Introductions - Could I have done any better?

Howdy everybody! Toadster here, just got my first road racer.

Raleigh Team 2004 frame size 53cm
(Columbus tubing, Carve carbon front fork & seat stay)
Shimano Ultegra rear derailer with ultegra 10 speed cassette, 105 front double chainring ? teeth.
Truvativ Ultima crank 170mm
Shimano 105 shifters/brake, Koolstop pads
Columbus Handlebars, cork wraps
Columbus aluminum seat post
Shimano hub and rim (nothing special, probably stock), standard rubber I think Vittoria
Sella Italia Island pro? saddle
Speedplay X/5 pedals

Everything for $1100. How'd I do? Hope I did ok. Really like the ride, light enough for commuting and a little play on the weekends.

Upgrades? What would you do?

Not a bad deal, and more to the point--are you enjoying the ride?

Usual answer for upgrades is to start with wheels. You can lighten them considerably usually.

What are you looking to achieve with the upgrades?

Welcome to BF!

East Hill

Love my bike. I really spent time getting the fit right then tried out a dozen or so before committing to just one. I have been looking at wheel upgrades thinking I may shave a pound or so. Ksyrium has a large following, anything else to consider?

http://www.thesmilies.com/smilies/sign0016.gif

Sounds ok except for the Speedplay pedals. :(

Do you like the bike?
If the answer is "Yes" - then you did just fine!
As we used to say in my former Bike Club..."It's not the Arrow, it's the Indian".....meaning that a great rider on an average bike will outperform an average rider on a great bike.

I ride with a group of guys and our bikes range from $1,200 Giants to $7,500 Serottas. The best rider in the group rides an old Masi with downtube shifters! And he is fast......but he's also 27 years old, most of us are 35+. I'm 52.

The trick is to enjoy your bike and enjoy the ride & the friends along the way.

So the pedals are questionable to some? But I must say that I have a very easy in out and no pressure on my right knee at all. What do you suggest in their place? Just curious. For about $100 price range.

So the pedals are questionable to some? But I must say that I have a very easy in out and no pressure on my right knee at all. What do you suggest in their place? Just curious. For about $100 price range.

Pedals are a very personal thing -- if you are physically comfortable with yours, and confident about clipping in and out, then the Speedplays sound great.

Generally I think when people post about pedals on BF they fall into four categories:
1. People who swear by their Look pedals, and think that Look pedals are the best
2. People who swear by their Speedplay pedals, and think that Speedplay pedals are the best
3. People who swear by their Crank Bros pedals, and think that Crank Bros pedals are the best
4. Everyone else

So I would try to ignore the comment that the speedplays are not okay.

I just bought a bike in that approximate price range and your post gives me a slight tinge of regret. Ride safe and have fun!

I have tried out a few spds and demo-ed a set of crank bros egg beaters, but I have never tried look pedals. After clipping in the first time to the speedplay set, I knew it was the one for me. So far I have ridden on them for short distances and have not had any chance to try them out further than 20 miles, so I will just have to wait to see if I have made a wise choice.

I've been on Speedplays for 15 years....never had a problem

So far I have been cut off twice by long boarders, two or three times by cars in parking lots (hate parking lots) and one bus all in one week of riding. the pedals have been awesome, still getting used to the right foot though. Got stuck and fell a bit into a raised planter after nearly getting run over by a long boarder. the foot did unclip though. Not even a scratch on me or the bike.
The only time I've had any trouble is at really low speed while still clipped in and not expecting to unclip and then have some one or many someones move in front of the bike, like at the university where a crowd is de riguer. Then I stumble to unclip and just get out before falling over. Yet I am getting better at this not falling over bit.

Spoken like a true newbie at unclipping pedals! I've heard it gets easier. I only have one pair of clip-in shoes, and I am very, very careful with them. Haven't fallen over--yet :D .

East Hill

The best rider in the group rides an old Masi with downtube shifters! And he is fast......but he's also 27 years old, most of us are 35+. I'm 52.

You're awesome.

Thanks!
You made my day......
And I ave to tell you, I am beat today!
Went on a 50 miler on Saturday and then another 50 miler on Sunday.
It's time to rest!