Trail_Animal

I have a 2001 Lemond Tourmalet that I last upgraded in 2002.

I put full dura-ace 9 speed componenet upgrade with Mavic Ksyrium SL wheels. I have used it moderately as a training bike since [compete on a SS mtn bike]. I've started doing some road duathlons and thought that it may be time to upgrade again. I like the feel of steel, but was told I could drop the weight of my bike [3+lbs] just by replacing my steel threaded front-end. I also just replaced my DA crank/FD with a SRAM Rival compact crank and FD. I'd like to go full 10 speed as well, which requires replacing cassette and shifters.

Anyhow, I figure I could go high end on upgrades and do it for around $1400...DA components, Easton fork/stem/bars and FSA Orbit-X headset. A steel/C, Ti/C frame alone would be $1400-$1800 and a new steel bike with carbon front-end would cost about $1500 and not have the high-end components.

Thoughts??? I'm a runner by nature and typically have times similar to the top 5-10 finishers in local events, but my biking is a bit behind...I typically average 20-21MPH for the under 25 mile events, where the top 10 guys are doing 22-23MPH. I'm Fairly fit/lean and think weight savings on the bike would be easier than changing my body-type. I also don't use aero bars or any extreme configurations.

Also...with a 1" steerer, would an all carbon fork be a good idea...I'm a 5'11" 190lb biker. What 1" al steerer forks are options and are they worth it?

Thanks in Advance!!!

-Rob

bvfrompc

For your duathlons using aero bars would be the first and best investment towards upping that avg speed.

Then aero wheels, aero helmet, skinsuit, yadda yadda,

then frame, fork etc.

Unless your doing some serious mountain climbing, the 2-3 pounds of your bike isn't going to help as much as getting aero.