Road bike - 10 speed to 11 speed?

[g7jhp]

I have a Specialized Roubaix Elite Compact 2012 which is 10 speed on Shimano 105.

Current
- Cassette: Shimano 105, 10 speed,11-28t
- Chainrings: 50/34 Compact, 50/39/30 Triple

I'm getting to the stage where components could do to be refreshed.

I do sometimes feel like I'd like to be able to drop down a gear when climbing steep hills to be able to keep my legs spinning.

Is it worth upgrading from 10 speed to 11 speed (possibly Ultegra 6800)?

Or should I stick with 10 speed and add a lower gear 11-32?

What are the benefits.

[g7jhp]

Treb0r said:

You would probably also need new wheels which can accommodate an 11 speed cassette

Yes thanks. New wheels are on the list (as well). Probably upgrade the Fulcrum 6 to Fulcrum 3/ Campagnolo Zonda C17 or Mavic Kysrium Elites.

The other though it is to upgrade the bike!

Back on 10 to 11 speeed and gears. Any thoughts?

[g7jhp]

So logic would say change like for like and then add a 11-32 10spd cassette, new chain and medium cage 105 10spd rear mech.

Certainly sounds more affordable!

[g7jhp]

Your Dad said:

Not worth changing to 11spd, unless you want to spunk the money on new shifters/cassette/rear mech/chain.

11-32 10spd cassette, new chain and medium cage 105 10spd rear mech is about £75. Moving to 11spd will cost you 3x that amount.

Just looking and there doesn't appear to be a 11-32t cassette for a 10 speed on the 105 range - 5700 (there is a 11-32t on the 11 speed 105 - 5800).

So either staying with current or upgrading to the new 105 11 speed 5800 version may be the options.

[g7jhp]

Dr Imran T said:

That's a big range 11-32 perhaps more akin to something one might use on a MTB.

Are you sure you want a 32 cassette even with a compact? - may be worth having a play on the sheldon brown gear ratio calculator to see what the difference is from your current set up?

Other option is 12-30 if you're not using the 11 cog much. As others have said you'll need a med/long cage rear derailleur to cope with the large range of the cassette.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shimano-ultegra...

The 12-30t Shimano Ultegra 6700 10 Speed Road Cassette looks like a good call.

I don't think I'd need a new a new rear derailler.with a 12-30t.

[g7jhp]

JPJPJP said:

I would aim for the cheapest sensible solution too

Once you start to edge towards the top of the very slippery and very steep slope of considering an upgrade from 10 to 11, it isn't very long at all before you will start to slide towards things like Di2 and whole new bikes!

Nothing wrong with that of course

Oh, I have looked at the new bike with 11 speed, Di2 etc but I want to see what sort few simple upgrades will do.

Plenty of time for another bike!

[g7jhp]

Ended up fitting the following:

Ultegra 12-30T Cassette
Ultegra Chain
105 Rear Derailleur (Med)
105 Front Chainrings 50T (as the existing one was sharp) & 34T (whilst I was refreshing)

The bike is now night and day better and so slick and quiet.

Nice to have the extra gear when climbing. Overall very pleased.

Thanks for all the recommendations!