I usually ride a gravel bike but it’s out of action atm and I really wanted a ride so I dug out this old road bike my dad gave me. Needless to say, I really enjoyed the ride. It felt much nippier and more responsive than my gravel bike. I really enjoyed going fast!
I’d love to get it purring by upgrading the old components to Shimano 105 (with rim brakes) but I wanted to check it would be possible. I’ve never installed a full group set before but I’m confident I could do it so long as I didn’t face any major challenges. I’m also going to change the bar tape and will, in time, get some new wheels although part of me thinks it felt so fast because I was on 23mm tyres. Will anything stop me doing this and is there anything else you would upgrade?
by billyshannon
10 Comments
Not really, the only caveat would be if it’s got an older style 10 speed/mtb free hub body. 11 speed hg free hubs which are required for most 11 speed road cassettes are a little wider. If it doesn’t have an 11 speed hg free hub body, you have a few options. I know Shimano has an 11-34 11 speed cassette that will work, some companies will sell milled out 11 speed cassettes that work on 10 speed hubs.
Personally though, unless there are issues with that groups, or you are really sensitive to cadence and tight spacing on gears, I’d just service it and ride it as is.
I have a Defy 2 that looks a lot like yours. It’s a triple crank as well. I had a crash a few years ago and the shifter was damaged; so I thought it’d be a good opportunity to swap out the entire drivetrain. I stuck with the stock 3×9 triple configuration and the only option was the Sora line for Shimano and it’s also got built in cables for the brake and shift so you don’t have it sticking out the side of your hoods for a cleaner cockpit look. It’s an awesome bike and still my family commuter. I say do it if you wanna go down that route.
It’s probably not worth spending a lot on – but I’d definitely put some new bar tape and some decent tyres on it and that would make it nice to ride.
A more modern group set would be nice if you really want to do something – but I would probably stop at 10 speed Tiagra. I’ve got Tiagra, 105 and Ultegra and with my eyes closed there isn’t a lot of difference.
As mentioned the spacing and hub questions are imperative to settle before deciding.
Else, If you don’t have a bike stand, or a very good hanging option, then get one. I don’t want to think about switching a groupset on the floor.
Inflation
You’d be amazed at what difference a good degreasing of the drivetrain can make with your existing components, then spend the money on high end tires rather than replacing the drivetrain
Some bar tape, tires and a tune up and send it. Don’t spend more money than you need to.
Money is really the only thing stopping you here. 11s is nice but not totally necessary. 2×10 systems are great and come at much lower costs. For the groupset I have had fantastic results using Microshift. R10 and Sword are very affordable and feel high quality. As far as the tires, many road cyclists have shifted to 28-30mm range. They give increased comfort and I don’t feel enough difference in speed to be concerned about them holding me back.
I love the idea of keeping something old and fixing it, it what really makes a bike? To me it’s the frame and groupset.
Once you price up a new groupset how much would a new bike cost?
Many manufacturers still make frames/bikes today that can take the exact same parts that are on your Defy. In other words, yes, you can upgrade that bike with all new 2024 parts if you want.
1. **Shimano 105:** Yes, you can upgrade everything to Shimano R7000 2×11 speed [not sure about 105 2×12 speed, but probably that too), including the cranks, cassette, front + rear derailleurs, and shifters. If you keep your rear wheel, it takes a 10 speed cassette, so most 11 speed cassettes wont fit; but the Shimano 105 and Ultegra versions with 11-34T will fit.
2. **Tires:** Pretty sure that bike will take 28mm wide tires, so that’s what I’d put on.
3. **Handlebar:** Since you’re swapping out the shifters and re-wrapping bar tape, you may as well get a modern short-reach, shallow-drop handlebar. That’s probably more like what you have on your gravel bike.
4. **Wheels:** If those wheels are heavy, I’d be on the lookout for cheap used racing wheels. Everyone’s moving to disc brakes, so used rim brake racing wheels can be cheap now.