Road Cycling - Which should upgrade first on a cheap new bikes and BB compatible issue.

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PeaceGrabber
08-25-04, 09:23 PM
Here are the details of the bike:

FORK
Carbone

REAR DERAILLEUR
Shimano Tiagra 4400 GS

FRONT DERAILLEUR
Shimano Sora 3304

CRANKSET
Truvativ Elita Isis 52/42/30T

SHIFTERS
Shimano Sora 3303

WHEELS
Alex DA22/Shimano 2200

TIRES
Michelin Dynamic 700x23C

BRAKES
Promax Dual Pivot

STEM
Ritchey Comp 31.8mm

HANDLEBAR
Ritchey Logic OE 31.8mm

SEAT POST
Ritchey Comp

SADDLE
Selle Italia XO Transam

QA. Is the Truvativ ISIS Drive SL Bottom Bracket is fully compatible with the FSA Carbon Octalink crank set? (I knew that the FSA Octalink is compatible with Shimano Bottom Bracket.) I heard that the Octalink is also compatible with ANY ISIS Drive bottom bracket.

QB. I heard people saying that the crank set is the most important part on the bike and it should be upgrade first. What is the correct order to upgrade a bicycle?

I thinking about to get a FSA K-Force Carbon crank set but it is a bit expensive. I am not sure whether is worth it or not since the crank is like the engine of the bike. I decided to leave the rest components until it worn out.

LordOpie
08-25-04, 09:32 PM
QB... that's funny. I've upgraded a bunch on my bike except for cranks/bb.

Why do you want to upgrade? Is this a brand new bike?

I say save your money for when stuff starts breaking down. If you really have money you want to part with, I say you get another set of wheels, like Mavic Open Pro & ultegra hubs + another cassette. Put some thicker and/or knobbish tires on the DA22 and use them for dirt roads and bad weather.
a2psyklnut
08-25-04, 09:32 PM
QA. Is the Truvativ ISIS Drive SL Bottom Bracket is fully compatible with the FSA Carbon Octalink crank set? (I knew that the FSA Octalink is compatible with Shimano Bottom Bracket.) I heard that the Octalink is also compatible with ANY ISIS Drive bottom bracket.

No, it's not! ISIS is different than Ocatalink. Octalink has rectangular splines. ISIS is fluted and comes to a point.


QB. I heard people saying that the crank set is the most important part on the bike and it should be upgrade first. What is the correct order to upgrade a bicycle?

Usually whatever breaks or wears out first!

Buying parts piece by piece will cost you a ton of money. Even if you're buying on closeout for everything.

I'd save up and buy a bike you really want. In the meantime, ride what you've got, concentrate on proper technique, upgrade yourself (get in better shape) and just have FUN!

Your bike is fine as it is. It'll never be the bike you want it to be. The frame just isn't of that level of quality. Don't sweat it however. It'll get you out there riding. That's what's important. If you get seriously addicted to cycling, then get a bike you really want.

L8R

Hitchy
08-25-04, 09:37 PM
g'day,

agree with 'opie'....QB is probably the funniest thing I've heard on these forums!.........If you 'must' upgrade, there are 3 things you should look at first.

1/ Wheels
2/ Wheels
3/ Wheels

don't waste money on carbon cranksets on this bike....I think i would replace just about everything else on that bike, before I got to the cranks!......If you're not convinced, wouldya like to buy the Brooklyn bridge offa me?

cheers,

Hitchy