Originally Posted by
knrstz
If this were your bike and had the factory componets that are on the link and you wanted to make it a really nice bike, what would you do? I'd like to have a 6 month plan on how to improve this. Thanks!
Ah yes, your bike is similar in spec to mine when it was new.
1) I would start with contact points. Saddle (which you have), pedals and handlebars.
a. After almost three and a half years of riding the bike, I've changed the saddle twice.
b. Clipless pedals and shoes: I switched to Forte Campus pedals - SPD one side, platform on the other.
c. Handlebar setup: With longer and more aggressive riding, I wanted more hand positions and less width on the bar:
-- First I cut the stock riser bar down an inch on each side, then installed bar ends.
-- Then I switched out the bar for a Forte ATX flat bar and had it cut down to 44cm (my size on a road bar).
-- Then I switched out the bar ends for a pair of Specialized Dirt Rodz bar ends. These ends curve vertically. I installed them with the logo upside down so that they curve downward. When I climb through the hills, they give me a grip that is very close to gripping the underside of a brake hood on a road bar.
2) After that, wheels. Lighter? More durable? More aero? I upgraded to a much more durable, teensy bit lighter and slightly more aero wheel. These spin up way faster.
That should get you going for 6 months. Enjoy!!!