Stem riser.

Stock stems are always way too low for me even with added spacers. A riser gets a threadless stem up to a comfortable riding position.

It always makes the right size bike fit like a glove.

As a mad modder, I love changing my bike. Sometimes it's just because, sometimes because I think it's a better part. For me, it's all about personalization much like a car is. You know, I think that sometimes when we make changes, we think they are better but in reality, they may not be. The only way to objectively tell if something is better is by getting real measurements, e.g. weight, speed, etc... Those are things you can measure. Of course, there are other measurements as well, e.g. how does the bike feel now? How do I feel about the bike? Do I like the way it looks now? Does the bike excite me when I get on to ride? Sometimes, the way we feel about our mods can make a difference in how we ride. It's like having a clean car. Somehow, having a clean car always make the car feel faster and better to me.

My Escape is so heavily modified that I should have just bought a frame and built it up. The only thing stock is the frame, wheels, and fork. And I'm looking to change the wheels. For me, it's about weight and it's about things I like. I like nice things. And sure, some of it is a waste of money, but I don't care. it makes me feel better and I enjoy the experience of changing out parts, trying new things, and therefore, the bike rides better. Oh, and my bike lost a little weight. In all, my bike has lost a little over 1.5 lbs. Not much in the grand scheme of things but quite a bit for a bike. Sure, it shifts better and makes less noise and racket, and it will still shift if I'm pedaling hard.

It's your bike so rock it however you want!

I don't see it as a waste of money at all. To me cycling is for fitness but it's also a hobby of sorts..

Like you, many times I upgrade things that don't need upgrading just because I want to..

New Full Carbon Fiber Road Bike Cycling Bicycle MTB Saddle Seat Ultra Light | eBay
Bought this today! Only 95 grams, and $35. Just something to try out, will review once it arrives from hong kong.

This is on the way to my door step, about $30 including shipping very cheap price. 550 grams decent but still pretty heavy. I'll be sure to give a thumbs up or down when i get to use it. I am not sure if this will be comfortable with the upright seat position I have on my bike, and like others also have.

These both are now on my bike, and I love them. I dropped over 500 grams (over a pound,) and the look really nice. They make turning easier and give me more control. I payed about $40 for both of them and got them in 3 days. I would recommend these to every one, cheap and very light.

The 7.3 FX came with an Bontrager Sport seat post. I like the 2-bolt seat posts because they can be adjusted. Will a carbon seat post make much of a difference?

Got to try this out after problems with shipping, I averaged 15% - 30% faster when going aero with these bars compared to upright position. This being on a downhill course going faster that 20mph. These are more comfortable than the upright position, and only weigh about 600 grams.

Hello to all, this is my first post but I have followed this forum for some time. Below is a pic of my DS 8.3 with a few upgrades and mods ( if the picture post is successful ). The bike is a much better fit for me now and I would definitely do the same mods again.

Could you list all the mods you did.

How much weight did you save going to a non-suspension fork?

Sure Colonel, Changed the following : Bar to Richey carbon high rise bar, stem to 40 degree stem, fork to Niner carbon fork, seat to Brooks B-17, pedals to CB 5050, grips to Ergo 3. When you add the weight savings from the fork switch, including the weight of the adapter for the disc brake you no longer need as the Niner is designed for disk brakes, it comes to almost 4 lbs. The Niner fork really improved the front brake performance and is a much cleaner installation than the original.

I'm hoping to pick up my Escape today or tomorrow...sure would like to see what you've done to yours along the way...

I have a Thomson seatpost/stem, Crank Bros high rise bar, XTR shifter/brakes, XT front and rear mech, LX crank, DuraAce chain, SRAM PG 980 cassette, Azonic pedals, Bontrager nebula saddle, Schwalbe Marathon supreme tires (700x32), ergon gc5 grips. I'd be lighter if I swapped out the heavy grips and pedals.

I had almost 4lbs in weight loss with the changes. The tire changes alone were almost 2 lbs. I'm on to building up my next bike. I'm going to buy a frame and build it up. It's going to be fun

This is my bike before I put the new tires on. I also changed the seatpost to one with zero setback.

It is amazing how good your bike looks.

One of the best efforts in upgrading a bike I have ever seen.

Thanks, I consider that high praise indeed, coming from you!

I have made the following changes to my 2014 Giant Escape 0 which I purchased several months ago.

1. Nashbar rear rack.
2. Cateye computer
3. Platform pedals
4. Brooks B17 saddle
5. Ergon GP3 grips
6. Cut half inch off handlebars
7. Kick stand....I tried but couldn't do without it. I love kickstands.
Of all the changes i have made, the Ergon grips stand out. Wonderful comfort, many hand positions, and quality product when installed correctly. The Brooks saddle I just received, so too early to review. I will be adding some Panaracer Pasela 32mm tires in the future. O yea, I think I better get a bell...I'm spooking way too many walkers.

My 2002 Giant Cypress as I bought it, and as it sits now. The frame and the brake levers are the only original parts.