Originally Posted by
MRT2
For real. IMO, if money is burning a hole in your pocket, get some new accessories or kit, and work on your technique. I see this a lot. New riders with a couple of months under their belt decide they need the latest and greatest
I say this often. The pros, were using 7 and 8 speed into the mid 90s. Your 8 speed is as capable of climbing hills as anything Merckx , Indurain, Hinault or Lemond ever used when they were in their prime. Pretty sure if they could conquer Ventoux, Alpe d'Huez, and Tourmalet with 8 speed or less, it isn't slowing you down much.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shimano
And I've been mocked for suggesting this before, but if you have a grand burning a hole in your pocket, get Normatecs and use them to actually be able to ride more, and harder. You'll get faster that way. It'll make much more of a difference than a few more gears.
Do note that "and ride more, and harder" is a necessary component, though.