Road Cycling - Thinking about getting a new frame

I'm thinking about upgrading my frame from a Trek 2200 to a 5500. Is it possible to buy only the frame, and take the Shimano components, the wheels, and anything else from the 2200 frame (basically strip down the 2200) and put it all on the 5500 frame? Economically speaking, would this be a good way to go? My first racing season is coming up, would the 5500 frame help me climb any better than the 2200 (keeping in mind that my fitness and skill level would be the same on either frames).

Instead of buying a new frame, use the money to buy a set of new wheels.Maybe Kryseriums SL or similar.True, the frame will be lighter if you buy the 5500,but for performance, the wheels make a tremendous difference, especially in the hills and acceleration, it will feel like a new bike.

I would buy a really light set of racing wheels and save the money for next year to buy new frame.

The 5500 is available as a frameset.It's the motor,not the frame.Ride what you have and see how you do.Other poster was right about maybe wheels. Buying frameset from trek is not the economy way to go,as you will likely pay list or close to it.Big discounts can be had on built bikes.A used frame is another option

I agree with bikerdave. The 2200 frame is already pretty light, under 3 pounds I believe, and I don't think that you'll gain a whole lot by buying the 5500. sure, its nice to say that you have a postal bike, but still, I dont think that is worth $1000. Really nice wheels however, are worth spending money on.

Thanks to you guys for your input. What are some great wheels on today's market?

Ive got a pair of Mavic Kyseriums SL.Great road race wheels.Very light, fast and stiff.

Depending on what kind of racing you will be doing have a look at he Mavic Cosmic Carbon.More expensive than the kyseriums.Good road/time-trial wheels as they have deep rims.Very nice:D

The Campagnolo Euros are good race wheel, about the same weight as the Kyseriums,but I think they only come with Campag freebody, and I presume the trek will be Shimano groupset?

Check out the mavic and Campagnolo websites

http://www.mavic.com

http://www.campagnolo.com

The other alternative is speak to a well respected wheel builder, and get a custom set of light wheels built

Bikerdave - does the rear wheel of your bike have a "Chain disc"? to protect the ksyrium spokes from the chain/derailleur?

I just got my new Cdale R1000 and the mechanic who built it says that it's a good idea to leave the chain disc on the rear wheel (pretty much a gay looking big flimsy black plastic disc between the cogs and the hubs) but I obviously don't like it so I"m wondering if I would be fine without it.

Hey there Kenneth toronto, I thought I might give you my experience with what you're talking about...I have on 2 of my bikes the Ksyeriums, and both of them do not have the disk that you're questioning..I know it's a risk that I take, but if you keep your RD adjusted and drive train in good working order you don't need it...I agree with as nice as those wheels are, and I truely love them for climbing and just going fast in general, they look bad with the disk on them...I know what you mean..

So if you keep your bike in good order, you shouldn't need it, in my opinion..


Benjamin

in michigan

KennethToronto,

Same as caadman says, no need for one.Just make sure the rear mech is adjusted correctly

I call that thing a "dork disc" and have removed all/any from my bikes!

L8R

Originally posted by KennethToronto
Bikerdave - does the rear wheel of your bike have a "Chain disc"? to protect the ksyrium spokes from the chain/derailleur?

if your rear derailleur is correctly adjusted so that the low limit screw will not allow it to be shifted 'into' the spokes you are fairly safe to remove the spoke protector disk, a LBS could easliy help you with adjustments.

I will throw in American Classic: :)

http://www.amclassic.com/

Instead of buying a new frame, use the money to buy a set of new wheels.Maybe Kryseriums SL or similar.

Why does everybody seem to say the Krseriums:confused: is there anything wrong with the shimano dura ace wheels. i ask this because i bought some recently.









thanks
slick1