Does it make sense for me to upgrade?
08-02-12, 08:07 PM
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Does it make sense for me to upgrade?
I just started riding late last year on a 2008 Trek 2.3 that I bought used for $800. I've ridden about 1200 miles and really enjoy it. My bike is now 5 model years old and I am thinking about upgrading while I can still get close to what I paid for it. It has 105 on it and I have had no problems or complaints.
I am thinking about either a Caad10 with ultegra or 105, or a Raleigh Revenio Carbon with ultegra or 105. My biggest question is weather or not carbon would be a more comfortable ride, and if ultegra performs better than 105?
Sorry if there is too many questions in one thread but I'm new to biking and I want to upgrade at the right time.
I am thinking about either a Caad10 with ultegra or 105, or a Raleigh Revenio Carbon with ultegra or 105. My biggest question is weather or not carbon would be a more comfortable ride, and if ultegra performs better than 105?
Sorry if there is too many questions in one thread but I'm new to biking and I want to upgrade at the right time.
08-02-12, 08:09 PM
#2
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Is there something wrong with your old bike? If not, I would spend some money on a new set of wheels and a carbon seatpost.
08-02-12, 08:18 PM
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I did something similar. I bought a used bike and upgraded it a year later but it did it because the bike didn't fit correctly.
I do prefer carbon but, you should test ride a few bikes and see if you like them better. As for the group. I use Campy so I don't really know much about Shimano but I believe the big difference is weight.
I do prefer carbon but, you should test ride a few bikes and see if you like them better. As for the group. I use Campy so I don't really know much about Shimano but I believe the big difference is weight.
08-02-12, 08:21 PM
#4
shedding fat
Does it make sense for me to upgrade?
No
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08-02-12, 08:32 PM
#5
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Bicycles are not like computers. The new stuff isn't faster than the old stuff.
That said, if you're riding regularly (let's say 100+ miles a week), it may make sense to have two bikes. Use the older bike for bad weather, backup, commuting, errands and so forth.
That said, if you're riding regularly (let's say 100+ miles a week), it may make sense to have two bikes. Use the older bike for bad weather, backup, commuting, errands and so forth.
08-02-12, 08:34 PM
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Nothing is wrong with my current bike. It has a carbon seat post, fork, and seat stays. It also has Bontrager Race wheels. I'm not very concerened about weight.
08-02-12, 08:41 PM
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QUOTE=Bacciagalupe;14560969]Bicycles are not like computers. The new stuff isn't faster than the old stuff.
That said, if you're riding regularly (let's say 100+ miles a week), it may make sense to have two bikes. Use the older bike for bad weather, backup, commuting, errands and so forth.[/QUOTE]
+1. Actually n+1 !
That said, if you're riding regularly (let's say 100+ miles a week), it may make sense to have two bikes. Use the older bike for bad weather, backup, commuting, errands and so forth.[/QUOTE]
+1. Actually n+1 !
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FB4K - Every October we wrench on donated bikes. Every December, a few thousand kids get bikes for Christmas. For many, it is their first bike, ever. Every bike, new and used, was donated, built, cleaned and repaired. Check us out on FaceBook: FB4K.
Disclaimer: 99% of what I know about cycling I learned on BF. That would make, ummm, 1% experience. And a lot of posts.
08-02-12, 08:42 PM
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The biggest difference with Ultegra, functionally speaking, will be durability. It'll work well for longer.
It's lighter and probably a bit better in construction but I certainly wouldn't notice if it was a 105 or Ultegra rear derailleur until it started to get a bit old. I used to use RX100 (sub-105) and 105 parts on my bikes for a while, sometimes Ultegra. There is a difference in bearing quality but that won't show up until things get worn.
On the other hand a fresh drivetrain (chain, chainrings, cassette) will ride and shift very crisply. The new Ultegra rings should be very stiff, helping make the bike feel more responsive when going hard or when out of the saddle (climbing or sprinting).
Before you get too focused on material make sure whatever bike you have or want to get will fit you. If you're still developing as a rider then you'll need to do a bit of guessing on how you'll fit in a year (and therefore maybe wait to upgrade?) but a properly fit bike will do wonders for overall comfort. Generally speaking carbon will be softer than aluminum but I know that I've ridden full carbon, half carbon half aluminum, and full aluminum frames on the same 6+ hour ride, and the one that was most comfortable and fun was the custom fit full aluminum frame.
It's lighter and probably a bit better in construction but I certainly wouldn't notice if it was a 105 or Ultegra rear derailleur until it started to get a bit old. I used to use RX100 (sub-105) and 105 parts on my bikes for a while, sometimes Ultegra. There is a difference in bearing quality but that won't show up until things get worn.
On the other hand a fresh drivetrain (chain, chainrings, cassette) will ride and shift very crisply. The new Ultegra rings should be very stiff, helping make the bike feel more responsive when going hard or when out of the saddle (climbing or sprinting).
Before you get too focused on material make sure whatever bike you have or want to get will fit you. If you're still developing as a rider then you'll need to do a bit of guessing on how you'll fit in a year (and therefore maybe wait to upgrade?) but a properly fit bike will do wonders for overall comfort. Generally speaking carbon will be softer than aluminum but I know that I've ridden full carbon, half carbon half aluminum, and full aluminum frames on the same 6+ hour ride, and the one that was most comfortable and fun was the custom fit full aluminum frame.
