What to upgrade first?
#1
Banned.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 155
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
What to upgrade first?
I just bought a '15 Trek 7.3 FX. What part of this bike should I upgrade first and what should I upgrade it to? I'm clueless. Help?!?!
#2
~>~
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Indiana
Posts: 478
Bikes: 2015 Trek 7.3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#4
Banned.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 155
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Bandera - Sooooo, I shouldn't worry about upgrading my SEAT, but rather I should focus on riding more? :-) Thank you for that. Point taken.
#5
Senior Member
For me after a few months of riding it was apparent that original pedals, gearing and tires needed improvement.
#6
On Your Left
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Long Island, New York, USA
Posts: 8,373
Bikes: Trek Emonda SLR, Sram eTap, Zipp 303
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3004 Post(s)
Liked 2,433 Times
in
1,187 Posts
Clipless pedals and shoes are a great upgrade. You'll be amazed how much more power you put to the road with them.
Other than that, there's not much.
#7
The Improbable Bulk
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wilkes-Barre, PA
Posts: 8,401
Bikes: Many
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
It is amazing how many people know what bike to buy, then immediately have to ask others what to upgrade...
There is nothing on the 7.3 FX that should need immediate upgrading unless something specific bothers you, this however won't keep me from rambling a bit...
As others have mentioned (partially) the parts that are most personal are the contact points.... Saddle, pedals/shoes and grips. If you have no problem with those now, then leave them alone, but if you do, then find a solution that works for you. It is of no real value to ask what the best saddle is, because our needs are quite diverse, grips, there are a few choices, and pedals/shoes there are a myriad of combinations, and we each have our own preferences.
Saddle... Proper fit is key, especially matching the saddle to your sit bone width. Everyone has their favorites, but that doesn't mean they would work for you. I am trying out the Selle SMP TRK this year on my 2011 Trek 7.3 FX because I tried someone else's bike late last year and loved it for a short ride. I'll see what happens on longer rides.
Pedals/Shoes... I really like mountain type shoes and pedal systems because I like to be able to walk normally when I am not on the bike. My shoes are Lake Trekking shoes (a discontinued model) which are mountain shoe-like, but with a little less tread, since I don't ride or walk in the mud regularly. I primarily picked the Lake shoes because they came in a wide width. I have only used Crank Brothers Candy pedals, and find that they work well for me.
Grips... I like oblong grips, and have used a couple different ones. My favorite are the Ergon grips. I currently don't use bar ends, but I do have a set of Ergons with integrated bar ends that I may try at some point. The Ergons to me are better than the other cheaper grips I tried because they are more easily adjusted to the exact angle that works due to the fact that they are clamp on and loosen/tighten with an Allen wrench. In addition to nice grips, I always wear cycling gloves to help my comfort, plus I don't tear up my palms when I fall/crash.
Not necessarily upgrades, but you should also consider whatever you may need with you to help in case of issues on the road. At a minimum I carry: a patch kit and spare tube, something to inflate the tire (usually CO2 and pump) multi-tool (including common allen sizes, and chain breaker), a spare master link that works with my chain (great to have if your chain uses them), water bottle cages and bottles. You will of course need a way to carry the stuff you bring with you. I use a rack and a trunk bag because I carry stuff beyond what I listed here.
I always ride with a mirror to keep an eye on cars behind me, or cyclists on the rail trails... I feel blind without it. I always wear a helmet, but don't want a helmet debate here.
You also need chain lube to keep your chain healthy, but you obviously should lubricate at home, and don't need to take it on the road with you. Other tools would be good, especially if you plan to do your own maintenance.
There is nothing on the 7.3 FX that should need immediate upgrading unless something specific bothers you, this however won't keep me from rambling a bit...
As others have mentioned (partially) the parts that are most personal are the contact points.... Saddle, pedals/shoes and grips. If you have no problem with those now, then leave them alone, but if you do, then find a solution that works for you. It is of no real value to ask what the best saddle is, because our needs are quite diverse, grips, there are a few choices, and pedals/shoes there are a myriad of combinations, and we each have our own preferences.
Saddle... Proper fit is key, especially matching the saddle to your sit bone width. Everyone has their favorites, but that doesn't mean they would work for you. I am trying out the Selle SMP TRK this year on my 2011 Trek 7.3 FX because I tried someone else's bike late last year and loved it for a short ride. I'll see what happens on longer rides.
