Upgrade recommendations?
 

Friends and experts,

I have a 2010 Cannondale Quick 5, here are the specs
------------

Frame Quick, mech formed, 6061 alloy
Fork Cannondale Alloy Straight Blades

Wheels Cannondale C4, Formula 31/32, 32hole

Shifters Shimano SL-EF50 EZ-Fire, 8 speed

Rear Derailleur Shimano Alivio

Crank Shimano FC-M151, 24/38/28

Brakes Lee Chi TX-120 linear pull

Tires Kenda Kwick Trax, 700 X 38c
------------

I am doing road rides and some light gravel these days.

I was wondering if there are any recommendations on upgrade? Thinking more about wheels, tires, and shifters (if that makes sense).

Thank you for your time and suggestions :)

--

What sort of bike are you looking for? In terms of this bike I would ride it as is and save your money towards a more practical bike. This was a low initial cost bike with cheaper components nothing really exciting for upgrade. At most I would maybe put on some nicer wear items like brake pads and shoes and maybe some touch points I could move to a new bike.

In terms of new bike a Specialized Sirrus X 5.0 or 6.0 would be a nice choice and a good upgrade but a 4.0 would still be decent or the Jamis Sequel S2 is a neat bike or there are others out there. Basically look for 10 speed and above, hydraulic disc brakes, a carbon fork (or a high end gravel suspension fork like the Rudy from Rockshox, 32 Taper Cast from Fox or something similar) and look for stuff of known quality and quantity and you will generally get a decent bike. 7-8 speed stuff came out in the late 80s early 90s so nearing the 40 year mark so anything newer in that will be lower and lower quality as time marches on. 10 speed still has some decent stuff and especially with Shimano CUES and Microshift AdventX/Sword you have a lot of options for low cost but quality drivetrains in 10 speeds and above (in the case of CUES).

Start with basic stuff on that bike - lightweight tires and better vbrakes/pads. Wheels are an option but expensive. At that point a new bike makes more sense to me.

Llightweight tires - Panaracer Graveking SS or SK are popular options.

While heavier, I like Continental DoubleFighter III for mixed riding.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...22a53c3c5.jpeg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b69dc02d3.jpeg

Brakes - Shimano Alivio T4000 v brakes are reasonably priced and work great. I’ve used these on multiple bikes without complaints.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...16c5d4a5e.jpeg



Swapping components gets expensive if you are paying some to do the work. I have a Trek 7300 with the same Alivio derailleur and shifters and it works great. To upgrade to 9 or 10 speed you end up replacing a bunch of parts. For the DIY type it is only the cost of parts.

Ride the bike and upgrade as parts wear out. Assuming you ever come back...

There is that reality...

Thank you for your suggestions :)

I suggest Conti Contact Speed tires.

Koolstop salmon break pads and supple tires with correct tread.

Proper clothing such as mountain bike short liners, or full on road bike/ MTN bike kit. Pedals and shoes to match. Personally I went with DC skateboard shoes and flats with pins not bolts. Bolts will tear up your shoe bottoms. Make sure your handle bar is the correct width and has the correct stem length.(bike fit) No need to get expensive light weight versions. Just the correct size to fit you. Seat/saddle can make a large change in the comfort of the bike. These can all be used on a different frame if you upgrade bikes in the future.

Can you work on the bike yourself? Then a cheap bike stand, tools, and a tube of grease(espicaly if you have cup and cone hubs). Are you missing shifts on the rear cassette? Was able to fit a shimano deore long cage rd-m592 rear derailleur on my hybrid to replace atlas rear derailleur(use a new chain at the same time). Do not know what to tell you about shifters. Ones that I like are no longer being made. Just please remember fixing, working on, replacing parts will not move this bike out of its class and price range. Just will move it to the top of the class and price range. Many things will not be cost effective or even possible.

I'm enjoying Specialized Crossroads Armadillo tires on my 1991 Stumpjumper, for mixing light off-road trail riding with urban/bike path rides. I'd call my SJ a "hybrid" bike these days.

Is there anything you don’t like about how the bike works or rides? I’m someone who loves to upgrade bikes, but I don’t like to waste time or money paying for solutions when there aren’t any real problems. Upgrades I like usually involve things like changing a cassette to improve gear range, or things to improve comfort like a new saddle, bar, or pedal system. An obvious upgrade is better tires when the current pair wear out, higher quality cables, and better brake pads.

If my bike requires too many upgrades to make it “worthy,” I’ll upgrade to a better bike.

Another solid option to consider. They have a more aggressive tread than the Conti DoubleFighter if that is what the OP desires. Both tires are solid values in my book too. I've spent time on the same bike with both tires and would pick the DoubleFighter for a bike that spends a majority of the time on paved surfaces.

Any good pad makes a difference and the Koolstops are an especially nice option.

I've been closely considering the DoubleFighters as replacement tires, when my Bontrager GR Zero Comp tires are ready for replacement, on my Trek Dual Sport which I use as a mostly paved bike path/hybrid rider.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...9a0fec68_k.jpg

The GR Zero Comps (650bx50) are great hybrid/gravel tires. Smooth center tread for quiet and quick rolling on paved surfaces, with some knobby edges for grip on gravel and dirt. Lots of cushy air volume with the 27.5 x2.0" tires, for a really nice ride feel.

That said, it looks like the DoubleFighters are another great "hybrid" choice for mostly paved paths. Continental make great tires.

I went with the Crossroads Armadillos on my Stumpjumper, as I now ride that bike more as a hybrid, on light/moderate off-road trails, as well as on paved bike paths.

So I got Gravel King SS and Deore Brakes, and they are super useful. Braking is much better than stock ones, and the tyres feel way more faster than what I had.

Thanks a lot for great suggestion.

Glad to help and glad to see you're back.

Pics plz :D

I guess I am too new so not allowed to post pics here yet :).

If you get involved with the many currently active threads in the forums and make 6 more posts you will be able to post pictures and links. Super easy to do.