ogami

I'm getting a 06' Lemond Poprad for commuting and light touring, and wanted to upgrade some of the stock components for more durable ones.

The following parts are stock:

HEADSET Aheadset, semi-cartridge w/hanger
BOTTOM BRACKET Truvativ GXP external
CRANK Bontrager Race Cross GXP 46/38
FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano 105
REAR DERAILLEUR Shimano 105
SHIFT/BRAKE LEVERS Shimano 105
WHEEL SYSTEM Bontrager Select wheel system
BRAKES Avid Shorty 4, cantilevers
HANDLEBAR Bontrager CX Race
STEM Bontrager Select
SEATPOST Bontrager Carbon


Any suggestions or comments?

barba

they all seem fine to me. i would just ride it. if anything i would go for a new saddle (i know it isn't on the list) and then wheels.

truman

Yeah, ride it till something breaks, or you can determine the most urgent need. No sense in just buying crap just to be buying it - that's a thoroughly decent ride, as is.

CastIron

Right in the dustbin. Fact is (personally), I wouldn't have bought another bike with a Tru-Vativ (Bonty) crank/BB. Those things are awful. In any case, now that you have it, replace as needed.

ogami

Thanks for the advice.

The bike btw has not yet arrived. And I thought I would upgrade those parts while they were new for store credit, and pay the difference.

The saddle is the first thing going (Brooks) and second is the headset (maybe Cane creek). I will add the BB and crank, so any other suggestions.

What BB and crank do you reccomend??

ken cummings

I would prefer a Nitto handlebar. The arvid cantilevers I have have gone two years without problems. Interesting you have so much Bontrager stuff, I have had bad luck with their inner tubes.

CastIron

Why not get the full 105 or even ultegra? Fine time to consider the Shimano compact if you're so inclined (probably a better option for a 'cross bike). Since you're doing this pre-delivery, I'd also go for a Thomson post if you have any reservations about the issue piece. And lastly, best time to up the wheelset to something lighter if you wish. Just be careful not to upgrade the sticker past the next model up. It's easy to do.

Banzai

I don't think I'd change anything. Get a rear rack put on there, some panniers, and some durable tires. Sounds like a great bike!
Maybe there's some stuff that's "better" than what's on there, but by that argument, you may as well ditch those POS 105 parts and get Dura-Ace.
No, wait...that's really not a good idea. Ride the bike for a while before you think of stripping it down.
I don't have any problem with TruVativ cranks personally, but then again I'm just a commuter and recreational cyclist, so if they aren't as speedy or as perfect as some others, it isn't apparent to me. I just want a trusty bike.

CastIron

My beef, and it seems the same with many others, is how crappy the Truvativ bits are and how quickly they broke down on my commuter rig--which sees far worse duty than my road bike. Most folks won't notice much difference between 105 and D/A because they are both quality parts to begin with.

You're spot on with the rack and good tires, though.

toddw

If you're looking to spend money consider: a rack or, if you don't like the idea of a rack, look at a Carradice or Baggins bag, seriously consider fenders if your commuting and the Propad will take them (wet feet suck). Spend some money on decent lights, buy a decent waterproof (HA HA) jacket. Other than that, ride it and figure out what YOU don't like on it.

ogami

Yes, I will get a rear rack and panniers for sure, my LBS is having a 20% sale this Sat, and thats when I will make my move.

I don't really look for better parts just whatever is more durable, and 105 sounds fine to me.

The reason behind this is, I won't have the chance (leaving the country) to upgrade or change the essential components for at least a few years, and who wants to do that anyway.

Then I should change it and be done with it now while I can.

Thanks for the advice and all the comments so far.

Cheers.

rat_factory

ride it untill it breaks unless it is a fit/comfort issue, especially on an all weather commuter.

DCCommuter

In the immortal words of Eddy Merckx, "don't upgrade bikes, bike up grades."

freako

105 components are very good quality components for the price, in fact many club racers race on that stuff without complaints and without the urge to upgrade to Dura Ace or Ultrega. The seat upgraded to Brooks could be worthwhile if your going to ride long distances otherwise forget it. Overall I agree with the first poster Barba she (he?) and ToddW, they made the most sense. Save your money and buy optional stuff like what ToddW said, and maybe add lights to the mix if your going to ride after dark.

spider-man

^^

mihlbach

I my experience, what usually happens after an upgrade is that some other part breaks, but you've already spent a ton of money on upgrades. Better wait and see what parts start to go first...then upgrade as needed.

noisebeam

I have ~4500mi on a stock 2005 Lemond Poprad used for daily commuting, weekend rides and occasional rough trail rides. Only thing I have ever changed are consumables (lube, tires, chain, brake pads)

I don't know why one would upgrade anything except the tires for road use and seat if not comfortable or otherwise wait until something wears out/breaks.

Al

marqueemoon

I'd replace the stem, replace the seatpost if the stock one won't stay put, add fenders, and add my favorite saddle. I usually wait for stuff to break before replacing it unless I get a great deal on a used part.