General Cycling Discussion - Upgrades???

I see a lot of "look at my new bike" posts followed by the "what should I upgrade first" question. Other then maybe a seat, why upgrade anything on your new bike until something wears out first? Why buy a complete bike and then upgrade everything based on other people's suggestions? If you have to ask "what should I upgrade first" you probably don't need to upgrade anything.

Are you anti-American;) After you buy a truck you need running boards, bed liner, hitch, better shocks, lift (ugh), wheels with bling, wider tires, reprogramming for more smoke- the list go on and on. I'd agree in the case of a bicycle if you "need" to upgrade right away you probably bought the wrong bike (seat excepted). There should be a minimum 1 year waiting period before you're allowed to upgrade.

I think some people are more into tricking out their bikes than riding them.

Always best to take care of the upgrades immediately. If you wait too long, the upgrades have more value than the bike. As you can see, it's simple economics to do it all now.

Simple.

Buy new bike...

Realize your not any faster....

Buy faster parts...

Realize your not any faster...

Buy new bike....

Repeat as needed.

Professional Racing : They hire fast riders to make customers think it's the bike.

Well, part of the problem (at least for me) is that in America, bikes are recreational. So most bikes don't have anything that would help utility - no fenders, no racks, no lights. An upgrade as soon as I buy the bike is essential, or I am not able to ride the bike for the purpose I bought it. Apart from those three, the only other parts I am upgrading are the pedals - I'm going to go clipless soon. No saddle change required yet, and this is on a base Sirrus.

So you are partially right - some upgrades are required because the bikes are lacking, but other upgrades aren't really needed on a new bike.

Not sure accessory items; lights mudguards and a rack are exactly considered 'upgrades' ..

Needs vs. wants. Know the difference and act according to your set of values.

As stated before, accessories are not necessarily upgrades.