08-02-12, 08:49 PM
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I am riding about 300 miles a month. I had my bike professionally fit last year. I think my bike has around 3000 miles on it now.
08-02-12, 09:17 PM
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upgrading the bike won't make you faster. but if it gets you out more often ...
08-02-12, 09:21 PM
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IFWM I'd add to my collection - not sell a bike to get another one.
08-03-12, 06:37 AM
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Shiny new bikes are alwaays nice. Sounds like you will use the bike, so if you can afford it, go for it.
What I wouldn't do is sell myself short. Your Trek is a nice bike. If you get another bike that's not a big step up, you may end up still wanting another upgrade before long.
Thus, I'd either keep riding the Trek, or go to something at least at the Ultegra level.
If you keep the Trek, you might be surprised how much it will ride like a new bike with a tune up, new chain, and new cassette.
What I wouldn't do is sell myself short. Your Trek is a nice bike. If you get another bike that's not a big step up, you may end up still wanting another upgrade before long.
Thus, I'd either keep riding the Trek, or go to something at least at the Ultegra level.
If you keep the Trek, you might be surprised how much it will ride like a new bike with a tune up, new chain, and new cassette.
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08-03-12, 06:47 AM
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Throw the stick!!!!
Upgrading rarely ever makes me faster. With that said, I rarely have a bike over a year or so and I'm always happy on a new toy. 
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08-03-12, 06:47 AM
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Shiny new bikes are alwaays nice. Sounds like you will use the bike, so if you can afford it, go for it.
What I wouldn't do is sell myself short. Your Trek is a nice bike. If you get another bike that's not a big step up, you may end up still wanting another upgrade before long.
Thus, I'd either keep riding the Trek, or go to something at least at the Ultegra level.
If you keep the Trek, you might be surprised how much it will ride like a new bike with a tune up, new chain, and new cassette.
What I wouldn't do is sell myself short. Your Trek is a nice bike. If you get another bike that's not a big step up, you may end up still wanting another upgrade before long.
Thus, I'd either keep riding the Trek, or go to something at least at the Ultegra level.
If you keep the Trek, you might be surprised how much it will ride like a new bike with a tune up, new chain, and new cassette.
08-03-12, 06:50 AM
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Inm dying to buy a new bike, I have two great road bikes already. If you can afford it buy it, the one you fall in love with.
08-03-12, 06:58 AM
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08-03-12, 07:34 AM
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Shiny new bikes are alwaays nice. Sounds like you will use the bike, so if you can afford it, go for it.
What I wouldn't do is sell myself short. Your Trek is a nice bike. If you get another bike that's not a big step up, you may end up still wanting another upgrade before long.
Thus, I'd either keep riding the Trek, or go to something at least at the Ultegra level.
If you keep the Trek, you might be surprised how much it will ride like a new bike with a tune up, new chain, and new cassette.
What I wouldn't do is sell myself short. Your Trek is a nice bike. If you get another bike that's not a big step up, you may end up still wanting another upgrade before long.
Thus, I'd either keep riding the Trek, or go to something at least at the Ultegra level.
If you keep the Trek, you might be surprised how much it will ride like a new bike with a tune up, new chain, and new cassette.
08-03-12, 07:40 AM
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Get a new bike..It will inspire you to ride more...Keep the old one.
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08-03-12, 07:42 AM
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i did same thing as you. Bought a used bike to see if i liked the sport, then upgraded. I didn't need to upgrade, but i wanted a newer bike. I'm glad i did, b/c i enjoy riding my CAAD10 more. Also it fits better. Carbon vs alloy is a whole new can of beans, but i love my aluminum bike.
That being said, your old bike is much nicer than my original older bike.
That being said, your old bike is much nicer than my original older bike.
08-03-12, 08:15 AM
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My biggest question is weather or not carbon would be a more comfortable ride, and if ultegra performs better than 105?
No, Ultegra does not perform that much better than 105 and there is never any particular urgency for that. carpediemracing knows what he's talking about. Taken together with my inference I'd say the answer to your biggest question is no, not worth it.
08-03-12, 08:29 AM
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Nah, just get yourself some new tires, and other consumables and go ride.
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08-03-12, 11:49 AM
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It is nice to have a rain bike or a backup if something puts your favorite bike out of commission for a while.It's not an upgrade, just diversifying your portfolio!
08-03-12, 12:32 PM
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Many years ago I went through a phase where all I did was upgrade, or think about it. It seemed like I had replaced the discipline of riding with trying to find the bike that would be perfect and fast. It was, in effect, an excuse not to ride. With time I learned to use what I had and enjoy it, to ride more and more, and with this attitude, found that what I had was enough. This kept me on the same bike for over 30 wonderful years.
Then I decided it was time to see what cycling had evolved to and to try a new modern bike. Now I have another wonderful bike that will hopefully keep going for another 30 years. The first bike....I still have it and my two sons now enjoy it.
Then I decided it was time to see what cycling had evolved to and to try a new modern bike. Now I have another wonderful bike that will hopefully keep going for another 30 years. The first bike....I still have it and my two sons now enjoy it.