Bicycle Mechanics - Which Component?

The annual bike flea market is next weekend. I have some things I know that I would like to pick up. Depending on what deals I can get, I might have some money left over. I'm upgrading some components on my road bike.

I'm getting a new saddle, stem, handlebars, and Dura Ace STI Shifters.

If I have some money left over, what other component would you recommend upgrading the most? Right now, my bike is fully Ultegra equiped. What Dura Ace components should I get?

I was thinking of a rear derailler, or maybe if I have more money left, cranks?

What do you think?

Rear derailer....cranks are not worth the money.I assume this is all 9 speed stuff?

Originally posted by pokey
I assume this is all 9 speed stuff?

Yes, 9 speed.

a thread I read somewhere suggested that the best mix was to be had with Dura-Ace shifters, rear derailleur, and chainrings....
...cassette perhaps?

besides the DA rear derailleur, DA chainrings would be an improvement. XTR cables/housings are really primo too...and then you're all set!

Oh, SRAM or Wipperman chain. You can always use another cassette-if they have a good deal, why not?:)

U007, you beat me to the punch :) I guess we are thinking the same thing though!

Two possible improvements that may or may not be worthwile.

1. Handlebars. Modern bikes tend to have very wide bars. For a road or touring bike, you don't need 44-46 cm wide "anatomic" handlebars, and you might be more comfortable with narrower or shallower ones. There are some brand new (anatomic) ones for sale, but you could get something interesting off a 1975-1985 bike, when the norm was 38-40 cm wide.
In theory, it would be a good idea to get something narrow if you are a small female.... and if you feel to stretched out with your current handlebars.

2. Cassettes. I'm not a weight weenie. One nice option would be to get one or two low-grade cassettes, because each cog is individual, and once you get rid of the screws, you can design your own with whatever ratios you want.

Regards,

DA chainrings....:rolleyes: :rolleyes: You gotta be kidding?:confused:

elaborate pokey?

Okay, so if I got the rear derailleur, that would work with an Ultegra cassette, chain, front derailleur, & chainrings?

everything I've read says yes; I haven't tried it.

Yes, velo. Everything Ultegra and DA are compatible.

What type of riding are you doing? You're only going to save a couple grams if that on upgrading... and unless u are a gram geek and don't intend on crashing for awhile, why upgrade?

Velo is a serious racer.

I'm with Pokey and others, the DA rear der is very sweet and would be my next priority. The combination of DA shifters and der makes for very crisp, fast shifts. Someone posted here recently about about some compatibility issues with DA shifters and Ultegra front der. Even DA front ders are not very expensive so you might want to consider that, too. DA rear der works just fine with any Shimano 9sp cassette that is within its tooth capacity. No compatibility issues with DA rear der and chainrings. You can save some weight with DA cassette, but save them for actual races because the aluminum cogs wear fast. Use 105 or Ultegra for training and keep the DA on your racing wheel.

And so am i, our team is sponsored by shimano and i've just found that dura ace don't take as much abuse in racing as the ultegra does.

Velo,

I say leave the drivetrain alone, go for wheels.
You're more likely to see benefit here than in rear
derailleur or rings etc.
of course this is just my .02 worth.

Marty

Originally posted by lotek
I say leave the drivetrain alone, go for wheels.


Yup, I've got good racing wheels. I'm upgrading components now, thanks.

Thanks to everyone else who offered help. I think I'm going to try to get a rear derailleur plus the rest I mentioned. I wish Saturday was here now! ;) I'll let you all know how it went.

bike flea market?

That sounds like a good idea, Anyone know of any in the Baltimore-Washington (Maryland) area?

Originally posted by Phatman
bike flea market?


Yes, we have it at our velodrome up here annually. It's a really big event. A lot of bike shops and manufacturers come out and set up, along with individual venders. A lot of good deals can be found. Great stuff! :)

Phatman, its in our area. My shop is taking some 02 bikes up to sell so it can't be that far (my shops guys are lazy).

Velo, why are you ignoring my messages? I find it very encouraging to see a fellow female rising up thru juniors.. i was there only a short time ago...

Originally posted by Arsbars
Velo, why are you ignoring my messages? I find it very encouraging to see a fellow female rising up thru juniors.. i was there only a short time ago...


Arsbars! You just sent me a message yesterday! For God's sake! I read your message yesterday, then I got kicked off & it won't connect again. I got on today (obviously). I'm going to reply now...give people a little time with private messaging.

Velo,
I thought I read a previous post where you were heavy into a racing team - shouldn't the team or sponsors give you this stuff for free without you having to buy it?

Originally posted by velo



Arsbars! You just sent me a message yesterday! For God's sake! I read your message yesterday, then I got kicked off & it won't connect again. I got on today (obviously). I'm going to reply now...give people a little time with private messaging.


Ow.

Originally posted by knifun
shouldn't the team or sponsors give you this stuff for free without you having to buy it?

If the world was perfect, yes. We don't have sponsorship as far as components go. Some other stuff, yes, not components though.

Fubar! What are you talking about? I was gentle. ;)

Alright, I'm back from the flea market. What a time! So much awesome stuff...

I came away with Dura Ace shifters, and rear derailleur. I also got a 3T stem. I couldn't find the saddle I wanted (can you believe there was no Selle Italia Gel Flite???), so I'll have to get that from the LBS.

I also got a pair of socks. There was some small things I couldn't find, so I'll get those at the LBS, too.

Overall, a good day!

Bike socks are the best, I have built up my arsenal of them and rarely have to wear regular socks anymore. Also, the cool graphics instantley set you apart from the population, plus, it sends out a cyclist signal and other cyclists will recognize you.
Today I went into a Ski, Tennis, Running, and Skate shop to look at the shades they have and to look at some inline skates, and one of the guys there noticed my socks and said, "do you ride dude??!?!!" And I said, "Yeah dude!!!" And we had a good chat about the need for new trails and how cool riding in the mountains is.
If that was gentle, I'd hate to see harsh.