Why I'm Ditching Dura-Ace For Mechanical 105

Join Alex as he trades Shimano's top-tier Dura-Ace groupset on his favourite bike for the practical and affordable Shimano Mechanical 105! Why is he making this unconventional switch? Join Alex to find out!
Replacing the Shimano Dura-ace groupset for the Shimano 105 0:00
Why this upgrade? 0:55
Taking the bike apart 3:14
Adapting the cassette 5:44
The finished bike (after) 6:18
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How would you go about upgrading this bike? 🔥
Let us know in the comments down below! 💬
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[@gcntech]

How would you go about upgrading this bike? 🔥 Let us know in the comments down below! 💬

[@branislavtrninic4505]

Why bother?

[@charlesmansplaining]

As far as fitting the cassette, I've had to make that modification once but then there are one piece cassette offerings out there that would work with Shimano. Not really cheap but they would get the job done.

[@paulcollingridge8387]

My favourite..... From the 80s Shimano 600... Maybe you are too young to remember! It looks so minimalist compared to today's offering, matching those skinny Reynolds tubes of the day. So pretty!

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

Drilled out cassette, like the good old thymes, leave some shavings it's the star mechanic secret sauce 😂

[@brianrichards350]

I did the swap from 10 to 11 on my 2016 Felt. Took the washer between locknut and cone from the left side and moved to the right.That shifted the hub enough for 11 speed cassette. Then touch up the dish on the wheel.

[@Joshuavoice29]

Yeah, the new Di2 105 can no longer be called the groupset of the people. Not at that price.

[@fib621]

I hope that Sensah or Ltwoo keeps upping their game so that Shimano and other big companies will be forced to keep their prices down.

[@BurndTire]

I found Merida Reacto 6000 w/ 105 di2 that’s about $400 pricier than 4000 w/ 105 mechanical. In total Reacto 6000 is ~$2500 because it’s 20% off. Do you think it’s worth the price to get the 6000 over the 4000?

[@FlourescentPotato]

When Tiagra goes 11 speed, there will honestly be no discussion. It will 100% take over.

[@SimonHBS]

@@FlourescentPotatoThere will be no more Tiagra. It's CUES from now on. The top version will be 11-speed - however it's uncertain if there will be a cable brake version.

[@mericanignoranc3551]

Cycling for...menial gains. Cliplesss pedals(are silly)= Don't help the average rider and professionals get a menial gain.

[@aidanmouellic5919]

The light shifting of those Dura-Ace shifters was sublime. That was peak mechanical Dura-Ace.

[@l.d.t.6327]

R9100 hs the lightest, crispiest, cleanest shift I ever experienced in mechanical shifting. You don't even need to push with a finger to upshift: just have your hands on the shifters and move your hand slightly inwards to push the brake / shift lever.

[@philchevrier]

Still have it on one of my bikes. Amazing

[@ElRealista.]

Can It be use the 9100 rear derailleur with 105 Shifters?

[@davezzzz172]

Yes, I have (very) old Dura-Ace mech. shifters. They shift smoothly and reliably -- and you don't need to remember to keep the battery charged!

[@ChrisCapoccia]

you need brown bar tape to match the saddle, plus you'll get the bonus of hiding a little dirt

[@gcntech]

Very suspicious use of "hiding a little dirt" 🤣

[@thetriumphsprint]

Yep. My thought too. Tan sounds better than brown. Suitable then for the pedal version of the Distinguished Gentlemen's Ride.

[@ChrisCapoccia]

@@thetriumphsprint tan/brown whatever. My point was that you can use the same handler tape color as the accent color of the saddle and it would look like you picked the color on purpose instead of having only some random accent in a different color

[@peterharrington8709]

LOL the 'Magical Spares Cupboard'! Owned it! 😄 👊

[@TomRucero]

You could've just use a HG700 11-34 cassette as it's compatible with 10speed freehubs

[@dzbanki]

today i learned

[@michaelmappin4425]

Yep, I did exactly that. 🎉

[@Adonis-qj1nq]

It can work on some hubs, but on others there might be an issue with the clearance to the spokes.

[@billkallas1762]

Most people don't live in the mountains.

[@michaelmappin4425]

@@Adonis-qj1nq I suppose it's possible, but I've had success on several different wheels.

[@Alan_Hans__]

I'd have the brown seat over the white bar tape every day of the week.

[@gcntech]

oooh, controversy! 😜

[@paulwatson9644]

@@gcntech get brown cork tape for handlebars, keep brown seat.... sorted !!!