Pedals/Shoes... I really like mountain type shoes and pedal systems because I like to be able to walk normally when I am not on the bike. My shoes are Lake Trekking shoes (a discontinued model) which are mountain shoe-like, but with a little less tread, since I don't ride or walk in the mud regularly. I primarily picked the Lake shoes because they came in a wide width. I have only used Crank Brothers Candy pedals, and find that they work well for me.
Grips... I like oblong grips, and have used a couple different ones. My favorite are the Ergon grips. I currently don't use bar ends, but I do have a set of Ergons with integrated bar ends that I may try at some point. The Ergons to me are better than the other cheaper grips I tried because they are more easily adjusted to the exact angle that works due to the fact that they are clamp on and loosen/tighten with an Allen wrench. In addition to nice grips, I always wear cycling gloves to help my comfort, plus I don't tear up my palms when I fall/crash.
Not necessarily upgrades, but you should also consider whatever you may need with you to help in case of issues on the road. At a minimum I carry: a patch kit and spare tube, something to inflate the tire (usually CO2 and pump) multi-tool (including common allen sizes, and chain breaker), a spare master link that works with my chain (great to have if your chain uses them), water bottle cages and bottles. You will of course need a way to carry the stuff you bring with you. I use a rack and a trunk bag because I carry stuff beyond what I listed here.
I always ride with a mirror to keep an eye on cars behind me, or cyclists on the rail trails... I feel blind without it. I always wear a helmet, but don't want a helmet debate here.
You also need chain lube to keep your chain healthy, but you obviously should lubricate at home, and don't need to take it on the road with you. Other tools would be good, especially if you plan to do your own maintenance.
__________________
Slow Ride Cyclists of NEPA
People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Slow Ride Cyclists of NEPA
People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
#8
Senior Member
#9
☢
But as already stated, spend some time in it so you know what you do and don't like.
Clipless pedals and shoes are a great upgrade.
You'll be amazed how much more power you put to the road with them.
Other than that, there's not much.
Other than that, there's not much.
Last edited by KraneXL; 03-27-15 at 12:26 AM.
#10
aka Phil Jungels
A Mountain Myrricle mirror, so you will be more aware of your surroundings.
If you decide to change grips, or add bar ends - I have some favorites. I have both Ergon and Specialized ergonomic grips. I like the Specialized ones better, as they are slightly softer, and just a little more comfortable. I also now prefer the Specialized P2 Bar Endz, to the tubular ones (I have both)
Those would be my first suggestions (after finding the seat you like best). So, come back with questions about how to fix problems you find, or how better to make it your own.
Other than those - there's lots of stuff I have changed over the years, to fit my bikes to me.
Now, go get some miles, and enjoy your new bike
If you decide to change grips, or add bar ends - I have some favorites. I have both Ergon and Specialized ergonomic grips. I like the Specialized ones better, as they are slightly softer, and just a little more comfortable. I also now prefer the Specialized P2 Bar Endz, to the tubular ones (I have both)
Those would be my first suggestions (after finding the seat you like best). So, come back with questions about how to fix problems you find, or how better to make it your own.
Other than those - there's lots of stuff I have changed over the years, to fit my bikes to me.
Now, go get some miles, and enjoy your new bike
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Middelbury, Vermont
Posts: 1,105
Bikes: Giant Escape 1
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 136 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
2 Posts
You have some good advice here - particularly the mirror. I will add a bike computer. Knowing my speed has helped me a lot. I also like that it logs the miles.
#12
Senior Member
The saddle IF it isn't working for you.
Pedals if you don't already have clipless pedals on it.
Otherwise upgrade when you need to replace something that's broke or worn out.
Tires or the chain will probably be first to go. There isn't all that much difference in chains, but there are choices in tires.
Next may be brake pads. KoolStop pads can make a difference.
Pedals if you don't already have clipless pedals on it.
Otherwise upgrade when you need to replace something that's broke or worn out.
Tires or the chain will probably be first to go. There isn't all that much difference in chains, but there are choices in tires.
Next may be brake pads. KoolStop pads can make a difference.
