thomas_r said:Thanks for helping me to clarify what I'm asking here...
Try this...
The bike WAS once a Allez Sport with what I assume to be Tiagra components since they say Tiagra on them. The frame cracked, and was replaced by Specialized with a 2004 Allez Elite frame, which I like quite a bit. All the components from the OLD frame were moved to the NEW frame.
OK. I'm about 90% sure that the '03 Sport and the '04 Elite frame have the same frame except for the paint. The '05 Elite is quite different.
The '03 Sport has (or had) Tiagra shifters and front derailleur. The rear derailleur is/was 105. The brake calipers and cranks are house brand. I own an '03 Allez Sport so I'm pretty familiar with the model.
Quoted post said:Over the past year, I've upgraded several of the components to 105 or Ultegra parts. So, the question: is it worth the cash to buy a new/upgraded BB and crank AND I'm assuming at this point new chain/cassette 'cause of the wear from the rust and junk. OR should I save the $$ and just replace the chainrings OR hold all the cash ride this in to the ground for the next couple of years and buy a whole new rust-free bike.
...and sorry for the double (now tripple) post it's late and I'm tired.
True, it's late. But I got a nap in so now I can stay up and watch Twilight Zone and the X-Files! 😄
Although the 105/Ultegra/DA 9 speed chainrings are 100% compatible with the Specialized house brand cranks, I would probably go ahead and spring for the new bottom bracket and complete crankset combo, especially if you have your own tools and are going to do the work yourself. The reason is I don't think the Specialized cranks are all that stiff. For recreational riding the house brand schmutz is fine, but I'm gradually dumping mine over time.
If you go with the 9 speed tripple Ultegra (6503) it shouldn't cost you any more than going 105 for the complete crankset because the new Ultegra 10 speed cranks with integrated splined BB is all the rage and is fairly expensive. The problem now is finding an Ultegra tripple. I managed to get one via the Nashbar returns section cheap and I noticed another one about a week after I bought mine so they do crop up from time to time. 105 tripples are readily available though and I can't tell any real difference between the two. I've held them both in my hands and any weight difference is imperceptible.
You can get an Octalink 5500 bottom bracket for $25 here...
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=73&subcategory=1096&brand=&sku=2885&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=
You'll want the 68x118.5 if you go with a tripple crank.
If you've considered going with a double instead of a tripple (I'm assuming where you live in Texas is pretty flat?) then now would be a good time to do it. A tripple front der can do double by proper adjustments of the limit screws. If you go double, then you'll want a 68x109.5 Octalink bottom bracket for either a 105 or Ultegra 9 speed crankset.
The chain may or may not need to be replaced. It's a question of wear/stretch more than miles. Here's an inexpensive Park chain checker that'll save a person a lot of grief when wondering if they're on the verge of trashing their drivetrain...
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=99&subcategory=1234&brand=&sku=11164&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=
Chains are too inexpensive to try and squeeze thousands of miles out of them at the cost of the cassette and chainrings. Just not worth it.
Considering you've already gone to the trouble to upgrade some of the components AND it's a brand new warranty replacement frame, I'd be inclined to keep it around for a while. If you replace the cranks, BB, cassette and chain you will virtually have a brand new bike. Those upgrades should run under $175 if you do them yourself. Unless this frame cracks it should last as long as a brand new bike.
