Eyenigma

A little background: New to road cycling from MTB as of this year and really am buying into it. (Figuratively and literally). In educating myself, I've learned that it's common practice to package the stock bundled road bikes with less than stellar components to make the price points cheaper. Makes total sense. My current road bike has (some) Ultegra parts with an FSA SL-K crank. Seems like the SLK crank is considered better than the Ultegra? My OCD wishes they all matched though, I won't lie.

One area I know I could probably see better performance is in the wheelset. I have inexpensive Fulcrum 7 wheels, but would consider spending a little dough to get something a bit nicer. I don't expect to be "faster" mind you, I know that's still down to me. But to improve ride quality would be nice.

That said, how does one try different parts? For instance, how can you try a DuraAce setup unless you demo a completely different bike that is not yours with that groupset? Hard to really make a comparison of one over the other without doing a side by side. I'd be interested in feeling the tactile difference between a DuraAce or Ultegra or Campy. Or my current wheels versus performance ones.

Curious if/how some of you landed on the stuff you bought. Seems a lot of purchases are made by brand affinity, pro rider modeling, or just plain word of mouth. Naturally if I ask the LBS, I'd assume they'd tell me whatever they sell or get the best margins on is what I should buy. But how does one REALLY know what's best for them.

TrojanHorse

Meh, don't worry about it. The FSA crank is a good one (you have the SLK-Light, right?) and the reason it's on your bike is that shimano doesn't make a crank that's native compatible with a 30mm bottom bracket bearing. (e.g. BB30, BB836 and all the other oddities)

If you want to upgrade your wheels, go for it. Save the originals for spares.

Eyenigma

Correct. I have the SL-K - not sure if it's light? Looks like this.



But okay, wheels. Where does one begin? Aluminum? Carbon?

Soody

Ultegra?

Oh boy, i don't know who conned you into that trash but Dura-Ace or Super Record is where the real performance lies.

For wheels you should get some Carbon tubs.

Blue Belly

It's up to you where to spend your money. Concerning components, It really depends, piece to piece. Often times the highest level & the next step down are fairly comparable in performance, weight being the difference. Take for instance a campy sq taper bottom bracket. All parts are are identical between chorus & record. The record housing has a Carbon Fiber she'll, so I weighs a little less. Sometimes there are performance/durability improvements, as well. Really depends on the group set & which generation.
Wheels? Always the best place to spend your money. Many factors go into choosing a set of wheels. Often a personal choice, based on your desires/needs