[@taxi9554]

Well…you say you have it, but it does not mean you like or love it, right? 😂

[@matt_m126]

White bar tape usually turns brown eventually, so Alex saved a step. 🤷‍♂️

[@LloydGoldsteinMusic]

I am the grateful owner of a 2003 Trek 5900 USPS Lance Armstrong bike very similar to yours. I bought mine in near perfect original condition for $600 US. We upgraded the bars to a shorter, shallower bar and installed new Sora shifters. I am super comfortable and very happy with this bike. I am still using the original wheels with Continental GP5000 tires. Thank you for sharing yours!

[@gcntech]

Awesome! These old race bikes are great fun 🙌 You don't need to spend loads to get a great bike 👌

[@durianriders]

the 7800 shifters would still work fine. Just spray some WD40 in the cable port and click them thru over and over until they start shifting again.

[@_Mountain_Dave]

solid tyre choice, been really happy since switching to these, best grip and great all rounder on the road

[@thomaskositzki9424]

Why the Sora shifters? They are much rougher in quality, what a downgrade. 😳

[@samteenoise]

This is amazing, two years ago I bought a used Trek SL1000 from 2007, and by looking at how to paint my own bike I found this channel. While I was at it, I changed some parts to make it eventually compatible with an R7000 105. 5 Months ago, I bought every part, and finished upgrading the groupset around February. Funny enough, I didn't get the standard 105, and looked everywhere for the silver version, now I see you went for the same groupset! What are the odds. I might send you the picture of my finished bike for the next GCN Tech video and see if I can get in the Bike Vault!

[@jimlanave8000]

I’ve got a ‘99 Trek 5200 that I upgraded from 9-speed Triple Ultegra to 10-speed 105 and love it. Nice work!

[@carlossaavedra3114]

Dear Alex: mate good on you for not only addressing but also owning the whole “crankset” kerfuffle. Speaks loud and clear to those of us who can dish it out but also take it. Awesome build and is only getting better. Love your work! 👍👍

[@gcntech]

Thanks Carlos 🙌 We think you'll agree... Alex has a smashing bike here 👌

[@paulobarrameda7507]

i'd choose this bike over a disc-brake superbike any day of the week ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@dlbutler]

Why choose? Own both, and ride the one that fits your mood!

[@gcntech]

There is something special about these bikes 👌

[@SMlFFY85]

@@dlbutler Okay, Richie Rich

[@dlbutler]

@@SMlFFY85 Had to like your comment. I'm retired, and I realized the other day that when I shop for food, I don't have to pay close attention to the cost. (Yet. There's always a "yet.") I built an '05 LeMond Tete de Course over a period of months, as budget and component availability allowed, and I do have a modern BMC to ride as well, so I am able to enjoy a couple of different experiences for a while yet. Again, "yet."

[@markbooth6745]

You won't have a problem Alex ,its the rider not the bike. As long as you got it set up right. 😃👍

[@atlantaswelder]

As an older bike owner i love it. 2x10 speed 105 is all humanity needs. I couldn't source a shifter lever so i went with a Tiagra the newer upgrades are supper nice. I think a video about all the small changes and improvements that went into the hoods would be interesting. Do you think we could interview any Shimano engineers?

[@stephensmith2820]

Tiagra 10 speed has a different cable pull. It will not work well with a 10 speed 105 rear derailleur.

[@fluffyboom6302]

Have you thought of Brown bar tape? I think it would tie in better especially since a white seat would provide proof of a soiling situation.

[@gcntech]

Alex has his own style 🤣

[@jimking4318]

I appreciate the effort to bring cycling tech back down to earth. Thanks for the video!

[@unixnerd23]

I have that 10 speed Dura-Ace groupset and it shifts better than anything else I've tried.

[@gcntech]

Would you ever give electronic shifting a try?

[@unixnerd23]

@@gcntech Probably. Love the new wireless tech.

[@Cram3rMKE]

That's because this 10-sp gen was the peak.

[@unixnerd23]

@@Cram3rMKE Totally! I have the later 10 speed Ulterga with the hidden cables and it's not a patch on the older Dura-Ace.

