Fork: Bontrager Race, Carbon; SpeedTrap Compatible
Wheels: Bontrager SSR (43cm, alloy hubs w/650C Alex Rims)
Tires: 700x23c (switching to 25mm tires soon)
Shifters: Shimano 105 STI, 10 speed
Front and Rear Derailleur: Shimano 105
Crank: Shimano R-600 50/34 Compact (5 bolt, 110mm BCD)
Cassette: Shimano 105 12-27, 10 speed
Brakeset: Shimano Tiagra w/ Shimano 105 STI levers
Freehub: Bontrager SSR Aero Road Wheel rear hub and Shimano free hub (part no. 268886?)
I am currently servicing the bike including:
· New bottom bracket (Shimano BB-RS500, Hollowtech II, 68mm)
· New SS brake/shift cables and housing
· Inspecting / repacking all bearings (wheel hubs, free hub, headset, etc.)
· Lube and adjust derailleurs
· Wheels are true
· Chain, chain rings and cassettes are within spec; replacement not urgently needed at this time.
I don’t find myself using the 34T chain ring much. I am considering changing both chain rings to 52/39 (Shimano 5700-series) or perhaps keep the stock 50T and swap the 34T for a 39T for closer gearing. I am also considering changing the stock 10-speed cassette from 12-27 to an 11-28.
Will the gearing range be too close or too difficult for the grades/terrain? I’ve read some articles recently about the importance of spinning cadence over power…makes good sense to me considering my age (second half) and objectives. I don’t want to have any regrets making these changes in the middle of long hill climbs.
Any suggestions/thoughts on these chain ring / cassette changes?
Lastly, any suggestions for an inexpensive, decent quality device to track mileage/time during rides?
I look forward to your replies. Thanks!
Regards