Advice on cranksets etc...

[NICKSMITH]

Been away far too long.
Starting to ride again had a terrible cpl of years but back on the bike again.
Need advise please.
I currently have a Bianchi 928. i need to replace the drive train, it has a Gossamer fsa 9 speed. 34-50t.
i am having difficulty finding a replacement,would like to keep the compact or maybe move to a semi compact. can i up grade to a 10 speed? maybe a different maker.
it has the Mega EXO BB.
All advise greatly welcomed.

[Phil H]

To go to 10 speed you'll need new shifters, cassette, chain. Wheels ought to be OK although there may be an issue if you want an 11T sprocket. Presumably you know that Shimano and SRAM use the same freehub design and Campag use a different one. Apparently Shimano 11 speed needs different wheels (dishing, freehub).

Are you on good terms with GB's staff? They should be able to advise specifics.

If you find a compact too easy then try one of these:
[img]http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/imageBank/n/nick-bowdler-2.jpg[/img]

[Andrew G]

You could just replace worn chain rings, and cassette and chain if required, which will probably be the case, maybe bottom bracket too.
If you can afford to a switch to 10 speed would be better and cheaper in the long run for future maintenance replacements.
If you are having to replace the above anyway then the main cost will be the shifters. Check GBs for chainset bargains as you can pick up "old" kit cheap. I've got square taper Campag Record chainsets for £70 which is about the cost of a 53 ring alone. I prefer them anyway as I think the bearings on the BB are far better than on external BBs.
Apart from sweet talking GBs check out eBay, a number of shops use it for selling new but old stock they need to clear.

[Jon H]

If you don't want the expense of a full upgrade to 10 speed, a "10 speed" chainset will work fine with a 9 speed chain.

[NICKSMITH]

have ordered new chainrings, chain and cassette.

Thanks