[@the.communist]

@@gcntech fuck electronic shifting

[@jefffixesit60]

You're singing my song! I'm 69, still tinkering and improving whenever possible. I love the idea of wringing another lifetime from vintage frames whenever possible, something I've been doing for decades. I'm putting the final touches on a 1982 Miyata Three Ten, upgraded to 9spd Ultegra 6503 triple. It started with 27" wheels (630mm bead diameter), so it can now accommodate up to 700c×35 tires. I'll be watching for the race results on your new old bike! Keep those spare parts, they're golden!😁

[@martynfairclough5013]

Your spares cupboard is well lit alex😂😂😂😂😂

[@adadinthelifeofacyclist]

Probably got cctv on it too! 🤣🤣

[@JohnHansen-by1ps]

You' re moving in the right direction - doesn' have to be newer or more expensive. I always think back on Graeme Obree and his approach to bikes!

[@R20VT100M]

I upgraded my bike to R7000 too. It was a cheap upgrade and it shifts perfectly! That generation 105 is definitely the group set of the people. All my road bikes have been 105 :D

[@michaelmappin4425]

I just did this exact thing to my son's older Cannondale. The thing is, the price difference between 105 and Ultegra was so little, 105 made no sense. You could have washed my car, and I'd have paid for your Ultegra upgrade.

[@cuebj]

True. Hence my 2007 Cannondale SystemSix has Ultegra. But I should have resisted the second hand price of my Roubaix Elite with Ultegra 2018 and gone with plan A: aluminium with 105 and preferable new, which would have had wider rims for wider tyres

[@godlikecat]

how much did you spend on it? and was it second hand?

[@michaelmappin4425]

@godlikecat $540 For new Ultegra 8000 front/rear derailleurs, HG800 cassette, new Dura Ace shifter and brake cables, 2 GP 5000 28mm tires, new Ebay Cannondale One 50/34 crank. I already had a Dura Ace 11speed chain, Ultegra 6800 brakes, and shifters off another bike. I sold all the old components off the Cannondale on Ebay, earning back $490.

[@benturp3492]

Yea but think about the long term. When things start to wear out you be wishing you went 105! 😂

[@tommaguzzi1723]

I've used 105 for the last 25 years. They relatively cheap, easy set up and very reliable. I have never been a racer and saving half a kilo is not important when i am usually 5 or 10 kilos over wieght myself.

[@josemanuelrodriguezrodrigu5725]

Great video Alex 😊. Regards from Spain. I don't like modern bikes, so I like this kind of videos so much. I want to see you in the race, making justice to the bike, good luck! 🙌🏻💪🏻😊

[@gcntech]

We love all bikes 🙌 Alex built up a great budget Crit bike and raced it here 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJWmenipnbyokKc

[@josemanuelrodriguezrodrigu5725]

@@gcntech I already saw it. Anyway, thank you very much 😊

[@hucklejoko4838]

Andy owning up to that inside joke about the cranks really makes this a more fun video! Great bike!

[@gcntech]

Two GCN inside jokes in one here 🤣

[@jeleyman]

i did the Shimano upgrade from 10sp to 11sp as well. The 10sp freehub was 2012...right before they started making the 10/11 compatible freehub. Had to order a 11sp freehub from another country (Spain) and it sat in US customs for a week, but ended up being SUPER worth it. (as I don't have a machinist buddy)

[@n22pdf]

Love this series 😊 nice build and good reasoning to swap out to R7000 looking awesome ❤ well done Alex.. 🚴🏻👍😃 Pete

[@davidroberts6766]

After using a quite heavy hybrid for a decade, this 60 year old gave myself as an upgrade to a new Cannondale Quick 1, with mostly Shimano 105 components, 2XL, this spring. I am loving the groupset of the people! I am looking forward to enjoying it over our short Canadian summer/autumn to come! So fun!

[@matt_m126]

I ran into the same 11spd snag when trying to upgrade my Claris gravel bike to 105. I learned about 11spd road hubs that day. I returned everything and went with GRX 2x10. Tiagra level, but surprisingly smooth. I have another bike with R7000 mechanical, and other than the smaller gear gaps, I barely notice a difference.

[@MandyH1972]

I have a full silver 5800 105 groupset still boxed and ready to go onto a custom built steel frame. I also have had the same groupset on a Dolan Ares since 2015.

[@andrewallan3592]

bar tape the same colour as the seat, brown leather.

[@yosacfc]

Very nice! I loved the bikeshop with a lathe 😊

[@gcntech]

Alex loves having Tom Sturdy down the road! If you need more from Tom this video might help 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHPEpXuZjdJpeJI

[@rorykane4719]

did the exact same for a trek sl 1000 TDF earlier in the year. Absolutely the best thing I could've done.

