I bought this 2014 Pinnacle Arkose road bike 8 years ago. It came with 105 shifters, 9sp M772 RD (same pull ratio as 10sp road) and TRP Spyre brakes. I have tried different pads for the brakes, changed the rotors, but they were still crap. So I decided to upgrade to flat bars. Back then the GRX groupset had only been released and it was very expensive in the UK. I found a flat carbon FSA bar, longer stem, carbon fork, 10sp rd, SLX shifters, and the Elixir 5 brakes for pennies on ebay.
The braking power is insanely good but these brakes are almost 15 years old and I'm afraid they might fall apart and I'll kill myself on a descent one day.
Years ago I found a cheap carbon dropbar for £10. I think something like this is £150 new. Also bought some cheap used TRP RRL levers because I liked the ergonomics. I was planning on swapping to drop bars, buy Microshift bar-end shifers that are specifically designed for Shimano 10sp MTB, and a compressionless Jagwire brake kit. The left shifter is friction so it will work with my Tiagra FD.
Costs would be:
Bar end shifters £75
Brake kit: £30
I'm not sure however that the compressionless housing will make a difference. Is anyone using mechanical disk brakes with compressionless housing? Has it made a difference?
I've checked the prices for new bikes and a decent gravel bike with a 2×10 GRX groupset would cost at least £1300. I'd be overpaying for stuff that I already have (good saddle, carbon drop bars, tires, wheels, etc). I'd look into buying a gravel specific frame with a wider tire clearance, but no-one seems to sell those used.
It looks like used 2×10 GRX partial groupset would be the most cost effective upgrade?
What would you do?
by Spiritual-Rip1253
5 Comments
Flatbar Gang Gang!
Compression less housing makes a big difference in the two bikes I’ve outfitted with them (friends and sons)…now that your flat bar have you considered just going hydraulic? Shimano brake sets go for $60 on amazon in the states, I’m sure it’s comparable overseas as well.
Personally I wouldn’t worry about upgrades. I ride a cheap abomination of a bike and have a lot of fun doing so 😄
If you must get some shinier stuff, wheels and tires are the best way to have more fun. Makes the bike feel totally different.
Tubeless tires, hydraulic brakes, could go 1x if you’re into that, otherwise a new BB and crankset can make a big difference. Shorter stem and wider bars, some bar ends for comfort. New saddle can really improve comfort.
You hide your post history but i am under the impression, that this is like the third or fourth post in the last 10 days about this very bicycle?