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Best Upgrade path?

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Old 08-28-07, 01:07 PM
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Best Upgrade path?

What is the best order for upgrading a bike? I'm guessing it will differ a little with the components that are sold on the bike, but in general, when trying to make a bike lighter, faster, stronger, etc., what is the best order?

Seems like from what I've read, the wheels are almost always the first thing to change. What next?
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Old 08-28-07, 01:16 PM
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The best upgrades are parts that make the bike fit you better (stem, handlebar, gearing, saddle). If you're fast and like climbing, then lightweight aero wheels can be helpful, especially for race-only use. When rubber parts (tires, brake pads) wear out, you can think about replacing them with something better. Everything else is generally not worthwhile. You're much better off buying a better bike to begin with.

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Old 08-29-07, 07:31 PM
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What bike is it right now? Age, material, components. +1 on fit then wheels. If you are riding a 35 year old Schwinn LeTour then a new bike might be more cost effective. If you are talking how to improve a 2005 Cervelo ... you can't.
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Old 08-29-07, 08:02 PM
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I haven't made my purchase yet, but I'm wondering based on a specialized Allez Elite
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Old 08-29-07, 08:05 PM
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Originally Posted by johnny99
The best upgrades are parts that make the bike fit you better (stem, handlebar, gearing, saddle). If you're fast and like climbing, then lightweight aero wheels can be helpful, especially for race-only use. When rubber parts (tires, brake pads) wear out, you can think about replacing them with something better. Everything else is generally not worthwhile. You're much better off buying a better bike to begin with.
I agree. Go for comfort and fit issues first. Then I would go for wheels as the next upgrade, but it also depends on what parts are on your bike.
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Old 08-29-07, 10:45 PM
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Don't buy upgrades; Ride up grades.
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Old 08-30-07, 01:59 AM
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Originally Posted by johnny99
The best upgrades are parts that make the bike fit you better (stem, handlebar, gearing, saddle). If you're fast and like climbing, then lightweight aero wheels can be helpful, especially for race-only use. When rubber parts (tires, brake pads) wear out, you can think about replacing them with something better. Everything else is generally not worthwhile. You're much better off buying a better bike to begin with.
Solid advice.
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Old 08-30-07, 08:48 AM
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Originally Posted by AbsoluteZ3RO
I haven't made my purchase yet, but I'm wondering based on a specialized Allez Elite
The cheapest time to upgrade is before you buy the bike. Buying a better bike now will be much cheaper than upgrading a worse bike later.
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