[@markahles1580]

Good idea on the upgrades! As a result of your video, I am doing the same. DA 7800 to R7000 11 speed. Just ordered the parts and under $300. Cheers!

[@christosandreev6392]

Great video Alex. Thanks for keeping it real. How much of a weight gain was going from dura ace to 105?

[@PhilippHofmann28]

Great Video. Love the Joy in it. ❤

[@Southerncyclist]

My buddy has a 2012 GT, we put the R7000 group set on it. He loves it. He also has a R9000 crank with power meter. Money well spent. Crank was used. Added the 4iiii power to it.

[@jackconey1764]

Great video Alex! I wish I could get away with upgrading my bike at work 😆

[@davidbee8178]

The good : NICE bike colour. Brown seat goes well with the blue. WHITE bar tape super impractical. The bad : the red rims just CLASH - enjoy riding it !!!

[@gcntech]

There is something fun about all those colours though 😉 Alex watching the fire in the comments 😈

[@davidbee8178]

@@gcntech For SURE LOL

[@BicyclesandBurnouts]

I love it! I personally would have attempted to just replace the shifters and cassette, but it looks great how you did it. The bars will make a huge difference as well

[@yogicycle1]

Nicely executed upgrade in keeping with the Trek. I do think you’ve found a problem that didn’t need solving. Brake power same. 1 gear ratio more is not worth £300 IMO. Gorgeous though the 7800 chain set is; this would have been the area to change adding a a semi compact or compact. Lastly the 7800 Trek originally is everything so to 7000 105 has just reduced re-sale value. I’ve got a 5.2 Madone - 9 speed ultegra is fine. Just snagged a 5.5 with 7800 DA for my son. we won’t be swapping it out Enjoy the retro speed ! Thanks for your work on the channel Alex

[@brettcalvert9972]

Converted my Trek Domane from 10sp to 11sp R7000 105, cw compact crank. A Sunrace 11sp cassette will fit onto a 10sp hub as it comes with a spacer. Runs well and I now have lower gearing for the hills.

[@indiebikes]

You glossed over how difficult it is to get cables through those PRO Vibe aero bars! I’ve got some and it’s really hard, even using the Park cable routing kit! They do look good though!

[@user-ye8dn1rc2v]

Love the brown saddle, it compliments the blue frame and the white bars!

[@Lambo.18]

I ride a 105 R7000 and I love it, can’t say I blame you for the switch

[@darrylhuculak4996]

While somewhat controversial I had your back in defending the choices you made (even machining out the back of your cassette). Then I saw the white bar tape and said "Alex, you're on your own."

[@truthseeker8483]

😁

[@wuzihuzi]

So cool Alex. Pretty similar to what I did with my first road bike. I had an old felt F4 with ultegra and dura ace but put R7000 on it for the reason of the gear cable sticking out from the hoods. That bike and those components has now become a 2015 propel with the same pro vibe bars. I guess it's not the same bike anymore 🤔😂

[@martinbichler7089]

Great update and decision. Disagree with the white bar tape, though, did GCN get a box of those from the supplier for all future builds and videos 😅

[@lazybuilder]

Alex is awesome! Rim brake bikes will become like vinyl records and never die.

[@jamespither8354]

I had the Trek Madone for £500 on GCN tech 285 bike vault. I change mine for Ultegra R8000 for similar reasons, part modern but still with some elements harming back to its retro beginnings. Lovely.

[@andreirlmeier]

Alex I’m with you , great footage again

[@gcntech]

Great to hear you enjoyed it 🙌

[@gmadruga]

BEAUTIFUL brown saddle + white bartape!!!

[@shoff535]

Nice upgrade! I’ve been considering Chorus as an option to my well worn SR, I think the 105 was a good choice. I’m a big fan of the brown saddle, very classy and very classic! However, you can’t beat the clean look of a white saddle. Tough call😊

[@iansingleton]

Love the bike Alex. Totally into the 105 setup. As for the saddle! Yeh it's a big clash, brown and blue is always difficult, you gotta get the right shades. Go for the white, it'll do the bike proud! Pointless having something on there that draws the eye negatively when the rest of the bike bike is so good!

[@thalassobiote]

Did a group set upgrade on my Madone 6.9 red dot and really have the feeling of her being pretty in line with modern bikes (except aerodynamics)

[@DaJuiceBox35]

It took me a while to find the polished 105 shifters. The silver just looks epic.

