acaurora

So Christmas is coming, and I have saved up enough for a Christmas present to myself. Here is my dilemma -

As seen by my sig, I have an Allez Sport with a compact double, Sora/Tiagra mix group. The bike is primarily stock, only changes I've made are the tires (Conti GatorSkins) and the pedals (SPD-SL Shimano 105's). My two options are:

A. Upgrade the groupset to a 105 (10spd vs the 9spd that I have now)
B. Upgrade the wheelset (I was thinking of Mavic Ksyriums, as they seem to be quite popular. I don't know much about wheelsets) Not sure which Ksyriums, as the SLs I am seeing are around $1K, the Elites are $650 off Nashbar. Suggestions?

I average 100-150mi a week, primarily group rides. Am not racing, don't plan on it. Only sometimes are the roads bumpy with potholes.

So based upon that information, which option do you think I should go with?

echappist

Wheels. Actually, look at the wheels made by williams cycling. They are lighter & cheaper than the Ksyrium & they are about $500. Sora components are not going to hold you back on group rides; hell, you can probably do entry level races on them, too.

mike868y

What wheelset is currently on your bike? Do you mind the Sora thumb shifters? part of me wants to say just get a rival gruppo because sora/tiagra is pretty low end (I have tiagra/105 and it works well though), however a good set of wheels would be stiffer and probably much lighter.

If you do get wheels, go custom. I got ksyriums and honestly wish I would have gotten some kinlin xr300 rims laced to some good hubs (dt swiss, white industries, alchemy, etc.)

Steve90068

So you're looking at $1k for wheels, $500(ish) for a 105 group. I would sell your Allez for $650 and combine that with the $1500 and get a killer deal on a 09 Tarmac comp or expert

https://www.goridebicycles.com/Site/Closeoutlist.htm

Just my two cents though. Bike forums is full of answers to questions that nobody asked

nahh

this.

acaurora

My Allez has the stock Alexrims S500s. I don't know much in terms of how much they weigh, so I assume that they're heavy

As for the Sora shifters, I think I don't like them primarily just because I know that they're cheap. I know that with the 105s/Ultegras/DA the shifting will be crisper and the groupset overall will be lighter, but right now I don't think it's really something in urgent need of upgrading... or am I thinking wrong?

acaurora

That is definitely a good suggestion. I might end up doing that. I probably will not be able to find anyone in my cycling group that would want mine, as everyone has Tarmacs/Roubaixs, but hey, that's what CraigsList/eBay is for, right?

jbhowat

I think upgrading the wheelset is a better option, but it seems more expensive(?) maybe I'm confused as to your plans.

In general I would say that removing weight/increasing stiffness/better aero on your wheelset is better than the same on the frame.

markieta

I would def 1+ this route also.

I rode a tarmac elite last season and loved it.
You won't go wrong if you like your allez.

acaurora

Err I think you misunderstood - it's either/or, not both. I think though that with around $1500 (incl the 650 from selling my Allez) I see an '09 Tarmac Comp on that list

acaurora

Well I would be upgrading from my aluminum to a carbon frame, so I would think the weight savings would be pretty significant, no?

markieta

Yes,
and with the 105 parts on the tarmac, youll be upgrading your groupset at the same time as well. =D

wrobertdavis

One other line of thinking I might offer. A really good set of wheels can make a profound difference in any bike. I cannot fault the idea of selling your allez and buying a low end tarmac or roubaix. However, consider that these bikes are going to have lower quality entry level (often called "pull off") wheels just like your allez and you won't have the benefit of the handling/efficiency offered by higher end wheels. You can invest in a set of wheels, use them for a year, then upgrade and move them to your new bike. All bikes nowadays come with crappy factory wheels, even the $5000 bikes.

A while back, I had a Roubaix that kept getting cracks in the factory wheels. After the second warranty replacement, I bought a set of Kysirium SL wheels and rode them for about 6 months. It was like a completely different bike with those wheels. Later, I bought a Cervelo R3 and swapped its crappy wheels to the Roubaix and put the Kysirium SL's on the Cervelo. The SL's were a great match for the R3 and I was able to sell the Roubaix advertised with "new" wheels for a good price.

Bob

acaurora

That does bring a good point. The '09 Tarmac Comp I saw has the Shimano RS10 rims (the 2010 version comes with Mavic Aksiums), which from what I am reading, as long as I'm not >170 (I'm 5'9 / 155 currently) I won't have to worry about the spokes breaking....but people do say they are heavy.

I figure if I go with selling/getting a new one I can buy a cheap wheelset (Aksiums) to hold me over until I save up enough to get Ksyriums/Customs... right ?

f4rrest

I upgraded the groupset on my Allez (to ultegra shifters, 105 everyting else, left the brakes as-is) and can't be happier. It still has the Alex wheels.

You can get the 105 road double crank/chainrings for $60 now on backcountryoutlet.com if you're going to piece a group together -- it's a good start.

gkelley

go with a different bike

RoboCheme

I and others have found that Neuvation offers some good wheelsets at great pricing.

https://www.neuvationcycling.com/

Randochap

Yes.

Kurogashi

Leaving your Allez so soon, lol? That was fast.
Well my advice would be to get a good wheelset now, because you can always get a better bike later and just swap on the wheels.

But then again, a low end Tarmac with awesome wheels can be as good as SOME $500+ bikes. xD Sucks when you have little money to spend, huh.

acaurora

Yes, yes it does.

Well I plan on going to my LBS tomorrow to see if they have similar deals on '09 Tarmacs. Might save me the drive to the bay area. I have no problem driving there to get the bike, just more a matter of convenience. And the important step of actually *selling* my current bike. Any takers by any chance?

guadzilla

Or better yet, one of the bling bikes on sale at Competitive (they have a fully-loaded Cervelo for approx $2k).

But of this choice, handbuild wheels for $500 FTW.

V.

acaurora

I have heard a lot of good things about going with handbuilt rims, primarily that they are cheaper AND are better quality.

But I mean, I have got to say, that blue looks so gorgeous. I always see white, black, or red Tarmacs. Never seen a blue one. And it matches my jersey. /grin

wrobertdavis

Don't interpret my description "factory crappy wheels" as meaning they are not useable and rideable, especially if you are not a heavyweight. Just ride the factory wheels until they are broken or worn out or you want to spend some more money, then get a new performance wheelset.

New bike fever is hard to overcome.

Bob

Kurogashi

wow the colour does look good. i would prefer if it was more of a navy, imo.
anyways, how much is that thing? im wondering if my LBS will let me pay monthly for a new tarmac, kind of like leasing.. haha. student financial problems lol.

acaurora

I am seeing it for $1599, down from the MSRP of $2399. I am highly tempted to get it.