I just changed my fsa carbon crankset to an ultegra, and notice a big improvement, especially in front derailleur shifting. I'm wondering what I might consider next that I would actually be able to notice a change in. (I understand that looks and weight matter to some people, but not so much to me right now.)

I have Rival shifters and derailleurs. I read somewhere that Red shifters might be a noticeable improvement. What do you think?

I have Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheels. You can also suggest something there. I don't race.

If your shifters are uncomfortable, and the red ones have better ergonomics for your hands, then you'll probably notice a difference. But I wouldn't expect them to shift much better.

If you have the old silver shifters you may like the new ones with 'zero loss' on the front. Red shifters give you the Zero Loss on the rear, too, but most people don't find it that noticeable there.

And as far as wheels go, Ksyrium Elites should be all you need if you don't race or plan on it. Great bombproof, stiff wheels. Just ride the bike as is and replace stuff as it wears out.

the new Red with the yaw FD shifts much better than Rival. i just did that upgrade and thought I might be able to tell a little difference, but probably not a lot. I was wrong. Zero loss is awesome on the new Red. Much better than Rival. The ergonomcs of the new shifters are much better too, but the shifting is just great.

It doesn't get you the chain catcher, but but you can get a similar shifting improvement by switching to a $20 Tiagra FD.

I had Tiagra. Then went to Rival. Huge difference. Rival to Red. Huge difference again. No comparison in the FD shifting.

If you haven't actually tried a shimano FD in an otherwise Rival bike you don't know what you are talking about.

first of all, thank you for your intelligent assessment.

second, if you think a tiagra FD shifts anywhere near as good as the Red Yaw FD, you're just as nuts as your posting sounds.

I did not appreciate the hot coffee that ended up on my computer from the coughing and laughing from this post that you appear to think is factual.

I hope you were being sarcastic.

Geez, you did it twice.

I have tried both, on sram systems. You apparently haven't. So maybe I am nuts, but in this matter you are ignorant.

I already knew you were simpleminded, the demonstration wasn't really necessary.

I stand corrected.

I don't think the functionality improvement of red over rival is worth the $300 upgrade. Now, if you're already buying shifters then get red.

I had RED shifters with a tiagra FD and it was fine, never a problem, really quick shifts. I got the new RED yaw FD and (after getting it setup right) it's noticeably better, but effectively the same. It's not worth the upgrade unless you get a great deal or want everything to match

I know you are but what am I?

Almost like working in the shop except at the shop I can't laugh and have to be diplomatic when people say outrageous things from a compete lack of knowledge...but they read it on the internet. LOL.