Bicycle Mechanics - Where to upgrade?

My frame is crappy but there is nothing I can do about that right now. So I have decided to upgrade components in the hopes of getting a better frame down the road. My current setup is a tiagra shifters noname crankset, unkown bottom bracket, 105 front and rear derailleurs, unknown rear cassette, and terko brakes. What should I upgrade?

I scored a sweet deal on an Ultegra rear derailleur but am perplexed as to where I should spend my money next. Between my member rebate, and gift cards and a pricematch to Performance I can get an Ultegra cassette for about $10 out of pocket, but is that a good upgrade? I have seen used Ultegra cranks going for about $50-80 on Ebay and I can pick up a new ultegra bottom bracket for less than that at Performance but I am just not sure what I am going to get the most bang for my buck out of.

I am riding about 60-80 miles a week right now and am training for a triathlon coming up in May. I plan to continue riding and training beyond that. If I can't buy a new bike right now, where do you guys think I should spend my money? Help me, cuz I really don't have the experience to make the best decision here.

Thanks!

Tools

Legs

I'll agree with the above. Unless your current parts are not working, you are not going to see performance improvements with any upgrades. Save for a whole new bike.

If you don't already have them, buy a set of inexpensive aerobars. That will improve your time more than any other modification you can make. Beyond that, replace what breaks with similar stuff and put your savings into the new bike fund.

Tires.

Agree with others, not worth the money to upgrade. Save for a new bike if that is your goal. Buying components piecemeal will be more expensive than buying a new bike already equipped, I think.

I agree w/ everyone so far....

Spend your money on a baby sitter / landscaper / etc... so you can spend more time riding. The most bang for your buck right now would be an extra 50 miles or so of riding a week.

Let's see some pics of the bike!

I am in a similar situation. I am trying to choose between a Brooks B-17 or Sweetskinz snakeskin tires. I can't choose.

Just to join the "me too" line...

None of the components on your bike are obviously crappy level...

Unless you are noticing a problem, there are few areas where a few dollars will make a big difference.

One specific note. Unless your cassette is worn out, or has the wrong gearing for your riding style, the cassette would probably be your biggest waste of money.

One specific note. Unless your cassette is worn out, or has the wrong gearing for your riding style, the cassette would probably be your biggest waste of money.

Amen to that. I'm in the save for a new bike club. Good luck

Tim

New brake pads (kool stop) would probably be a noticeable improvement.

Have Fun,
Travis

You didn't mention what kind of wheels you are using.

Lighter tires with kevlar bead. Then lighter better fitting shoes. These can always be put on your new bike.

Spend the money on making it fit you better. More comfortable bars, saddle, position...even gloves, shorts, jerseys...anything that lets you ride longer and more comfortably. Proper fit will give you efficiency beyond any weight or component performance gains.

Work on the engine and save your money for a new bike:p.

....especially since the new bike will come with better everything.

I'd echo the suggestions that relate to making your present bike fit you better be it saddle, bars, pedals or shoes. A bike that fits you best will let you be the fastest you can be.

Outside of that some better tires if your present ones are not that great. BUT! Price isn't always the final arbiter of quality and performance. My most expensive tires ever were not as nice as some mid line options I've had. THere was this pair of Vittorios that let me ride like lightning but were also incredably shock absorbing. And they weren't that expensive either..... wish I could remember the model.....

Just to join the "me too" line...

None of the components on your bike are obviously crappy level...

Unless you are noticing a problem, there are few areas where a few dollars will make a big difference.

One specific note. Unless your cassette is worn out, or has the wrong gearing for your riding style, the cassette would probably be your biggest waste of money.

+1
It would be really easy to choose the wrong cassette for the current bike or for possible use on a future bike.
Buying a complete bike will almost always make more economic sense than buy it a piece at a time.

Al

How are you so sure your frame sucks? We could use more info on what you're riding. Your frame might be perfectly fine, but you may need some fitting/adjustment done.

If you don't already have them, buy a set of inexpensive aerobars. That will improve your time more than any other modification you can make. Beyond that, replace what breaks with similar stuff and put your savings into the new bike fund.

I'd skip the aeros if you intend to do group rides.