Merckx with Shimano 105

[pobrien]

I had a new 11-speed silver Shimano 105 group mounted to my Merckx Strada frame a few months ago and really like the bike. It is the first bike I have had that I run with tubular wheels (built up by the good Peter Chisholm) and it is a great handling bike.

The only aspect I don't like is that the crankset is dark grey and not silver and it seems quite out of place on a classic bike.

I am looking for suggestions on options. I am not sure which classic Shimano cranks may work well with the 11-speed system, if any.

Any positive input appreciated.
I can always get used to the existing crank, it is not that bad.

[oldpotatoe]

I had a new 11-speed silver Shimano 105 group mounted to my Merckx Strada frame a few months ago and really like the bike. It is the first bike I have had that I run with tubular wheels (built up by the good Peter Chisholm) and it is a great handling bike.

The only aspect I don't like is that the crankset is dark grey and not silver and it seems quite out of place on a classic bike.

I am looking for suggestions on options. I am not sure which classic Shimano cranks may work well with the 11-speed system, if any.

Any positive input appreciated.
I can always get used to the existing crank, it is not that bad.

Silver goodness

[Look585]

10-speed cranks will work fine in your 11s system.

Do you need compact or standard?

Compact:
Ultegra 6650 or non-series R700 & R600 are the most shiny/polished.

Standard:
Dura Ace 7800 or Ultegra 6600 are shiny/polished.

[Big Dan]

The 5800 is my favorite of the newer cranksets.

[Joe Remi]

It might look odd at first, but a brighter crank may look just as odd with the rest of the group. Personally I'd leave it.

[dddd]

I put a Chorus 10sp alloy crank on my 7-11 Merckx and am really happy with the way it looks. The rest of the bike is Shimano 9s btw.

[ultraman6970]

I have potenza silver in mine.

The thing is, shimano will pair fine with campagnolo? Havent resd the other comments ok?

[saab2000]

Don't overthink this. Nobody is going to mistake you for Roger de Vlaeminck if you don't have silver bits on the bike. It's got 105, which is the best bang for the buck group on the market IMHO. Enjoy the ride. Mixing in different brands of components won't just screw up the aesthetic, it might not work as well.

[pobrien]

I appreciate the feedback. It is really helpful.
Will have to digest this and do some research on the options.

Thank you all again, I do appreciate the suggestions and comments.

[jtbadge]

Post a picture and we can make more informed recommendations!

My opinions:
A. ride what you've already got
B. the only good looking silver 11 speed group is Athena, so if you insist on silver, get that.
C. Ride the group you want, no matter what color it is.

[Joe Remi]

My new Breezer has blackish-grey Tiagra levers/derailleurs. The all black Oval cranks didn't really match and were too long, so I popped a silver Sugino on there from the stash. It looks even less matchy-matchy than the Ovals but it fits so it's staying. I think the original group cranks would have looked better than either.

[GregL]

Both 5800 and R7000 105 cranksets are available in silver. They're not (IMO) as attractive as polished aluminum cranks of the past, but still look OK and will shifter perfectly with the rest of your drivetrain.

Greg

https://s1.thcdn.com/productimg/0/600/600/91/10970691-1412692833-85773.jpg

https://bike.shimano.com/content/dam/global/cg1SHICCycling/final/products/cg2SHICComponent/cg3SHICCrankset/cg4SHICCrankset/P-FC-R7000_BC19Nd0255.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/P-FC-R7000_BC19Nd0255_750_750.jpeg