[@barriem5318]

I have Dura Ace 9 spd and it's still amazing. I also have ultegra di2 and electronic shifting is also amazing. The DA crank is a work of art compared to modern shimano crank tho.

[@ahnilatedahnilated7703]

I went for a 105 group set on my TCR. I just didn't want to have to change even more batteries for the shifting. Price was another consideration.

[@sless6928]

I recently upgraded from a 15 year old aluminium/carbon frame Giant TCR with mechanical groupset, rim brakes, cheap alloy wheels with tubes to a new TCR Di2 full carbon frame, carbon wheels, disc brakes, tubeless tyres. The weight difference is less than 500g and my Strava times are practically the same. All that new tech and the difference is marginal.

[@00100Matt]

saddle and bar tape color look great together, keep it!

[@Morehills840]

Very nice, can't wait until you race with it.

[@chrisko6439]

Did the machining too, works perfectly.

[@gcntech]

Did you do it yourself? 😵‍💫

[@paulgordon7526]

Great Video Alex! you can't go wrong with the group set of the People :-)

[@idodekkers9165]

@gcntech would (technically) just replacing the HUD, cassette and chain work as well? do you technically need to replace the brakes, and front/rear derailleur?

[@alanthew6490]

I’ve taken my sram wireless group set off my Cervelo R5 VWD (2012) with 11 speed Ultegra. Very happy with the change…

[@adjusted-bunny]

I am on a Tiagra 3x10. It's a beast and unbeatable on steep passes.

[@sasha371]

that PRO handlebar is amazing! I'm using the same on my track bike. Really good ergonomics and yes, a bit too expensive for the alloy bars

[@faderblock]

nice decision sir alex. it was tough decision at first but would be a long term no regret after.

[@joseignaciotoledonavarro4154]

this video finally convinced me to replace my faulty 105 5500 for a R7000 in silver as well - money is tight but damn its just a pain not being able to enjoy the season start and fearing for dear life when commuting

[@DalstonVinyl]

Nice work...on the contentious issue of the finishing kit, I strongly feel BROWN handlebar tape (ideally a close tonal match to the saddle), would look incredibly smart and distinctive! Cheers.

[@gcntech]

This saddle and bar tape choice is really messing people up 🤣

[@doublejumpvideogames....]

Finally realised theres still a market for 105 and rim brakes...

[@InfernoVolatil]

A lot, lt moves a lot of money

[@gcntech]

We love rim brakes... and we certainly love 105 🙌 It's a great bit of kit 👌

[@JohnPilling25]

I have 105 mechanical group set on 2x10 On my Raleigh Aérolite with 105 rim brakes. (All silver of course) front ring is 46/30 rear is 11-42. I have a wolf tooth goat link. At my age I need the lower gears to get up the really steep hills we have here in the IoM. And yes the 46/30 does fit the 110bcd 5 arm cranks.

[@sherlockholmes8735]

Great video Archibald! Are you trolling us with the return of handlebars? 😂

[@tomrachellesfirstdance7843]

You should get some of ag2rs bib shorts from last year to go with the saddle, embrace the brown

[@gcntech]

👌

[@casualguy393]

Hope your R7000 right brifter lasts longer than mine. A small plastic piece broke inside mine, resulting in receiving a replacement that took ages to apply for and get, only to have it happen again a short while later. I dumped the whole groupset, and switched to SRAM Force AXS.

[@adjusted-bunny]

Great upgrade, great bike! White saddle might be the cherry on top.

[@nellyx1x493]

The biggest shame is that they don't make Duraace mechanical anymore, if they did I'd be all over it like a dirty rash. No interest in unnecessary batteries and motors on a bicycle. The finish on the DA stuff, especially the older stuff is a step above. I'd have been tempted to keep the older groupo....one of the best ever made, and the external cables made for the slickest shifting, it got worse after that. Surely the older DA is quite a chunk lighter than new 105?... and no, the extra cogs are never worth it for their own sake... the right ratio spread on 10spd was always fine enough.

[@sherab2078]

Great machine! I belong to those few who actually liked the brown saddle. Though I agree the white one would look better with the white bar tape.

[@Daniel-yf9iy]

I wish component companies would go back to polished components again.😕

[@jameslee-pevenhull5087]

I went to marshal at my club's TT on Thursday evening. I went on a 1989 531 Tom Crowther with Campag Athena. Down Tube Levers. I was the only one there with Campagnolo. I was the only one there riding on tubs. :-) A competitor with Di2 had a failure. The rear mech stopped working. He was a DNS. Solihull CC K25/7.5.

