Dryvlyne

Greetings - So I'm just getting into road biking and I very recently just ordered the 2015 Mercier Galaxy AL. I realize this is just an entry level bike, but I didn't want to break-the-bank right off the bat (or most importantly anger the wife ). At any rate, I'm already thinking ahead and wondering down the road would it make sense to upgrade individual components on this (the frame seems to be above average quality AFAIK) or try to sell it and jump to a higher end model? If it does make sense to upgrade the components, in what order would give me the most bang-for-the-buck?

Thanks in advance

spdracr39

Ride it for a while and see how you like it. By that time you will have some idea of the items that don't meet your expectations or comfort. You will also have a better idea of what you really want/need and can decide if it is worth a couple of simple updates or a new bike that has all your news want and wishes. It is usually financially better to buy a new bike with what you want on it and sell the old one than just upgrading a bunch of components on the old one. Regardless of what you do as the addiction progresses chances are you will want a new bike anyway ( N+1 )

Dryvlyne

Yeah, I can easily see that already. Still, looks like most of the really good bikes are easily $1,000+... not sure the wife will ever go for that! I'm not opposed to doing some modest upgrades as I'm a DIY'er and I think it will help me learn. That said what are maybe the top 3 upgrades one might consider for an existing bike?

krobinson103

Better saddle, better tires, nicer brake pads, then the drivetrain.

spdracr39

Once again you will need to ride a bit then decide what your priorities are. Generally your saddle will be near the top of the list and is the most difficult to get perfect. Since you are buying a bike in a box you will get to learn a lot of the wrenching by doing the initial assembly and adjustments.

LesterOfPuppets

Buy second bike. Keep Mercier as rain bike.

Dryvlyne

Interesting, that's not what I was expecting. I was thinking drivetrain, shifters, and tires would probably be the top 3.

Sorry, a bit off topic & maybe a silly question, but are all bikes that have a double-butted aluminum frames with carbon forks the same? In other words are certain aluminum frames and carbon forks better than others or if they are made of the same material is the quality essentially the same?

Dryvlyne

You must not be married or you have a really understanding wife! No way mine would let me have 2 bikes that are valued at more than $500 a piece.

LesterOfPuppets

I have 7. Only one is valued at about $500, though.

My girlfriend has two, so that helps.

Dryvlyne

Wow, really, 7! Sounds like you're a pretty serious rider so why not ever splurge on a high-end model? Do you really ride all 7?

nfmisso

+1 Exactly.

nfmisso

Almost all automobiles are made of essentially the same materials - do you think that they have essentially the same quality? The answer is the same for bicycles.

LesterOfPuppets

Well I have one with a 1990 Msrp of $1000 or so and one with a 2001 msrp of $1559 but they can be had pretty cheaply nowadays. Yes I ride 'em all.

Dryvlyne

Yeah, guess it was a silly question upon reflection :-)

I saw that you agreed with a previous poster about upgrading the components. That said do you have any saddle recommendations? If nothing specific, what about quality brands to look at?

NormanF

Better saddle, better bars, better pedals. Most bikes are so well spec'ced these days there's little to upgrade in the way of components except as they wear out.

As the other posters said, ride the bike and if you decide later you need more than it offers, sell it and upgrade to the bike you want.

wphamilton

I think that the rims are low end so the most logical immediate upgrade would be the wheels. Probably the pedals also.

Vexxer

JUst wanted to note, I have seen bikes in my LBS with similar components that are twice the price your paid.

krobinson103

Pedals are also a good place to start. They are where all the power is transferred. Be it clipless or good quality flats you will make a difference with nice pedals.

mhifoe

That looks very nice as a first bike.

IMO nothing on that bike need upgrading, except perhaps the saddle (if it's uncomfortable) or the pedals (if they are plastic).

I would suggest you ride if for a couple of years. After you have done a few thousand miles you will have a much clearer idea of what changes you would like to make.

Notgrownup

I bought a CAAD8 with basic group set and it is smooth as silk....I know there is better out there but until I get really serious about distance and speed this machine is just fine. I was overthinking this .....you are also...that Mercier will do you fine until you feel it is sub standard....make sure it is well lubricated and adjusted and it will surprise you.

Notgrownup

This ^^^^^ is what I did also after my big a$$ busted spokes on the stock wheels....I bought Vuelta Corsa HD and they roll good with 25 tires ..Vitorria Zaffiro.

Dryvlyne

Thanks, I was starting to feel like I was obsessing over whether or not I picked a decent bike and I finally just pulled the trigger. It's good to hear that most of you guys agree that as far as the main mechanical components go (i.e. drivetrain, shifters, etc) that this should do me just fine for a while. I guess I should have figured as much... it's not like I'm jumping straight into competitions or anything (most likely never will). I'm really just looking for something that will give me a good workout and smooth ride around the local bike paths and country roads.

RoadTire 

Obsessing is normal. :-) You did well on the purchase and the money not spent can go for clipless pedals, shoes, saddle, tubes, tires and tools as you progress. Doing your own wrenching is such a time, money, sanity saver too. If you ordered the pictured one with toe clips, ride them just a little loose for easy-out when you stop.

practical

Why not look at the "family" your bike belongs to. Usually manufacturers have a variety of price-point bikes built on the same frames. Look at the specs of the higher-end bikes with the same frame materials, then based on what you think you'd like, and what others suggest, and your wallet, look at how you can upgrade one component at a time. Start with the low-hanging fruit first (least expensive, easy to do).

Dave Horne

Not to muddy the waters even further, but when I was in the process of configuring the bike I initially wanted to buy, I had to make all kinds of decisions.

For instance, if you choose a carbon fiber fork, you then cannot choose disk brakes since the carbon fiber cannot support the added stress of disk brakes.

Having said that, I plan on keeping my bike for a long time and just make changes to some of the components over time.