CaptJohn

I'm currently riding on a mediocre frame with Shimano 105 gruppo, should I upgrade and purchase a new frameset or should I just sell the bike and get a new one? Which would you guys recommend?

Velo Dog

Are you planning to transfer the 105 components to the new frame? Some people probably would advise against it, but the 105 stuff I've used worked pretty well. If money is a problem, that would ease the burden, and you could upgrade the parts as they wear out or you can afford it. Or swap them back to the old frame as you go, since it's probably not worth much as a frameset.
If it were me and I could afford it, though, I'd just save my money and get a new bike, and keep the old one as a beater/rain/trainer/commuter. Everybody should have a beater.

Adrianinkc

I guess it depends on what you call a mediocre frame. 105 is good stuff.

CaptJohn

Not in a position to have two bikes. There are some serious space constraints at where I'm living.

My intention is to transfer the 105 components to the new frame which I've yet to purchased. I'm looking at the CAAD 10 frameset.

Creatre

Depends on the frame, more specifics would be nice.

Not worth transferring the 105 to a new frame IMO if you are wanting to upgrade. I would upgrade the components before the frame.

Personally, I have a bikes direct frame w/ 105 and I'm looking to upgrade in the next 6 months. I originally bought the bike thinking I wasn't going to use it and I've ridden over 5000 miles in the first year and started racing. I am saving up and will be upgrading the entire bike. The 105 blows in my opinion, and my heavy frame and cheap, ill fitting other stuff (handlebars, stem, etc) is not worth using in a new build either.

So you just need to decide what would be worth keeping on the current bike, how that affects resale, and if a new bike completely would outweigh the other options.

Lamabb

If you bought this bike and it had the 105's as it's stock build, the frame can't be that bad. Unless you're going to race it, the frame you have should work... but I can't say that for sure until I know what it is.

CaptJohn

Thanks guys,

Its a Polygon Helios 500 (https://int.polygoncycle.com/index.ph...ikeid=55&par=2)

jamesdak 

Don't buy into the Shimano 105 is junk hype. If it's not working well for you maybe it just needs a simple tuneup. I have 3 bikes. One is a 9 speed 105 setup, one is 9 speed Ultegra setup, and one is a 10 speed 105/Ultegra mix. You know what, it all works the same.

What specifically is not working for you with your current bike?

Nachoman

why are you not happy with your current frame?

shelbyfv

The 105 is decent, as are your Mavic wheels and Ritchey parts. No reason not to move it all to a new frame, IMO.

CaptJohn

I don't really have any issues with my frame or lets put it this way I'm just way too inexperienced to know what exactly is a good ride and vice versa. I'm just thinking down the line, when I do upgrade the bike what would be the ideal situation.

alpha_bravo

IMHO, it's going to be cheaper and less hassle in the long run to just buy a new complete bike, especially at the 105 price point. A CAAD10 frame will cost you around 900-1000. Add in another 150-200 in labor to swap out the parts (or the time you would spend doing it yourself) and you're already at $1200 or so and you would still need a set of wheels. For an extra $300 (probably less) you could just pick up a complete CAAD10-5. Add in the convenience of having a spare bike for bad weather rides, traveling, or mechanicals and it's tough to beat.

UCIMBZ

Always upgrade.

RiPHRaPH

Well, it depends on your budget. Smaller upgrades like cages, front and rear derailleurs, chain, seat post even handlebars can extend your happiness quotient. Heck, new handlebar tape can give you a better feeling about your ride for months.
I upgrade a couple of things a year, so 105 becomes D/A in a few years.

If you will never have 2K to spend on new frameset and components then slow as you go is the right way to upgrade.

Always be on the lookout for frame closeouts though. I bought my Lightspeed Ultimate used, and it still kicks. Transferred 105 onto it and now have ultra and d/a stuff on it years later. And that is my 2nd bike.

WhyFi

I have 5600 105 on my bike and it works fantastically if it's set up properly. The question is, what gains do you expect (or are you looking for) in a frame upgrade?

10 Wheels

So have you replaced your chain or cassette yet? Broken any spokes?

CaptJohn

Nope, I've yet to replace any part of the bike either then the stem and bar tape. I've got a set of Mavic Ksryium ES which should be going on the bike really soon.

Thanks RiPHRaPH. I guess that is the way I was looking at. It really isn't about going out there and spend a huge wads of cash, it's more of wanting learn as I go (ie, like if I change a wheelset how is that going to affect/improve the ride etc). My utmost concern was upgrading the frame as that will cost the most money. A scenario could arise like what alpha_bravo said above, I could be in a position where I purchased a frame and after swapping of all the parts, I could have easily purchased a new bike.

WhyFi, what kind of expectation should I be expecting with a new frameset?