Subject: Re: Specialized Allez 8 to 10 speed Posted by: Al on August 15, 2006 at 06:46:20: In Reply to: Re: Specialized Allez 8 to 10 speed posted by steve on August 14, 2006 at 19:47:31:

Message: >>Is it possible to upgrade a Specialized Allez with Tiagra rear derailleur and remaining components being Tiagra to a 10 speed? >>What are the minimum components necessary to complete the transition? Would an Ultegra cassette, chain and right shifter get the job done or would more or less components be adviseable? >In theory you should be able to get by with cassette right shifter and chain. Your possible problem areas would be front chainrings, depending on what type they are, and rear der. Personaly I would at least try to get a 10spd 105 der. But you probably don't have to. The other thing to remember is that all 10spd shifters are shaped differently than the 9 or 8spd so you would have a different shaped shifter on the right, which would probably not be very comfortable. I don't want to dissuade you from making the conversion because I think it is great whenever someone is willing to work on his/her own bike -- maintenance OR upgrade. But, having said that, there probably is ZERO benefit with a lot of potential headache -- the 10-speed chain is thinner and apparently lasts only 1500 to 2500 miles. A 9-speed chain certainly gets close to double that under ideal conditions. And, an 8-speed chain (if maintained) can probably be used a little bit longer. So, not only would you be paying more for chains, you would be doing so on a more frequent basis! IMO (so, just take it as unsolicited advice), the principle reason to consider upgrading is because you're having significant problems with your current shifters AND they have about 10,000 miles of use on them ... but, if you are having problems with your current shifters (presuming they aren't actually broken & non-functioning), the problem can often be remedied with new cables + new cable housing.