Originally Posted by
Carbonfiberboy
If you want to give yourself a present that will make you a happier rider, upgrade your kit: better shoes are huge, as are shorts or bibs. Even a nicer jersey or base layer makes a difference in on-bike comfort. Better glasses are good, too. I'm loving my new Pearl Izumi Elite shorts. I'd upgrade my kit long before upgrading my bike. I reckon I've accumulated ~$3000 in kit components and I don't buy top-end gear.
I've done a bit of that over the winter. A couple pairs of bib shorts, a jersey and some nice stiff shoes. I was surprised how much of a difference the shoes made to my power output and comfort of my feet. I still need to update my helmet since my current one is likely past its due date.