This post belongs to a series about the Ventoux:
- Maintenance 1 on the 2020-04-27
- Maintenance 2 on the 2020-07-14
- Maintenance 3 this post
- Maintenance 4 on the 2023-09-17
- Maintenance 5 on the 2024-10-13
After some years, the bike is really a good commuter and brings much joy. However, like every machine it needs maintenance. And this offers chances for better spare items. Especially, the Sora series from Shimano is cheap but show some clear weaknesses to cold, salt and water. They got rusty and not so pleasant to use, so today we need better:
- brakes
- derailleur
Like my famous Danish friend, who I quote frequently, says:
Who needs better products than a 105?
I must mention, he actually uses a SRAM derailleur, but let’s say he is right, the 105 are very nice products. I know them from my gravel and several years later they do work nicely.
Ordering
| Qty | Item No. | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SHI371053 | Shimano 105 BR-R7000 Brake Caliper - rear | 38.98 EUR |
| 1 | SSP527134 | Shimano Road Shift Cable Set - Stainless Steel | 9.74 EUR |
| 1 | SSP526727 | Shimano Brake Cable Set Road Stainless Steel | 11.69 EUR |
| 1 | SRA131571 | SRAM PowerGlide Chainring 130mm - 39 teeth | 16.56 EUR |
| 1 | SHI196481 | Shimano CS-HG400-9 Cassette 9-speed, Ratio/teeth: 11-25 | 24.36 EUR |
| 1 | KMC107578 | KMC X9 Chain - 9-speed - silver/grey | 14.61 EUR |
| 1 | SHI111662 | Shimano Deore RD-M592-SGS Shadow Rear | 38.98 EUR |
Replacements and upgrades
Receiving parcel
Transmission
Let’s change everything in the transmission to start on fresh good basis.
Chainring
Since SRAM and Shimano are compatible, I give a try to SRAM for the chainring. Looks light and neat.
Rear derailleur
Derailleur, I didn’t know what to get, I went for the Deore as I did 8,000 km with it on another bike and it stills work perfectly. The length of the derailleur, I picked a bit at random. Worth noting I am using a bottom-tube lever without indexing so I can pick a MTB derailleur without problem. Switching gear is done with some feeling, without precise intervals.
Cassette and chain
Chain was a KMC, recommended by the usual Danish friend[^1].
Rear Brake
The front brake will come later, installing the 105 was almost identical as the Sora, except the obvious quality differences as seen on the picture. Manipulating the spring and its tension also shows how cheap the Sora is.
Tires
Listening to some advice online, I tried the Continental 4 seasons. Very disappointing product that last actually 8 seasons. Expensive, I got multiple punctures, not great stuff. Pros were:
- Easy to un/mount (luckily with the numerous punctures)
- Safe under rain condition
Now using GP5000 and the first winter proved them to be safe, efficient and I got zero puncture.
Final result (for now)
[^1]. Of note, the KMC chain did a great job. Lasted one year but a rough winter season. Got worn up to 60%.