#13
On Your Left
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Long Island, New York, USA
Posts: 8,373
Bikes: Trek Emonda SLR, Sram eTap, Zipp 303
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3004 Post(s)
Liked 2,433 Times
in
1,187 Posts
Well, last week I picked up a Trek 8.5 DS and bought MTB shoes. I was amazed how much more control I had on the spin bike and how much easier it was to spin.
Shoes made a huge difference. (just my personal experience)
#14
The Improbable Bulk
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wilkes-Barre, PA
Posts: 8,401
Bikes: Many
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
Being a road cyclist I just assumed so, but this winter I joined a gym and took spin class 4-5 times a week. I also rode my son's MTB a few time with flat pedals since i didn't have MTB shoes. I had problems trying to keep my feet on the pedals in the best position.
Well, last week I picked up a Trek 8.5 DS and bought MTB shoes. I was amazed how much more control I had on the spin bike and how much easier it was to spin.
Shoes made a huge difference. (just my personal experience)
Well, last week I picked up a Trek 8.5 DS and bought MTB shoes. I was amazed how much more control I had on the spin bike and how much easier it was to spin.
Shoes made a huge difference. (just my personal experience)
As a large rider with minor balance issues, I don't ride clipless early in the season until I build up some "stability", but then I love to move to clipless. The last few years I didn't get there, and I definitely miss it. By the time it felt right last year, it was too late in the season to make the adjustment for me.

__________________
Slow Ride Cyclists of NEPA
People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Slow Ride Cyclists of NEPA
People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
#15
On Your Left
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Long Island, New York, USA
Posts: 8,373
Bikes: Trek Emonda SLR, Sram eTap, Zipp 303
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3004 Post(s)
Liked 2,433 Times
in
1,187 Posts
I put Shimano PD-A530 pedals on my Dual Sport since they have a flat side for sneakers and a cleat side that for SPD cleats.

#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Southwestern Ontario
Posts: 4,978
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1488 Post(s)
Liked 1,048 Times
in
529 Posts
OP,
I'm firmly in the 'ride it a year, then figure out what you want to change (or 'upgrade') -- if anything' camp.
That said, there might be some initial/early changes you want to make, but these are not for upgrade reasons but rather fit/comfort: contact points. These are i) bars/grips etc; ii) saddle; iii) pedals.
Bars and saddle are obvious; you may or may not find the stock saddle comfortable, and you may or may not find the stock bar configuration quite right. You might find yourself wanting to change these, but I'd certainly give even that a little ride time so that you get a clear sense of what you might find preferable. Pedals? You might like the feeling of control etc. with clipless -- I do, but don't go clipless with the idea that doing so will make you 'faster' -- it won't. So pedals are discretionary, to my mind.
The other thing is tire choice. There's probably nothing at all wrong with the stock ones, but they are likely heavier and have more rolling resistance than many up-market tires of similar size and puncture-resistance. So that is an initial or early change that would make sense -- but unlike (i) and (ii) above, that's to my mind a discretionary as opposed to necessary (fit/comfort) change. You could easily wait until the stock tires are due for replacement and 'upgrade' then.
I'm firmly in the 'ride it a year, then figure out what you want to change (or 'upgrade') -- if anything' camp.
That said, there might be some initial/early changes you want to make, but these are not for upgrade reasons but rather fit/comfort: contact points. These are i) bars/grips etc; ii) saddle; iii) pedals.
Bars and saddle are obvious; you may or may not find the stock saddle comfortable, and you may or may not find the stock bar configuration quite right. You might find yourself wanting to change these, but I'd certainly give even that a little ride time so that you get a clear sense of what you might find preferable. Pedals? You might like the feeling of control etc. with clipless -- I do, but don't go clipless with the idea that doing so will make you 'faster' -- it won't. So pedals are discretionary, to my mind.
The other thing is tire choice. There's probably nothing at all wrong with the stock ones, but they are likely heavier and have more rolling resistance than many up-market tires of similar size and puncture-resistance. So that is an initial or early change that would make sense -- but unlike (i) and (ii) above, that's to my mind a discretionary as opposed to necessary (fit/comfort) change. You could easily wait until the stock tires are due for replacement and 'upgrade' then.
