Do you ride a bike?

Then the sickness that you want to avoid is not COVID 19 but what we all refer to as UPGRADITIS. You can drink all the vitamins you want to be immune to this. But there is no cure. This will bite you especially if you now bike for the joy of it. Those who still bike to lose weight or as part of an exercise routine will have less symptoms of this – ITIS….

This on and off DIS-EASE happens when you feel that you have reached the peak of what your current bike configuration can give you. (At least that is what our monkey mind whispers to us, and what our wives keep telling us to ignore).

For context, I learned how to bike at age 14 and I actually recall biking from our house in Teachers’ Village to UP (only 8 km back and forth) up to my college days in 1986. Then for lack of opportunity, I stopped completely.

I only resumed biking last September 2022 as I got a bit tired of running in my work base of Clark. With its bike friendly environment, I finally overcame my excuse of higher risk of accident while biking vs. running.

And so I bought a foldable bike for 8k. That soon reached its limit. Then the next one was an MTB for 20k.

In only 1 month I realized that my entry level MTB kept me at 13 kph.

I cured my first attack of upgraditis with an entry level Specialized Diverge Gravel E5 last December.

And boom, I was at 18 to 20kph. I enjoyed riding more.

As of this writing (April 27 2023), 45 km became my new longest ride, close but not so close to my first milestone of a century ride.

The variety of routes and challenges have also increased. I have already biked in La Mesa dam trail, and even in the vehicle infested roads of EDSA, C-5 and the killer highway: Commonwealth Ave. I even booked a bike tour when I was in Melbourne last March. Bikng brings me joy and peace and health.

These are the Specialized Diverge E5 Base specs:

As I now prepare for my first duathlon at New Clark City: a 10km run, 40k bike, 5 km run, I am now evaluating if I will let the upgraditis be or enjoy the journey to become a better rider.

This is what Chat GPT knows about this:

My question: i am planning to replace the claris groupset on my gravel bike. pls. reply with the shimano line of groupset for bikes and indicate the price and the weight of each groupset. Start with the most expensive.

Chat GPT: As of my knowledge cutoff date in September 2021, I can provide you with an overview of the Shimano road and gravel bike groupsets, along with their approximate weight. Please note that prices can vary depending on the retailer, country, and specific components included in the groupset. It’s best to check with your local bike shop or online retailers for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.

Starting with the most expensive, Shimano road and gravel bike groupsets include:

1. Shimano Dura-Ace R9100 series (Road)

• Weight: Approximately 2,046 grams (mechanical), 2,036 grams (Di2 electronic)
• Price: Mechanical groupsets start around $2,000, while Di2 electronic groupsets start around $3,000.

2. Shimano Ultegra R8000 series (Road)

• Weight: Approximately 2,256 grams (mechanical), 2,273 grams (Di2 electronic)
• Price: Mechanical groupsets start around $1,200, while Di2 electronic groupsets start around $1,700.

3. Shimano GRX RX800 series (Gravel)

• Weight: Approximately 2,580 grams (mechanical), 2,600 grams (Di2 electronic)
• Price: Mechanical groupsets start around $1,100, while Di2 electronic groupsets start around $1,600.

4. Shimano 105 R7000 series (Road)

• Weight: Approximately 2,651 grams (mechanical)
• Price: Mechanical groupsets start around $600.

5. Shimano GRX RX600 series (Gravel)

• Weight: Approximately 2,740 grams (mechanical)
• Price: Mechanical groupsets start around $700.

6. Shimano Tiagra 4700 series (Road)

• Weight: Approximately 2,950 grams (mechanical)
• Price: Mechanical groupsets start around $500.

7. Shimano GRX RX400 series (Gravel)

• Weight: Approximately 3,005 grams (mechanical)
• Price: Mechanical groupsets start around $500.

8. Shimano Sora R3000 series (Road)

• Weight: Approximately 3,133 grams (mechanical)
• Price: Mechanical groupsets start around $300.

9. Shimano Claris R2000 series (Road)

• Weight: Approximately 3,313 grams (mechanical)
• Price: Mechanical groupsets start around $200.

Please note that the weights and prices are approximate and may not be entirely accurate at the time you are reading this. It is always best to consult with a local bike shop or online retailers for the most up-to-date information.

