KeatonR

Got a new '05 LeMond Poprad and am thrilled with it so far. Changing the handlebars out for something a little narrower, and might swap out the stem for a little less rise.

I'm debating some other upgrades when I have the funding and wanted some opinions about whether they're worthwhile:

+ Road wheelset. Would love to have a light wheelset with road tires on it to be able to throw on for road rides. Total cost with cassette would be in the $250 range. Worth it, or should I just suck it up and change tires from time to time?

+ Carbon fork. Thinking about getting the Windwood Muddy, have seen it online for under $200. Primary reason is to shave some weight. Question is, how much weight will it cut, and is it worth it?

That's about it. Thanks for your input--

noisebeam

-I like the wide handlebars, but I have wide 47cm (per wrenchscience measure technique - bump to bump) shoulders
-I like less drop on CX bike for 'CX style' riding (sorry for the purists for who CX is only racing ) vs. road
-I (used to until 2nd bike) swap tires nearly every weekend, once Friday night/Sat morning, once Sunday night. If you don't look at it a chore it is relaxing. I am fine with stock cassette up to 35mph.
-The main thing I would upgrade first would be the front braking system to eliminate shudder/chatter/squeal. There is a thread on this. Chatter can be hazardous on long or steep decents or emergency stops.

I'd ride it a year before any serious upgrades, unless you need it for competetive road racing.

Al

KeatonR

You know, that's pretty good advice. I think I'll sit tight for a bit. It's funny what you get used to -- the bars, which felt almost comically wide to me, are starting to feel normal, as is the rise. It's amazing what you can get used to, especially when you're going in the more comfortable direction.

Some day I'd still like to shave a few pounds off of that thing. But I guess for now I'm keeping up with my friend and his 17-pounder, so I'll save a few bucks for now.