The bike I have right now is really my first street one, a LeMond Reno. I like the frame, its built well and comfortable. I have just one problem with the bike, and that’s its crank and front derailleur. The front derailleur and crank (triple) are both Shimano Tiagra. There are three problems I’m having: 1) it’s a triple and I have never since buying the bike used the smallest of the three gears 2) the shifting is temperamental and sometimes takes a few seconds to kick up or down depending on the chain position and 3) it’s a Tiagra. I asked one of the people at the bike store I bought it from and he suggested just using it until it wore out and then buying a new crank, derailleur, and BB. I would, except knowing me, by the time I wore it out they’ll make flying cars and they’ll tear down all the streets. I don’t mind spending the to a Dura-Ace or Ultegra upgrade if it’s really worth it. I plan to do some racing with this bike, maybe a season or two. I push the bike just as hard as I push myself and would hate to be stuck in the middle of no place because of cheap equipment. Opinions and suggestions are welcomed. Thanks.
Sounds like your derailleur needs to be adjusted so that it shifts properly. If it's recently purchased, take it back to the store and ask them to adjust it. If it's not new, then go for a tune up.
I wouldn't recommend changing your Tiagra triple to a Dura Ace double. It doesn't sound like you're at a point where you need top of the line parts. DuraAce-equipped bikes can also shift poorly if they are out of tune.
If you're going to race a LeMond Reno, I'd upgrade to 105. This will be a suitable upgrade for that frame and will stand up in a race without a problem. Then when you want a new bike further down the track, you can look at Ultegra/Dura Ace.
I'd second the opinion that your derailleur needs adjusted, not replaced. However, if you're jonesing for an upgrade, I'd go with 105 or Ultegra cranks as the only thing you get thats better with DA is the lower weight (and unless you are switching out every part on your bike in the near future, this won't matter in the end). If you want/need gearing that is more similar to your triple, check out compact cranks. They usually have 50/34 teeth chainrings, and offer a bit more on the bottom end that standard doubles don't. If you use your little chainring on the triple often, you may find the switch to a standard double a little tough at first. Good luck!
Would I have to change out the shifter because the original crank is a triple and a new one would be a double? I also have a 9 speed cartridge in the back, I did a quick look and only found 10 speed double Ultegra's. Trouble or would that be fine? I think I may wait a while and then upgrade the front derailleur, crank, and shifters all to Ultegra's. I have a lens (I'm big into photography) that I've been wanted to sell that should well cover that upgrade as well as some new rims, tires, and hubs.
Would I have to change out the shifter because the original crank is a triple and a new one would be a double? I also have a 9 speed cartridge in the back, I did a quick look and only found 10 speed double Ultegra's. Trouble or would that be fine? I think I may wait a while and then upgrade the front derailleur, crank, and shifters all to Ultegra's. I have a lens (I'm big into photography) that I've been wanted to sell that should well cover that upgrade as well as some new rims, tires, and hubs.
-Cameron
The triple shifter will shift a double. you ought to be able to find plenty of ultegra 9 speed Double cranksets. Try nashbar.And you will need a 109.5 octalink BB to go with it.
Would I have to change out the shifter because the original crank is a triple and a new one would be a double? I also have a 9 speed cartridge in the back, I did a quick look and only found 10 speed double Ultegra's. Trouble or would that be fine? I think I may wait a while and then upgrade the front derailleur, crank, and shifters all to Ultegra's. I have a lens (I'm big into photography) that I've been wanted to sell that should well cover that upgrade as well as some new rims, tires, and hubs.
-Cameron
Now we see that the priorities are getting into line. Dumping other expensive equipment to pay for the bike!!! Excellent.
