Upgrading groupset components

Walrus said:

I have a 105 9 spd groupset.

Is it possible to upgrade any of the following components individually?
- STI levers
- Cranks
- Brakes
- Derailleurs
- Bottom Bracket

Yeah.........

Walrus said:

I have a 105 9 spd groupset.

Is it possible to upgrade any of the following components individually?
- STI levers
- Cranks
- Brakes
- Derailleurs
- Bottom Bracket

You'll most likely have to switch the bottom bracket and cranks at the same time.

artmichalek said:

You'll most likely have to switch the bottom bracket and cranks at the same time.

Not if he sticks with shimano octalink.Both ultegra and DA are 105 'upgrades'. And there are other crank brands that use the octalink interface.

Walrus said:

I have a 105 9 spd groupset.

Is it possible to upgrade any of the following components individually?
- STI levers
- Cranks
- Brakes
- Derailleurs
- Bottom Bracket

Why ?

if it isn´t broken there´s not a lot of point - put the money towards a better bike if that´s what you want but leave the groupset alone , the gain to cost ratio is too low .

el Inglés said:

Why ?

if it isn´t broken there´s not a lot of point - put the money towards a better bike if that´s what you want but leave the groupset alone , the gain to cost ratio is too low .

I have really good frame, wheels, bars/stem/seatpost etc...got some money spare...bored...love bikes...etc etc.

Walrus said:

I have a 105 9 spd groupset.

Is it possible to upgrade any of the following components individually?
- STI levers
- Cranks
- Brakes
- Derailleurs
- Bottom Bracket

If the brakes are the dual pivot design, I wouldn't change them. The only thing you might save is a few grams. In most cases the only think you are saving is weight, although the Ultegra and Dura Ace levers and rear derailleur will offer a more crisp shift. Front derailleur I wouldn't bother with either. If you are looking at upgrading to 10 speed, the new bb and cranks use a different design. Upgrading can get a bit pricey unless you take your time and look for deals or use e-bay. Also, I would probably look to jump to Dura Ace if you are really set to upgrade.

PeterF said:

If the brakes are the dual pivot design, I wouldn't change them. The only thing you might save is a few grams. In most cases the only think you are saving is weight, although the Ultegra and Dura Ace levers and rear derailleur will offer a more crisp shift. Front derailleur I wouldn't bother with either. If you are looking at upgrading to 10 speed, the new bb and cranks use a different design. Upgrading can get a bit pricey unless you take your time and look for deals or use e-bay. Also, I would probably look to jump to Dura Ace if you are really set to upgrade.

Yeah, I'm thinking of just watching eBay and hoping to snare a cheap DA crankset or similar. I'll only do it if I can get it for a steal, given I'll have to pay to have them fitted.

Walrus said:

Yeah, I'm thinking of just watching eBay and hoping to snare a cheap DA crankset or similar. I'll only do it if I can get it for a steal, given I'll have to pay to have them fitted.

I suggest getting a cheap used frame to put all the old parts on too - maybe make a rain bike or commuter... no sense throwing away perfectly good stuff.

boudreaux - who else made octalink cranks? I thought Shimano never licensed that to anyone else.

Upgrade to DA 10 speed immediately and send me the 105 9 speed stuff for disposal.........

Nuthin' wrong with 105 whatsoever, got a couple of bikes outfitted with it. But if you insist on the bling factor, it's your cash. Personally, I'd do a wheel upgrade first.

capwater said:

Personally, I'd do a wheel upgrade first.

I pick up my new wheels tomorrow...😄

DiabloScott said:

boudreaux - who else made octalink cranks? I thought Shimano never licensed that to anyone else.

Ritchey makes them ,and FSA use to. Shimano never licensed the BB to anyone else.

boudreaux said:

And there are other crank brands that use the octalink interface.

Sure, but why on earth would anyone restrict their choice of cranksets to be compatable with a bottom bracket that they plan on replacing anyay?

artmichalek said:

Sure, but why on earth would anyone restrict their choice of cranksets to be compatable with a bottom bracket that they plan on replacing anyay?

That wasn't the question.

boudreaux said:

That wasn't the question.

You must not have read the original post.

Bottom line you can upgrade parts individually or as a complete group. Just make sure that bottom bracket is compatible with the crank. Look on ebay