Hi Paul,
I too have the itch. I am the original owner of a Merlin Extralight ('95
vintage). I originally spec'd it with 8-speed Dura-Ace, early brifters.
After awhile running the 8-speed drivetrain I converted the crank to a
triple, using a 39-tooth 'tripleizer' along with a wider bb. Run
53-39-26. Then I got a real 'job' and stopped cycling altogether.....fast
forward to 2011, I started cycling again (thank goodness). I converted the
cogset to a 9-speed and installed 9-speed bar-cons. Still run the 53-39-26
crankset.
Present Day: Boy that 11-speed cogset sure would be cool to run, along with
a NEW wheelset, right? But that would mean new shifters and perhaps a new
rear derailleur. One part of me says 'go for it' while the rational side
of me says it won't make a huge difference. I am sticking to my rational
side for now ;)
Maybe check out a larger big chainring on your existing crank? Increase
your top-end?
Good luck,
Jeff
On Sunday, January 14, 2018 at 12:24:44 AM UTC-8, Paul Y wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
> Looking for opinions and perspective s before scratching an itch!
>
> I've been riding my Roadeo with a dura ace 7400 double crank (38 and 48t)
> with a Sora 8 speed 11-25 cassette, Shimano bar ends (9 speed but running
> friction) and an older XT rapid rise rear derailer.
>
> The gearing is pretty good for me - it's enough to manage 10 deg climbs
> and truck along around 35 kph.
>
> I've been riding the Roadeo like a typical club rider might, generally
> without fenders and wearing lycra, though I haven't actually been riding
> with a club! The plan is to ride a few audaxes this year though.
>
> I'm tempted to change to a new Shimano 105 5800 drivetrain (11 speed) and
> brifters, which should go on easily as I already have a 105 11-speed hub.
>
> I love the robustness of the current setup but always looking for ways to
> get more speed ( and I'm constantly training / trying to build strength).
>
> Has anyone else transitioned their bike similarly? As in, going from Riv
> values to modern racy (meshed with steel and larger tires)? I still have a
> Sam setup as a practical bicycle so I guess that leaves me freedom to
> embody another cycling personality.
>
> Thanks for reading, and hopefully sharing your feelings on this.
>
> Paul
>
>
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