My question: is there a shimano claris for gravel

Chat GPT answer: While Shimano Claris is designed primarily for entry-level road bikes, it can be used on a gravel bike with some limitations. Shimano does not have a dedicated Claris groupset specifically for gravel bikes, but you can adapt the road components to work on a gravel bike, keeping in mind that the gearing range and tire clearance might not be optimized for off-road and mixed-terrain riding.

For a groupset that is specifically designed for gravel bikes, consider the Shimano GRX series, which is available in three different tiers (RX800, RX600, and RX400). The Shimano GRX groupsets offer features tailored to the demands of gravel and adventure cycling, such as wider gear ranges, enhanced braking performance, and improved ergonomics.

My question: aside from the weight and the price of the groupsets listed above, what other differences or advantages will each groupset provide.

Chat GPT answer: Each Shimano groupset tier offers differences in materials, construction, performance, and technology, which contribute to the overall riding experience. As you move up the tiers, you can expect improved shifting performance, better braking, increased durability, and lighter weight.

Here are some of the differences and advantages of each groupset:

1. Shimano Dura-Ace R9100 series (Road):

• Top-tier groupset offering the best performance, precision, and weight savings
• Carbon fiber and high-quality alloy construction for reduced weight and increased stiffness
• 11-speed drivetrain
• Fast, accurate, and smooth shifting
• Hydraulic disc brakes or rim brakes with improved modulation and power
• Di2 electronic shifting option available for even better shifting performance

2. Shimano Ultegra R8000 series (Road):

• Similar performance to Dura-Ace but slightly heavier and more affordable
• High-quality alloy construction
• 11-speed drivetrain
• Smooth and precise shifting
• Hydraulic disc brakes or rim brakes with great braking power and modulation
• Di2 electronic shifting option available

3. Shimano GRX RX800 series (Gravel):

• Top-tier gravel-specific groupset
• 11-speed drivetrain
• Clutch-equipped rear derailleur for better chain retention on rough terrain
• Optimized brake lever ergonomics for off-road use
• Hydraulic disc brakes with great modulation and stopping power
• Di2 electronic shifting option available

4. Shimano 105 R7000 series (Road):

• Good performance at a more affordable price point
• 11-speed drivetrain
• Smooth and reliable shifting
• Hydraulic disc brakes or rim brakes with good braking performance
• Primarily alloy construction

5. Shimano GRX RX600 series (Gravel):

• Mid-tier gravel-specific groupset
• 11-speed (RX600) or 10-speed (RX610) drivetrain options
• Clutch-equipped rear derailleur
• Optimized brake lever ergonomics for off-road use
• Hydraulic disc brakes

6. Shimano Tiagra 4700 series (Road):

• 10-speed drivetrain
• Consistent and reliable shifting performance
• Hydraulic disc brakes or rim brakes with decent braking performance
• Heavier than higher-tier groupsets due to more steel and less advanced materials

7. Shimano GRX RX400 series (Gravel):

• Entry-level gravel-specific groupset
• 10-speed drivetrain
• Clutch-equipped rear derailleur
• Optimized brake lever ergonomics for off-road use
• Hydraulic disc brakes

8. Shimano Sora R3000 series (Road):

• 9-speed drivetrain
• Reliable shifting, but less smooth compared to higher-tier groupsets
• Mechanical disc brakes or rim brakes with acceptable braking performance
• Heavier and less advanced materials than higher-tier groupsets

9. Shimano Claris R2000 series (Road):

• Entry-level groupset
• 8-speed drivetrain
• Basic but functional shifting performance
• Mechanical disc brakes or rim brakes with modest braking performance
• Heaviest groupset due to the use of steel and less advanced materials

As you move up in the groupset hierarchy, you can expect more advanced materials, better performance, lighter weight, and increased durability. However, the price also increases accordingly. Your choice will depend on your budget, riding goals, and personal preferences.

I now have the option to upgrade from Claris (#9 on list) to 105 Di 2 (#4 on list). Should I take the medicine or suffer the pain?

Somewhere down the road, I will have assembled this bike and my old bike as well. https://specialized.com.ph/collections/adventure-gravel-bikes/products/diverge-comp-e5-171308

Enjoy your Bike Journey with the Right Bike at the Right Time and Budget of course! And if you want to know why I do this, this is me!

Tara Bike!