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I've been converting my hybrid from flat bar to drop bar as it was a bit too small for me and I wanted to increase the reach. I'm now wanting to change the Alivio front mech and cheap FSA square taper trekking chainset to something else. Merlin are selling the Truvativ Elita triple with GXP bottom bracket for £40, which seems very cheap. I have read that the GXP BB is about as durable as a chocolate fire guard, is this the case when used on road too?
Does anyone have experience with the Elita chainset and rings? Or know how it compares to Shimano chainsets (Tiagra or 105)? I was going to get a Tiagra triple from Ribble, but if the Elita is comparable I would go for that instead.
I had an Elita triple on my Kona Dr Dew hybrid. In the first year I had 8 BBs and 3 full replacement chain sets including BBs on warranty. After the 12 months were up I replaced it with a Hope SS BB and a Race Face Cadence CX chain set. That's been on the bike for 6 years without an issue.
The crank arms would either become loose on the non-drive side and chew up the splines or the drive side arm would become loose on the spindle. No matter who would fit it, it would end up the same. I had a big pile of barely used chainrings due to the fact the cranks would brake before the soft cheese rings.
My advice would be to spend the extra on some Shimano or Race Face.
I had an elita double on my voodoo, tbh it was fine- I hate SRAM BBs with a passion but it doesn't seem to be such an issue on the road as it is on an mtb where they're just not fit for purpose IME. Other'n that, seemed perfectly good, lighter than 105 IIRC and certainly less ugly.
Thanks for the responses. I agree that the Elita does look nicer than the Tiagra and 105, the low weight and price are tempting, but BigBlackShed's experience is off putting! I think Shimano may be the way to go for me.
IMO they should just take GXP BBs directly from the factory to landfill and cut out the middleman. YMMV.
And bear in mind gxp bottom brackets aren't the same diameter as shimano or hopes so you can't just swap in a new BB (though hope do do a converter kit).
I was changing my gxp BB at least 6 monthly.
There's not much love for the GPX bottom brackets then. As the BB seems to be a common weak point, and they're more expensive than the Shimano BBs the Tiagra triple is making more sense now. I'll probably go with a 105 BB though. Thanks again.
Recently bought a new road bike with the elita 10sp double chainset. Due to poor reviews I removed it straight away and put it on wifes/ winter bike. Ive used this bike exclusively since (as new bike isnt finished) and no complaints at all. Checked for tightness before each ride and its 100%. I'm 15st geared up and more a sprinter than a spinner.
I dont think bigblackshed's review can be considered as it appears to be of a 7yr old product, unless the elita has not evolved in that time ??
Truvativ Elita GXP compact double, annual inspections only and no problem in 8500 all-year-round commuter miles.
Hmmm, mixed reviews. It might be worth a punt at the price then. How do people find the shifting compared to shimano chainsets?
Have a compact double on my get about bike for a few months now (was a CRC bargain.) Doesn't do big miles but trouble free so far and shifting is fine (think I'm using an old 105 mech.)
I had that system on my Kona Sutra. The BB was fine for a couple of (pretty high-mileage) years.
Cool, thanks. I may end up giving it a go as some people have had them without trouble. If I do go for it I will have to keep checking the BB.