Upgrade Question
 

Suppose you had about US$200 to spend on upgrading your regular commuting rig. What would you think about doing first? I'm not talking about repairing or replacing worn out components, or getting something you don't currently have at all, but actually changing something out for something better/lighter/faster/cooler/prettier/nerdier/ whatever...

I know $200 isn't a lot, and I know we might all have different ideas of where to put our cash, but I'm looking for some ideas of what to consider :-)

***edit:

I guess I should have specified: The ride I'm most likely to blow some cash on is my daily commuter - a 2010 Kona Dew Drop, with a Topeak Super Tourist DX rack (utility), planet bike fenders (all three), and pretty much stock in every other area. Probably less than 1000 miles on the drivetrain, so nothing has serious wear on it yet... I have some adequate Avenir Panniers, and I'm not expecting to replace them until they wear out -- I'm mostly a fair weather commuter (rain is fine, but I prefer to avoid it if I can). I also have a late 90s Kona MTB but it is mostly my backup/ ride with the kids bike.

I would look at my 3 contact points on the bike. Hands, butt, feet. My comfort on a bike is directly proportional to the quality, fit and durability of these items.

Comfort, utility, durability. Anything in those areas would be good.

I'd probably blow it on a lighting upgrade.

depends a lot on the specific bike. If i rode a stock mountain bike, I'd get slicks. For a flat bar road bike, I'd get ergon grips & fenders. For a drop bar road bike, I'd go with fenders.

What are you starting with?

I'm a hopeless upgrade addict. I've found that a lot of upgrades make almost no discernable difference, but they can be fun anyway. Tires are almost always the best bang for your buck in ride quality (maybe second to a good saddle). If you have cheap mechanical disc brakes, Avid BB7's are definitely worth the upgrade.

Yeah -- I get this, but I'm not sure where I'd go with these, in terms of specifics. For example: I'm not crazy about the idea of a brooks saddle because I don't always have the ability to park indoors/out of the weather. And frankly, my current saddle is fine, I think.

If this were October, I'd be so there... but for the next 6 months, I'm able to avoid lights, mostly, so my bar mounted tactical flash is more than enough, and I have the helmet mounted flash in the pannier just in case... Hopefully I'll have some cash to blow next fall for some serious lighting, but for now I'm looking for some immediate return :-)

I guess I should have specified: The ride I'm most likely to blow some cash on is my daily commuter - a 2010 Kona Dew Drop, with a Topeak Super Tourist DX rack (utility), planet bike fenders (all three), and pretty much stock in every other area. Probably less than 1000 miles on the drivetrain, so nothing has serious wear on it yet... I have some adequate Avenir Panniers, and I'm not expecting to replace them until they wear out -- I'm mostly a fair weather commuter (rain is fine, but I prefer to avoid it if I can). I also have a late 90s Kona MTB but it is mostly my backup/ ride with the kids bike.

I just got some new lights and I like my saddle (even though I'm very curious about a brooks), so probably new tires and then maybe a new bike off CL if I could get a good deal for a significant upgrade (or rain bike).

+1000000000

If you have less than awe-inspiring lights, get some Dinottes or maybe a Magicshine. My Dinottes were the best thing I bought for my bikes.

For just over $200 you can get both the Dinotte Red Rear light that takes 4 AA batteries:

http://store.dinottelighting.com/sha...t=products.asp

and Amber lights which are even visible during the day:

http://store.dinottelighting.com/sha...t=products.asp

Should come out to about $240. But well worth it. BTW, one complaint I have with these lights is the battery pack for the AAs are really really cheap, they break quite easily. Dinotte knows this so they give you an extra pack. It's like a $100 light with a 0.25 cent pack. I wish there was a more sturdier AA pack option. Also, they use a 9-Volt type connector to link the pack to the light. I am afraid that the connector will wear out by connecting and reconnecting all the time. You should use some electrical tape to ensure that it doesn't shift around and get detached when you ride which can deform the connectors.

Definitely look at your 3 contact points. I know on one bike my handlebars should be wider because of my shoulder width. I recently just bought a new saddle after my previous one was stolen and its replacement wasn't as comfortable.

Good suggestion. Making your bike more comfortable is an excellent way to spend money on your bike. More comfort mean you will be more efficient on the bike which can translate to faster speeds and ultimately to a happier rider.