Newbie Needs Upgrade Advice!!
06-17-14, 11:02 AM
#1
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Newbie Needs Upgrade Advice!!
Hello everyone,
Last year I purchased a 2009 Specialized Allez with a Shimano 2300 groupset for $400. I've ridden it for quite a bit since I got it and I wanted to upgrade some of the components. Do any of you have a suggestion on what to upgrade? I'm really young (17) and don't have a lot of money, so please keep that in mind. I was thinking of getting wheels like Open Pros or get a new crankset. Thanks!
Last year I purchased a 2009 Specialized Allez with a Shimano 2300 groupset for $400. I've ridden it for quite a bit since I got it and I wanted to upgrade some of the components. Do any of you have a suggestion on what to upgrade? I'm really young (17) and don't have a lot of money, so please keep that in mind. I was thinking of getting wheels like Open Pros or get a new crankset. Thanks!
06-17-14, 11:30 AM
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Still can't climb
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what are you unhappy with? is the shifting alright? is anything holding you back?
i wouldn't upgrade unless it is going to improve what you feel needs improving, especially if money is tight.
i wouldn't upgrade unless it is going to improve what you feel needs improving, especially if money is tight.
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06-17-14, 12:22 PM
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Contact points make the most difference, especially if you are new to riding and have not already got things dialed in.
Saddle, shoes, clothing, helmet ...
Saddle, shoes, clothing, helmet ...
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06-17-14, 12:29 PM
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good point. the biggest effect from an upgrade i have ever made is to go clipless. nothing comes close to the difference in before and after. next best was bike shorts.
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coasting, few quotes are worthy of him, and of those, even fewer printable in a family forum......quote 3alarmer
No @coasting, you should stay 100% as you are right now, don't change a thing....quote Heathpack
coasting, few quotes are worthy of him, and of those, even fewer printable in a family forum......quote 3alarmer
No @coasting, you should stay 100% as you are right now, don't change a thing....quote Heathpack
06-17-14, 12:30 PM
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Try a narrower, higher pressure tire. That makes the bike feel different.
06-17-14, 12:33 PM
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Keep riding and save your money. Once you have enough for a new bike, you can relegate this one to beater/backup/commuter status.
06-17-14, 12:34 PM
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It probably already has 23mm tires. If anything, going to 25 would be more comfortable.
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06-17-14, 12:34 PM
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drop some hints as you get closer to your birthday or christmas.
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coasting, few quotes are worthy of him, and of those, even fewer printable in a family forum......quote 3alarmer
No @coasting, you should stay 100% as you are right now, don't change a thing....quote Heathpack
coasting, few quotes are worthy of him, and of those, even fewer printable in a family forum......quote 3alarmer
No @coasting, you should stay 100% as you are right now, don't change a thing....quote Heathpack
06-17-14, 12:42 PM
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If the OP wants more comfy they could probably go to 28, or if they want "faster", a 23.
My frankenbike had a 25 up front and a 23 in back when I got it, when I flatted the rear, I swapped to get the same 25s on both ends. They did feel less responsive, but my kidneys thanked me.
06-18-14, 11:00 AM
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For tires, I purchased the Vittoria Zaffiro. I wanted to buy 700x23 but performance only had 700x25 :/ I will try the bar tape and the saddle. I came back riding on the stock saddle the other day from 2 weeks of no riding and my butt was sore for the rest of the day. Can you guys recommend me some good and cheap wheels? I think that's going to be my next 'big' upgrade.
06-18-14, 11:26 AM
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For tires, I purchased the Vittoria Zaffiro. I wanted to buy 700x23 but performance only had 700x25 :/ I will try the bar tape and the saddle. I came back riding on the stock saddle the other day from 2 weeks of no riding and my butt was sore for the rest of the day. Can you guys recommend me some good and cheap wheels? I think that's going to be my next 'big' upgrade.
Cheap wheels are not an upgrade.
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