[@Nwrig004]

Finally a video nested in reason!! Mechanical 105 is A Tier only bested by Ultergra which given the delaminating cranks puts it A Tier as well. Mechanical 12 speed 105 is the only group 99% of us need. Tigard would also suit 99% of riders but it need to at least be updated to 11 speed.

[@tomadevil1]

Everyone needs a friend like Tom. 😊

[@sventice]

Beautiful setup. I'm still a huge fan of mechanical 105. I would agree with the majority, though, that the brown saddle isn't a good match to the rest of the bike.

[@rudolphpyatt4833]

Very nice, even the white bar tape/brown saddle.

[@ddingo48]

Finished a R7000 105 upgrade on my 1980 steel frame, (it's comfortable), about two years ago. Quiet happy with the results. The frame has no braze ons so stops/mounts have to be clamped.

[@deanb61]

I did something similar, not a road bike, but an old TT bike. Based on a Giant TCR with 10 speed Dura Ace. I did however also replace the crankset as I wanted 165 cranks. I also went for an Ultegra rear Derailleur just coz I though it look good. Like you I left the brakes, as they stop the bike just fine.

[@davidadamus177]

Hi Alex, thanks for the video! Is this your daily driver?

[@jacobg1988]

Welcome back on (down to) earth! :)

[@HappyBanz]

Omg, I have that bike! Since 2010 or so. Mine is 105, 3x9 setup

[@reinholdachleitner2069]

Shimano R7000 11sp looks awesome in silver,it will definitely suit the Trek better.💯👌🏻🚴‍♂️💪🏻

[@charlesblithfield6182]

Interesting conversion. I agree the groupo will be a classic. What’s the maximum tire clearance you can get through those rim brakes?

[@Bobby-wn5yr]

I did this upgrade from Claris a bit ago, fantastic upgrade, although it turned out my rear brake was long reach for some reason so no 105 for the back. Still braking power on the rear isn’t that important lol

[@brookes79]

Ive got bikes with Ultegra R8000, 105 R7000 & Tiagra 4700 & there isnt a lot in it, Tiagra set up well is a great groupset (only slight negative is its 10 speed, but that missing sprocket is only the 13t one & 12t to 14t is fine).

[@philippannawitt3606]

Have to say though, 11 speed mechanical Ultegra can now be bought for under 600 EUR, so that is groupset of the people territory as well. Fitted one to my Ritchie steel racer and absolutely love it

[@kurtallen8837]

Impressive video. Will be interesting how it will stack up to modern 105 bikes What was the weight before the change to 105 .. 11 speed ?

[@robertmcfadyen9156]

The narrow handlebar at 4:20 is spreading in my location but puts more load on the wrists for steering during longer rides meaning more fatigue .

[@G60syncro]

I'm on board with all others saying brown bar tape!! I've put a brown Brooks saddle with matching brown tape on my Focus CX and everyone comments on it... It's a cool throwback vibe on a modern bike and it adds a touch of class fit for a fancy sports car! Do it!!

[@johne7100]

Well done: that is a beautiful bike, brown saddle and all. The white bar-tape is fine if you can keep your gloves clean and cover it in cling wrap in the workshop. It does look a bit retro, but it has the insouciant grace that a lot of current I'm-ever-so-serious bikes lack. But please, don't knock side-exiting cables. On long-distance rides they were great for resting your thumbs on - it was a sort-of stretching exercise - and it really made your hands feel better on a long stage. And on one multi-day brevet a chum dried his newly-washed socks on them, clothes-pegs and all.

[@truthseeker8483]

😁

[@billyrose3570]

I’ve got an oclv 5200 that I somehow got for £20, pieced together a 105 groupset from spares and eBay and some Mavic alloy wheels. About £200 all in and a great bike

[@timclark5492]

You did exactly what I did to my 2013 Scott Foil, slap a nice set of 38cm alloy handlebars with a slight flare to replace the 42cm it came with and the whole bike feels super modern and is super competitive in my local Crit races

[@chrisscott8362]

I love the look of a modern groupset in chrome 👍. Never seen that option before and hope it is generally available from Shimano. Super Nice. The bike wants a white saddle. How about you paint that one? It would make a good tech video - i used Angelus leather paint and sealer in the past.

[@yonglingng5640]

Silver 105 groupsets are rare, I've only seen a silver 5800 in-person once (originally equipped on a Genesis Equilibrium), never for the R7000.