fusilierdan

I'm thinking of ugrading my bike. What suggestions do you have that will give me a better bike? It's an '07 Giant TCR C2. I hear wheels are one component that has a good value.

Thanks

frame formulaOne Composite, Compact Road Design
fork fomulaOne Full Composite, 1 1/8" w/carbon steerer
handlebar Easton EA50
stem Easton EA50
seatpost formulaOne Composite
saddle Fi'zi:k Aliante Delta w/Ti-rails
pedals Shimano 105
derailleur Ultegra front and rear
brakes Shimano 105
shifters Shimano Ultegra
cassette Shimano Ultegra 12- 25T, 10 speed
chain Shimano 105
cranks Race Face Cadence 39/ 53 T
bb Race Face X Type external
rims Mavic Aksium
hubs Mavic Aksium
spokes Mavic Aksium
tires Michelin Pro2 Race, 700x23c

LongIslandTom

You already got pretty decent wheels... Upgrading from Aksiums would be categorized under "diminishing margin of returns for money invested," IMHO..

The Aksiums weigh 907g front / 1043g rear. For about $1000 the Mavic Ksyrium SLs weigh 645g front / 845g rear, which shaves a bit less than 0.5kg off your bike's weight (approx. 1 pound). You will have to decide if 1 pound is worth $1000.

I upgraded from Shimano R600 wheels to Ksyrium SLs, but I had to because the R600s cracked, so I got an excuse.

knobster

don't think i'd upgrade anything on that bike. maybe the crankset with a Ultegra, but that's probably it. Maybe see about finding some cheaper/used sub 1500 gram wheels.

Velo Dog

I wouldn't even change the crank. It costs a ton and you'll never feel the difference. This is already a pretty good bike, good enough that big investments will yield only tiny improvements. Another set of wheels is always useful, but if you weigh more than about 175, stay away from stupid-light stuff that will break on you.

knobster

Yeah I know, it was a stretch. I wouldn't change a thing either.

cyclist2000

What are you trying to do with an upgrade? lower weight, make faster, more bling, better shifting, spend brewsters millions?

fusilierdan

I'm looking for a second bike. I don't have the cash to go out and get one that has better components or a better frame. It was suggested I could up grade components on this while looking for a better frame and then switch everything over. Of course I could buy a differnt type of bike.

stapfam

If you are looking for an improvement on this bike- it is going to cost you. Selling this one to get a better one and you would take a big hit-- I'd suggest an improvement to the engine if the TCR is lacking but otherwise Stop making us jealous with the quality of your current bike.

But many years ago I ran a Kona Explosif MTB. I replaced parts before they were Knackered and still had some life in them. Rear Derailler- Wheels- Crankset- Changers etc. I then had a big box of pretty good parts and bought a new frame. Put all the best parts on the new frame and rebuilt the Kona with the still servicable parts. I then had two bikes- one with nearly new parts and one with used parts. When I priced it up- I would have been better off going for a "Last years" model of complete bike in the winter sales.

cyclist2000

You haven't defined why you want to upgrade. What do you think is lacking in this bike? If someone suggested that you upgrade and get better wheels, its not going to be much of an improvement, just cost a lot.

1. Don't do anything and soon you will have the funds to get a second bike.

2. Upgrade now and you won't get a second bike for a long time.

I have a similar bike, Giant TCR with full campy record. Wouldn't think about upgrading anything. I did get an old bianchi frame to build up as a winter project. I use the old stuff laying around the house and look for deals on the new stuff.