Triathlon - Spending more money on my bike...

I have a Kestrel Talon with 105 components. I sprung for a few items already this year, XLAB wing, Selle Tri-gel seat, ZIPP 404's and FSA Vision Carbon aero bars. I'm spending more time training on this bike and have decided to outfit it better rather than buy a specific tri-bike. I like my basic Shimano training wheels fine so I'll probably stick with them. I plan on adding either bar end shifters to my current set up or going to an integrated bar. Also, I am wondering about the 105 group now. Should I upgrade to Dura-Ace on crank and deraillers or...FSA carbon crank and Ultegra for the rest? I don't have a fortune. I want a trick bike that is fast...just not sure how much better going all DA versus Ultegra and a good crank will be. I'm not unhappy with my 105 (never had a problem) just want better stuff....who doesn't like better stuff?

My main concern is the cranks since this frame already some flex I know I need a stiffer crank.

Also, I heard not to bother changing the brakes....Thoughts?

Thanks for any opinions...

Don't bother
2-questions you need to be asking yourself:

1. If you think about flex in the crank it's really minimal to your overall performance in a Triathlon at shorter distances. Every change is more noticable over greater distances such as 1/2 IM's and IM's. So if you are racing those distances and you have maxed out your engine (your bodies power output), and you have "tweeked your fit" then a specific component upgrade may be in order.
2. You are consistantly finishing in the top 10 in your age group or in overall placement in your current triathlon racing results and are looking for a way to cut a few seconds - then a specific component upgrade may be in order.

One of the stiffest cranks out there is the Cannondale SI Cranks (I have them on my Cannondale IM 5000 bike), but those have a special proprietary bottom bracket design and would not translate to your bike. The next stiffest is the newer Dura Ace 10 speed cranks with it's hollow internal design. But it won't make much differnce unless you have a very stiff carbon shoe to translate the power from your body to the road.

Sure every one wants to ride a trick top of the line bike (that total trick bike is different for everyone). If you raced on my Trek-TT with my new Zipp Z999's wheel set (with optimum wind conditions) you would have a very fast $12,500 bike under you (pretty much the same bike Lance uses in the TdF and the same bike Tim DeBoom uses in Kona) - would you then win or finish a ton faster? I would say no...maybe if the fit was matched to your body maybe 3-10 min in a IM if your are lucky. Going faster in a bike leg amounts to the following;
1. Fueling
2. Experience
3. Fittness
4. A bike that is fit for you

A fellow Talon ride!

I would spend the money (if you have to that is...) on an FSA crank (really like them and have had no problem with flex, just spring for a carbon one...) and Ultegra rear derailleur, leave the 105 front (you probably don't change the front that much anyway, so why bother...), get integrated aerobars (the Hed's I have a extremely comfortable and aero) with Dura-Ace bar end shifters. Leave the brakes 105.. Not really enough of difference to justify to change them...

Take $150 and find a good bike fitter. Probably the biggest of all upgrades you can make!

Now, you have a fast bike that you are comfortable, aero and quick on!

Thanks for the advice...I guess I was hoping someone would say "upgrade and you'll gain 4 mph"... I am placing well in my competitions and have come a HUGE way in speed on my bike in only 18 months. I did find a FSA Vision base bar that will accept my aero bars (only $70) and I do plan on moving to bar end shifters. The roads roll quite a bit where I am requiring constant shifting. I guess the crank thing may wait. I have the cash right now but if it's not going to make much of a difference then why spend it. Race fees are bad enough. Although, if a find a killer deal on Ebay and my just go ahead and do it.

By the way, I also had the bike fit when I bought it and then went back this year and did another one. This individual was fantastic (went through the Serrotta school) and made several adjustments that translated to immediate results. I am a big fan of the bike fit benefits now...