Bicycle Mechanics - Looking for improvements ideas Trek 1.2

I’m fairly new in to the road biking world and have been enjoying it so far. I have a Trek 1.2 not the fanciest bike in the world but it fits me and does what I need it too. With the warm weather around the corner I’m looking at making some improvements on it. The only things that I have changed so far are the pedals. Budget wise I’m looking at $200 ish. What are your thoughts?

First and best thing to upgrade would be wheels. Stronger and lighter is key. But, for 200 bucks, I'm not sure if there is anything around that would suit that need.

First and best thing to upgrade would be wheels. Stronger and lighter is key. But, for 200 bucks, I'm not sure if there is anything around that would suit that need.
This seems to be the most recommended place to spend some money to increase performance.

If you can't bump your budget much, you might keep an eye on the FS forum here. You might also post this on the WTB forum...or possibly ask on the road forum. There might be someone there willing to part with a better wheelset within your budget.

First, what's so weak on the bike that it requires upgrading and what will the upgrades do to improve your riding? The components aren't top-of-the-line but they are certainly servicable and functional.

Upgrading to clipless pedals is a worthwhile move but I'd wait and replace the other components only as they wear out. You can get upgraded items as you need them but, for the time being, I'd ride what you have.

Saddle or, as noted above, clipless pedals would be the only thing I'd look at till something breaks or wears out. Clothing is also a good place to spend a few bucks. Padded shorts, jerseys, gloves, etc. will make the long rides more comfortable.

If you really have some extra money, start a "new bike fund" then save up till you get enough miles under your belt to know what is really important to you in a bike then start shopping for a new one.

If you really have some extra money, start a "new bike fund" then save up till you get enough miles under your belt to know what is really important to you in a bike then start shopping for a new one.

+1. You could get to upgrading the drivetrain and realize, "I could have had a new bike by now." Individual components are expensive enough that it often doesn't make much sense to pursue any major upgrades. That said, I agree that new wheels might be worthwhile.

Shoes and Pedals are the best upgrade if you dont already have em. I agree that wheels are a good thing to upgrade, but you will get just as much performance, road feel and speed boost from using clipless pedals and they are a cheaper upgrade unless you "have to have" Speedplay pedals or something. I'd wait until the wheels wear out to replace them.

Coming from experience working and building 1.2s, my first suggestion would be to dump the front derailleur. Absolute garbage, and a real pain to get to work properly if it comes out of adjustment.

At this time nothing is really worn out, but I’m just one of those guys that can never leave good enough alone. I always having something that I want to change or make better. Its odd you say “dump the front derailleur” I have had a few concerns with it not shifting right. It feels and sounds kind of like my odd huffy form back in the day. Wheels look like I may hold off on a bit. Like you said 200 is a ways off for anything decent. I hate spending money just to find out I bought something that wasn’t any better than what I already had. Anyone have a suggestion on a front derailleur?

I would consider a saddle. I ride an 05 1200 and am much happier with the Fizik Aliante Sport that I bought than I was with the Bontrager saddle on it. I also up graded my wheelset to some Mavic Open Pros with Ultegra hubs, that I bought used off of another forum member here.

I would say you need to adjust cable tension and lube chain to quiet down the drive train. You will not see an improvement in shifting by changing the RD. The shifter does all the cable pulling.

At this time nothing is really worn out, but I’m just one of those guys that can never leave good enough alone.
It's your money and, of course, you are free to spend it however you like. However, upgrading a bike piecemeal is a real money sink and buying a better equipped bike from the beginning is far more economically attractive. A front derailleur is one of the least expensive changes, even if you pay retail.

Saddles are VERY subjective and one persons ideal is another's torture rack so be very careful of "upgrading" based on someone else's recomendation.

A few lost cost suggestions while you really just save up for another bike so you can have two.
Get a brooks saddle
Get your handlebar wrapped in some fancy tape.
Try some new tires - sometimes that will improve the feel and handling of your bike.

New Treks come stock with some pretty shoddy brake pads in my experience. I was very happy with the improved performance when I installed Dura Ace pads on my 1200.

I agree pretty much with everything said so far... upgrade only as you need to - there will be very little performace change between the stock parts and anything you can put on for $200.

Here are some ideas if the money is burning a hole in your pocket, though:

-High quality bike shorts... try somthing made by a European company with a thinner chamois than the NA brands
-A repair book or pay for a tune up - there is no reason your bike should be making any unpleasant noises... this is not a function of bike quality, just of adjustment.
-New tires - either more lightweight or more puncture resistant - depending on what you want the bike to do.
-New bar tape makes an old bike feel like new

I have a 1.2 and upgraded quite a bit, most of which agrees with the comments above.
- Fizik Alliante saddle
- Upgraded to Dura Ace brakes - now swapped to the new bike - but just upgrading the pads is much cheaper and nearly as good.
- Upgraded front triple derailleur - it was a triple and a piece of crap
- The 2200 shifters jamed repeatedly and Trek replaced them under warrenty with Sora's (which are now standard equipment on the 09 1.2.
- The wheels are pretty good and stayed true (now 2,000kms.) but I did put better tires on it.
All in all a pretty good bike but it can stand some help.

New Treks come stock with some pretty shoddy brake pads in my experience. I was very happy with the improved performance when I installed Dura Ace pads on my 1200.
The OEM brakes are probably Tektros, which are decent calipers with poor pads. Shimano pads or Kool Stop "Dura - type" pads are direct replacements and will noticably improve brake performance. Of the two, I like the Kool Stop Salmon pads better.