Which Groupset?

I thought of that too, but lower tier = dog's bollocks doesn't sound right.

Microshift is lower quality, I would say Shimano Sora level so it wouldn't make it in the groupset hall of fame...

Thanks, man.

Microshift Arsis (great name) shifters looks pretty similar in shape to DA 7700.

A friend has them on a Moda (as original equipment on an OTP bike) and they've been fine, I can't remember what derailleurs he's using.

How heavy is Arsis? (And yes: it is a great name!)

Pull your google finger out of your Arsis and find out?

:0

I did!

The problem I find is that the Microshift hood is an awkward shape, it's not flat, as it ramped up slightly even when you angled it correctly (easy to reach on the drop), it look like it's set too high.

So people do use microSHIFT? Is the shifting close to 7700?

I think EEI has a microshift group, worth asking him

Currently using a mix of old veloce and centaur (2007-ish era) on my winter road bike. Always preferred the feel of shimano over campag, so was going to upgrade to a complete 105 groupset. Shimano has always felt smoother, more effortless shifting (less friction?), and has been reliable IME. Does anyone know of any deals for 105 groupsets, or have any reasons why this change isn't a good idea?

Chain reaction cycles are doing good prices on 105 5700, although as far as I know you have to buy the individual bits, they don't sell it as a group.

If you need a whole group, it's sub £400 here:
http://www.bike-discount.de/shop/a51776/105-5750-groupset-compact-2x10-speed-black.html?lg=en&cr=GBP

Switching from Campag to Shimano means you'll have to change your rear wheel too, or at least the free hub body. I've got an ultegra groupset lying around that I have up trying to sell, on here somewhere if you search.

Cheers, looks good, but really after a double.

Rear wheel is only an Aksium Race, so will probably just buy a new one and sell the old. I had thought there might be a way to keep it, by using a SRAM chain etc, but probably more trouble than its worth.

A friend got a new carbon Olmo with Athena. Tried it and I have to say I do like how Campag feels. Felt better than the Rival group I now have.

SRAM Force upgraded with no price change

This is for 2013 though, with retailers still selling 2011 left right and centre it will be a while before anyone has this in stock at a reasonable price, presumably.

My winter roadbike runs 53/39 with either a 12/27 or 12/25 cassette depending on what/where I'm riding.

The posh bike has compact 50/34 with 11/23 cassette and I find myself in the big ring almost all of the time.

I'm currently weighing up the options;

Buy an 11-21 cassette
Buy a regular chainset
Buy some 52 / something chainrings

Has anyone tried the latter?
If so 52/38 or 52/39?

Any thoughts?

52/38 with a 36 tooth inner for Alpine use.

Have you actually tried that out as it sounds like the best of both worlds?

Switching the chainrings on the compact chainset to to 52/38 means I can go back to 50/34 or 50/36 for alpine excursions.

Stronglight also do 110BCD versions of their CT2 chainrings right up to 53/39. Which would potentially be even better assuming their not like soggy noodles. I'm sure Tester will be able to provide some input.

They'll all work fine. They're well within the limits of the derailler.

I used to use a 52T and use a 50T on the TT bike for 24hr.

How about stiffness, I might get fat or something?
If the chainrings are really an option then I'd save a considerable sum over buying a new chainset.

I want to believe!

Sneaky edit:

I used to use a 52T and use a 50T on the TT bike for 24hr.

Assuming you didn't have any mechanicals owing to this setup?

Also, "used to". Past tense. You don't any more or you don't ride 24s anymore?

When looking at 130 or 110 bcd versions of the same crank the 110bcd wins on flexibility (the good kind!), just as long as the bendy kind is not an issue.

I've ordered a 110 bcd SRM spider for my cranks, it'll go on the cross bike over winter then make it's way onto the road bike next spring.

On the cross bike 50/34 will stay on there, I'll probably get some 52/36 stronglight CT2 rings for spring.

Cross bike is currently sat there with 12-27, I have an 11-32 waiting in the wings.

Road bike has 11-25 (currently 53/39 up front) with a 12-27 as an option.

I reckon 52/36 with the 11-25 would give me a pretty good range, with the option of 50/34 and 12-27 for the likes of Zoncolan.

I might get fat or something?
Might? Have you seen yourself recently?

^^^
Always takes the bait.

That's why you're such a tubby fat fat.