I'm confused about this new bike set up

[ciao_bella]

I’m a little confused, because I’m not an expert about components. So I’d like to ask you ladies about this. I’m supposed to go to my LBS tomorrow so I’d appreciate some input soon.

Some of you may remember I posted a few weeks ago saying that I wanted to switch to a steel framed bike (too much road buzz on my aluminum Specialized Vita Comp). After researching, I narrowed my choices down to two options:

1.Buy a Surly Cross Check frame and swap out all my Shimano 105 & Shimano Tiagra components from my Specialized Vita Comp, to the Surly frame, and sell the Vita fame.
2.Buy a Jamis Coda Femme, and then upgrade the components from what comes standard on it.

I test rode the Jamis Coda Femme and loved it. The owner of the LBS and I talked about how best to upgrade it. A few days later he called me to tell me that through a “scratch and dent” sale, he could get the complete component set from a brand new 2009 Jamis Coda Elite, and swap all the components, tires, handlebars, seat post, gearing, everything, from the Coda Elite to the Jamis Coda Femme. (With one exception, I did NOT want the disc brakes that come standard with the 2009 Coda Elite.) So I decided to go that route, and went into the shop to pay 50% down giving the green light to go ahead with the swap.

The 2009 Jamis Coda Elite components specifications are as follows:
Wheels: Mavic CXP-22 alloy double-wall
Headset: Ritchey LB Aheadset
Tires: Vittoria Zaffiro, 700 x 28c
Rear Deraileur: Shimano New Deore XT M771
Front Deraileur: Shimano R453-A bottom pull
Shifters: Shimano SL-R440 for flat-bar 27-speed
Chain: Shimano CN-HG73
Cassette: SRAM PowerGlide 950, 9-speed, 11-32
Crankset: FSA Vero Triple with Power Drive, 50/39/30
Pedals: Crank Brothers Smarty clipless
Handlebars: Ritchey Comp flat bar, 6061 T-6, 5D bend x 580mm wide
Stem: NVO Components adjustable threadless system (ATS) aluminum stem
Seatpost: Suspension, 45mm travel, 350mm x 27.2mm, alloy clamp with QR seatpin

Today, the LBS owner called me to tell me that the bike build was complete. He said there was an unexpected change, that will actually turn out to be better for me. He said Jamis accidently sent the wrong handlebar (the one that goes with the Jamis Allegro) and the handlebar they sent had a 10 speed shifter with it. So, he installed a 10 speed Shimano 105 Cassette instead (50/39/30), along with a Shimano 105 Crank, and Shimano 105 chain. So I went from a 9 speed set up to a ten speed set up, same price as before. He still put the Shimano Deore XT rear derailleur on my bike. I forgot to specifically ask about the front derailleur, but I think he said the whole drive train was Shimano 105 with the exception of the rear derailleur. He said it shifts “buttery smooth”.

I’ve never had a 10 speed bike (30 gears) before, so It’s actually more than I probably need. Also, I don’t know how to compare some of the drive train components from what I originally was getting to what I ended up getting?

Am I getting a comparable deal with this new set up compared to the 9 speed set up (Coda Elite) that I originally paid for?

Ciao

[indysteel]

The 105 components he swapped out are definitely better that what you originally paid for. And 30 gears versus the 27 you were otherwise going to get is not that big of a difference. More is generally better. Do you happen to know the spread on the cassette that he ended up using?

Sounds like a nice bike! Enjoy!

[ciao_bella]

Thanks for the feedback Indy. I was a little nervous after I got off the phone with my LBS guy today when he told me about the changes.

As for the spread on the cassette, I'll have to call him back and ask.

Ciao

[indysteel]

If the cassette is as wide as the one he was originally going to use, you will appreciate the extra gears of the 10 speed. They'll make for a few smaller jumps between your gears. So it'll be easier to find just the right gear.

[Catrin]

Congratulations on your new bike! I am interested in hearing what you think of the ride, how she responds in the hills, what you think of the weight. It sounds like you have a sweet ride - and what a nice upgrade on the components!

[ciao_bella]

Ok, the "spread" on the cassette I'm getting is 12-25 (which is exactly the same cassette spread I have on my Vita Comp). The cassette that I originally was going to get with the Coda Elite 9 speed package was 12-32.

I realize the 12-32 would be better for hills, but here in Michigan, it's mostly flat with some mild hills. I don't have to contend with the kind of hills some of you ladies do in the Colorado or San Francisco areas (thank you God!).

I'm going to the LBS to pick up my bike this afternoon. We're expecting a snow storm here this evening, so I won't have a chance to ride my new bike for quite some time.

Ciao

[arielmoon]

Be sure and post a picture!!

[indysteel]

I live in central Indiana, and a triple with a 12-25 is my preferred set up, too. Have a blast with your new bike. Jamis makes nice bikes (I have the Aurora myself). Too bad this weather is going to prevent a test ride.

[Cataboo]

You're getting a great deal on the setup since you paid for 9 speed.

I prefer the 10 speed shifters to 9 speed.

[WindingRoad]

I'd say that is quite an upgrade the LBS gave you for minimal cost.

[ciao_bella]

I did end up picking up the upgraded 2011 Jamis Coda. But, I haven't been able to take it for a ride due to the weather. It's frustrating for me to have to wait until spring to really "get to know" my new bike.

As for pictures, I don't have any yet, I'll try to post some soon.

Thanks for asking!

Ciao