AbsoluteZ3RO

I have a 2007 Kestrel Evoke, which I purchased from bikesdirect.com in early 2008. Overall I've been pleased with the bike, but I've decided that after almost 5 years it may be time to make some upgrades. I think the first question is probably "what am I after" and the simple answer is a faster, more comfortable, and better bike... I know the speed has a lot more to do with me than the bike, but assuming I'm working on other ways to improve "the engine', the purpose of this thread is more focused on how I can improve the bike. So if it were you, how would you spend the money? I've got some images below to show the past and current state of the bike.

A couple of my own thoughts have been:

Option A.
Buy a new frame (considering specialized roubaix) and outfit it with all of my existing equipment - I spoke to my LBS, and he said I may be able to get a last years model frame for under 1k. My current frame is "ok" but I"m not sure it's the best geometry for me and I like the way the roubaix feels. I also assume some progress has been made in carbon frames since 2007. Also, I hate that my frame is red

Option B.
Upgrade existing equipment - I figure I could get a new Garmin 500 to replace the Polar computer that has a broken display (see image below), and buy new Ultegra 6700 Shifters (no wires and current shifters have cosmetic damage), a maybe a bike stand (I've always used my neighbors), and some new odds and ends like new bottle cages.

Option C.
new wheels - This is unlikely as the wheels I have are fairly light, but I wanted to leave it as an option

Option D.
Save the money - get off the computer, and ride until something breaks then replace it.

Here's the original bike (when it was still clean) - I've replaced the the set back seat post with an aluminum Thompson post and the saddle with a Specialized Toupe. I've also added a couple of ugly metal water bottle cages. Otherwise it looks like this - only in need of a very good wash.

Original Bike with old seat post, saddle, and no cages.


Broken Polar display - all else works (i should have turned it on so you could see how bad it is)


Shifter Scuffs





Thoughts?

datlas 

I vote for D.

Ride the hell out of it and save your money.

Get a new bike in 1-2 years at the $2500-3000 price point and relegate this one to beater status.

p.s. if speed is what you are truly after, and you are willing to suffer, buy a power meter and train with it.

canam73

Your seat looks slid forward as far as it would go which might be a hint that a new frame or some set up work is in order.

Edit: Just saw your comment about the replaced seatpost. Have you tried running your stem below the spacers ('slammed')? If you can handle the position it might help with aerodynamics at higher speeds.

Otherwise, get this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-CycleOps...item257290ccb0
or some other used power meter if you really want to get faster.

escarpment

yea there is no point in spending 1000 dollars on that bike. Maybe buy a set of carbon wheels but unless you compete at a high level they are fairly pointless. the scuff on the shifter is proof that you ride that bike, no need to buy new shifters. you could spend about 150 and get new tires, pads, cables. Mabye new saddle and bars but i really wouldnt do much.

escarpment

power meters are ******** in my opinion by the way

dtrain

You can replace that Ultegra shifter 'nameplate' and possibly replace the broken Polar head unit (or just upgrade/replace the whole set up).

How is the braking performance? You could go with 6600 calipers to round out the group, or grab Kool Stop pads.

(Mostly Option D - but do a few things now if you want)

bigbadwullf

For $800 more you can replace it with a Tarmac. I did

Cookiemonsta

Its a nice bike, but I would just keep it and in time replace it with something better. You can either sell it or keep it as a backup bike/ winter bike/ commuter bike etc. But really, that bike is nice and wont hold you back in any way, so upgrading is entirely optional.

milkbaby

I would get a cycle computer with a working display and call it a day. Maybe save up more $$$ and then buy another bike eventually and keep the older one as the backup/rain bike...

flashpoint145

Seeing as how you can get a frame for roughly half that mfr direct from china:
https://www.dhgate.com/2013-pinarello...137b211ab.html

I'd go option D.

Your bike is actually in pretty good shape and seems to be roadworthy of going fast 25+

Computers are cheap, and if you really are in the mood for a new bike, it's your money and you're the boss of it. Get a new bike if you want AND can afford it.

pdedes

You can get the shifter caps from jenson usa. Get some boyd carbon wheels, 50mm clinchers, which you could use on your next ride. I keep mine on the sun bike, the brake track will surely outlast my alu. rims.

ursle

New chain(get 3), bottom bracket(compact or not,new teeth) and cassette (dura-ace)are gonna just about deplete your funds. Spend the rest on rubber.

Bob Dopolina 

They are not the manufacturer and that is not a Pinarello.

If you believe it is I have some real estate you may be interested in.

OP - buy a functioning computer to train with now and save your coin to upgrade to a new bike later.

AbsoluteZ3RO

What is the site? This seems way too good to be true. According to this link I could get a Cervelo S5 for $748 dollars. That's a $3k frame/fork.

enroper

Save your money and buy a new comp. Hell, I'd love to have 5 year old ultegra over my brand new sora. Stupid question, but do you regularly replace your cables? New cables breathe life into a bike, and many people go years without replacing them, then start blaming the bike as being 'worn out'.

AbsoluteZ3RO

I don't think that's a stupid question. I've never replaced my cables... I'll add that to the list of things I plan on doing this winter. My plan is to do a lot of basic maintenance this winter.

hyhuu

Option D. Use your money to buy an experience: take a bike-vacation, fly to some specular riding destinations and have fun.

cafzali

I agree with the "experience" option, if you're determined to spend that kind of money. These days, one can make a strong argument to save any money you have burning a hole in your pocket, because the chances of a global recession in the next 12 months are increasing with every day.

That said, I've been on two bike vacations and loved them. You'll always get some annoying people on a group once it hits a certain size, but that's rarely something that tarnishes the experience so much you have bad feelings about it.

Commodus

Yea this one. Go on a little vacation.

Your bike is neat, no reason to mess with it. Get a fit if you've never had one, they're usually worth the money.

AbsoluteZ3RO

Wow... I can't believe that the overwhelming answer is NOT to spend money, especially considering half of the topics on the forums are about equipment. I appreciate that you guys are looking out for my financial well being, but I think I'm stuck in bazzaro world...

Seattle Forrest

I wouldn't spend $1,000 on someone else's bike.

Yours looks fine. Use the money for plane tickets and a hotel, go out to the mountains, and ride your bike up and down the steepest road you can find. Take pictures. Post a ride report when you get back.

David Bierbaum

I was about to type that I'd take the thousand dollars, say your bike is fine as is, and buy myself a new bike! I vote for option D, as have so many before me.

manutd

well, thats probably because most people are thinking your frame isn't worth it for the costs....I'd say get a new frame but $1000 isn't going to be enough to make an upgrade worth it so I'd just hang on to the money and keep saving until you can get enough to buy a much better frame that is worth the upgrade.

AbsoluteZ3RO

How much would I have to spend to get a frame that was worth the upgrade?

I'd love a Cervelo S2 or S5 frame or a Specialized Roubaix SL4. All of these are at least 2-3k. Is 2k the entry point for a frame worth upgrading too, once you've already got a basic carbon frame like mine?

dtrain

Your frameset, wheels, and group are all pretty decent and well matched for each other. So neither of the options A-C really makes a lot of sense to me (or others here). You would blow the grand upgrading 1 or maybe 2 of the 3 - but you'd throw off the balance and the overall upgrade would be pretty modest.

Do a few little things this winter (computer, new cables, shifter namecap, Kool Stop brake pads, etc.), but otherwise save your money. This would make a great rain/back-up bike when you have $2-3k to throw down on a new bike or build. Yes, you'd need to go for middle to higher-end to really acheive a substantial upgrade.