I run 9 speed cassette on 2 bikes, 7 speed fw on another an 11 speed on my 
go-fast. I'm not sure what the "advantages" are, if any, of going to 11. 
Well, I guess if you like closer range of the cogs, there's more of them, 
so that's good. You can also find stuff that may not be available in 8 or 9 
speed like replacement parts.  For example, if that 8 speed STI shifters 
break, you may not be able to replace it. Same if 9 speed STI. Campy is a 
little better as you can rebuild them and small parts are available.

Further, if you're currently running 8/9 speed Shimano, you will probably 
need a new wheel to accommodate 11 speed. So you're looking at new 
shifters, RD, rear wheel and a chain.  So, if money isn't an issue, I say 
go for it. But at that point, it might be more cost effective to just get 
another bike.  So it comes down to how much do you want to spend.  I will 
say that e-shifting is pretty nice as you just tap the lever and it goes. 
Is it worth the extra $$$? Probably not as the latest mechanical shifting 
like DA 9000 is super smooth and amazing.  Still, it is a novelty and I 
hear that for cross "racers" they all in....of course, YMMV!  Good Luck! 

On Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at 12:28:49 PM UTC-8, Jeffrey Arita wrote:
>
> 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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