Upgrading a bike
#1
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 289
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From: Aalesund, Norway
Bikes: Trek Top Fuel 26" & Trek ion cx 28" (cyclocross)
Upgrading a bike
Got this here roadbike i am working on. For the first time in my life i am looking at upgrading a bike with aftermarket components. More than anything the emphasis is on lightweight components since this is a lightweight carbon frame. When looking into this subject i quickly developed a sense of the costs involved. I am not going full raytard and obtaining the lightest stuff out there, just trying to bring the bikes weight down maybe 5-10% to roughly 8 KG. Bit sceptic about buying the lightest stuff out there as these specs may compromize on durability. FYI, the alu stem on the bike is 150 gr. and i found can shave off 50 grams, maybe down to the low 90 grs considering costs. Replacing the two quick release skewers with a lighter set and shave off another 70 grams. Found a nice tit. pair from Aerlite at 54 gr. I noticed i can play around with the bolts and switch out the steel bolts with titanium or alu. ones where applicable. All this looks to be a lot of work getting into, but i am up for the challenge and getting wiser every step i take. I will have to take babysteps and do one upgrade after the other as i am not able to go on a shopping spree and spend my weekly $$$ allowance all at once, so for now i am getting a new stem, QR levers, and titanium bolts. Already obtained lightweight carbon handlebar and platform pedals. Not gonna do the wheel upgrade yet as that is a big expense, but not looking at carbon fiber wheels, just the alus. I am thinking this project will take close to a year to complete, but the bike in question will be up and running during this work in progress. If i get hooked on this project, the last thing i will do is replace the derailleurs. Let me make a point that this is not my bike, so i am only doing this to pay it forward so to speak. Placing the emphasis on weight of the various components really do put things into perspective for me, allowing me to see the bigger picture since i don`t have all that much experience with the aftermarket part of the sport.
So what upgrades have you treated your roadbike to lately?
So what upgrades have you treated your roadbike to lately?
Last edited by imobilinpedalus; 04-30-18 at 11:25 AM.
#4
Steel is real
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 772
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From: Australia
Bikes: Custom - Record Vortex 8 spd Nexus & Mistral Le Mans 3 spd Shimano. Giant Kronos. Raliegh Single Speed
#5
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 43,586
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From: NW,Oregon Coast
Bikes: 8
1st dense rubber grab-on bar sleeves, in the 80's shredded once in the sun
for very long ..UV breaking it down, probably.
so were thinner after you used them , where you touched them most often..
wrapping them with black cotton bar tape cured that..
for very long ..UV breaking it down, probably.
so were thinner after you used them , where you touched them most often..
wrapping them with black cotton bar tape cured that..
#6
Steel is real
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 772
Likes: 18
From: Australia
Bikes: Custom - Record Vortex 8 spd Nexus & Mistral Le Mans 3 spd Shimano. Giant Kronos. Raliegh Single Speed
Some old roadies i collected the foam grips had deteriorated, torn even. on one bike was OK probably didn't get much light! so slid them off for a ladies indi 500 i flipped, looked good!
the ones i'm using are similar to what you'd find on an ugly stick fishing rod, heavy duty quite comfortable too
the ones i'm using are similar to what you'd find on an ugly stick fishing rod, heavy duty quite comfortable too
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 7,579
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From: Pearland, Texas
Bikes: Cannondale, Trek, Raleigh, Santana
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 33,657
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
Bikes: '96 Litespeed Catalyst, '05 Litespeed Firenze, '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '20 Surly Midnight Special, All are 3x10. It is hilly around here!
#10
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 289
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From: Aalesund, Norway
Bikes: Trek Top Fuel 26" & Trek ion cx 28" (cyclocross)
Sure there is. The Xpedo ones i got from China were rather small for platform pedals, but clocked in at only 195 grams for the pair. You have to admit that is lightweight. The ones i am using are 430 grams for the pair (Nukeproof)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/XPEDO-TI-TI...53.m2749.l2649
https://www.ebay.com/itm/XPEDO-TI-TI...53.m2749.l2649
#11
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 289
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From: Aalesund, Norway
Bikes: Trek Top Fuel 26" & Trek ion cx 28" (cyclocross)