#17
☢
Being a road cyclist I just assumed so, but this winter I joined a gym and took spin class 4-5 times a week. I also rode my son's MTB a few time with flat pedals since i didn't have MTB shoes. I had problems trying to keep my feet on the pedals in the best position.
Well, last week I picked up a Trek 8.5 DS and bought MTB shoes. I was amazed how much more control I had on the spin bike and how much easier it was to spin.
Shoes made a huge difference. (just my personal experience)
Well, last week I picked up a Trek 8.5 DS and bought MTB shoes. I was amazed how much more control I had on the spin bike and how much easier it was to spin.
Shoes made a huge difference. (just my personal experience)
#18
On Your Left
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Long Island, New York, USA
Posts: 8,373
Bikes: Trek Emonda SLR, Sram eTap, Zipp 303
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3004 Post(s)
Liked 2,433 Times
in
1,187 Posts
Well to be honest, the test didn't use the scientific method so the results could be debatable. However, in this test, the rider in the test agree with you as far as the shoes reduced his attention and focus to his peddling. Again, the test proved zero advantage in power and/or efficiency with respects to clipless vs non clipless. A fixed incline on a treadmill over a timed interval.Agreed if its your first bike. But I already know what I wanted from my previous bikes so the upgrades needed no consideration. I did try out the seat though, just for good measure.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 6,319
Bikes: 2012 Salsa Casseroll, 2009 Kona Blast
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1031 Post(s)
Liked 207 Times
in
145 Posts
If I am buying a new bike, the first thing I do is install clipless pedals and my favorite saddle, which is the Brooks B17. As for the rest, just ride and you will figure out what to upgrade next. Three years in, and I have switched out the following.
Upgraded the stock tires to Panaracer Ribmo.
Switched the brake pads to Kool Stop Salmon.
Replaced the stock back wheel to a 36 spoke custom wheel with a Velo Orange Grand Cru Touring hub.
Switched out the stock cassette from 12 - 25 to 12 - 27.
New chain, bought at the same time I installed the new cassette.
Upgraded the stock tires to Panaracer Ribmo.
Switched the brake pads to Kool Stop Salmon.
Replaced the stock back wheel to a 36 spoke custom wheel with a Velo Orange Grand Cru Touring hub.
Switched out the stock cassette from 12 - 25 to 12 - 27.
New chain, bought at the same time I installed the new cassette.
#20
☢
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 57
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Confusing question. Are you interested in adding an accessory and do not know where to start? Otherwise, why do you think you need to upgrade something on your bike? Have you ridden it long enough to figure out what didn't work for you?
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 242
Bikes: '14 Jamis Coda Sport
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by "oldnslow2
Clipless pedals and shoes are a great upgrade. You'll be amazed how much more power you put to the road with them
I've decided to get a good amount of seat time in first. My bike is stock; I'd like to build a bit of an engine, then try Clipless pedals out.
Also, I'm guessing that it uses a different profile of muscles, or the same muscles in a different way.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 242
Bikes: '14 Jamis Coda Sport
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by MRT2
If I am buying a new bike, the first thing I do is install clipless pedals and my favorite saddle, which is the Brooks B17. As for the rest, just ride and you will figure out what to upgrade next. Three years in, and I have switched out the following
#24
aka Phil Jungels
Took my Sirrus for a ride today, about 20 miles.
Stopped by the LBS to order fenders on the way home! I forgot they are closed on Wednesday................. just enuf water on the MUP to remind me why I like fenders.
Tomorrow!
Stopped by the LBS to order fenders on the way home! I forgot they are closed on Wednesday................. just enuf water on the MUP to remind me why I like fenders.
Tomorrow!
#25
The Improbable Bulk
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wilkes-Barre, PA
Posts: 8,401
Bikes: Many
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
Is it generally advisable to check out clip less right away?
I've decided to get a good amount of seat time in first. My bike is stock; I'd like to build a bit of an engine, then try Clipless pedals out.
Also, I'm guessing that it uses a different profile of muscles, or the same muscles in a different way.
I've decided to get a good amount of seat time in first. My bike is stock; I'd like to build a bit of an engine, then try Clipless pedals out.
Also, I'm guessing that it uses a different profile of muscles, or the same muscles in a different way.

__________________
Slow Ride Cyclists of NEPA
People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Slow Ride Cyclists of NEPA
People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson