TrekJapan

I have upgrade-itis with most things.

I recently bought a new Trek 1.5. And let me say that for the most part the bike is very comfortable. I have no issues with the frame, handlebars. I like the bike.

If you had one would you be content to just ride it as is?
Do you think there are must have upgrades?
Would you not waste the time and upgrade the whole bike?

Just some opinions. Everything can be made better. I just wonder if it's worth it. I'm not competitive, I ride alone, I have no schedule and it's all about riding for time with me. I do expend some effort though and it would be nice to be more efficient and faster.

Lay it on me.

John

Double D

Sounds like your bike does what you need it to.

At this point I'd say just wait until something turns you on and then upgrade.

Or, if you really get the itch Lew's are pretty nice.

roadwarrior

Hey, John...

The advice I give customers is to look and see if the manufacturer makes a bike with that frame with a better groupset. If not, it's probably not worth it.
Bike's are like cars...if you build them a part at a time, it's a lot more expensive. In other words, if you ride tons and find that you might like to upgrade things, I usually suggest upgrading to a nicer frame/bike.

You can price upgrades and you will quickly find that some things cost more than the very nice bike you are riding right now.

For the type of riding you are doing, I'd say stick with what you have.

Have fun!!

Treefox

No idea what's on that bike stock, but wheels are often a good place to look to upgrade, as they're often skimped-on with mid- and lower-range bikes. And you'll definitely feel a difference, unlike, say, a new front derailleur.

(though you'll pay more than a new FD! )

Madisonian

Work on the engine, then when you start to feel where the limitations in your equipment are, upgrade as needed. But generally speaking, wheels are a good place to start.

patentcad

We need a better guy in the White House.

SoreFeet

Ride the hell out of the parts till the wear out...If your integrated shifters act funny be sure to check the cable housings for frayed ends.

You might want to shop around the area for a nice vintage steel bike. Look for the high end Miyata touring bikes/Bridgestone/Panasonic. There are lots of very nice vintage steel bicycles made in Japan. The components might not be 21st century but the ride quality will be cool and classic.

A touring geometry oriented bike is a lot of fun to lug stuff around and go on day trips. You don't have provisions for a rack/fenders on the track. Sometimes riding in the rain is much needed therapy. Also it is fun to throw a bag of groceries on the rack/tent/etc...Day adventure machines can't be had in racey bikes.

bigskyTi

It really depends on your budget. I don't really care about what you use the bike for, if upgrading perfectly good components makes you happy then I say have at it.

going by the spec I'd say some nice clipless pedals and new shoes would be the first thing if you don't already have them. After that you are not really going notice the function of any upgrades (provided you are happy with the shifting) and a new set of nice wheels might cost as much as you paid for the whole bike.

The good news about any upgrades is you will be able to transfer them over in the future to a new frame if that is what you desire.

lechat

if you enjoy tinkering go for it. working on bikes is almost as much fun as riding them. i have a jamis ventura and the only thing original on it is the frame and brakes. i upgraded from sora 8 speed to 105 9 speed and you roughly get 1/2 selling the sora stuff on ebay of what 105 costs.for 'round $800 i have a bike that weighs 'bout 18 lbs with new 105 black, xero xr1 wheels, truvativ elita crank, pbk carbon seatpost. etc.

SgtPepper64

Yeah, he doesn't even ride a road bike!

stapfam

18 months ago-I got into road biking with an OCR3. After 15 years Mountain biking- I was not sure if I wanted a road bike or not so just a cheap one bought. The bike was fine for around 6 months then I started to realise the faults. 8 speed not a problem and the bike rode well. Except for the wheels. First upgrade came as a new set of training wheels. These couldbe transferred to the next bike -if it came along. Those wheels transformed the bike- I now had something that worked and 6 months later got a decent bike. The wheels are interchangable and the OCR had the original stock wheels on it. I was going to keep it as a beater bike- but after a gruelling 10 miles in bad weather to the LBS- it got chopped for a Giant TCR C3. Now have a top rate bike and a good bike.

So if you are going to upgrade anything- Make certain it is going to fit your next bike- or the one after that.

Phantoj

If you have upgrade-itis, there are plenty of ways to spend money on the bike obsession besides upgrading. So, rather than buying a pointless upgrade, why not hire a coach, go on a riding vacation, enter a race or a fun ride... or buy clothes...

laryanshabaz

Saddle maybe? Find out how the stock one feels.
A good pedal/shoe set.
Kool Stop Brake Pads?

Put your time in like you're set to and find out if anything needs upgrading.
You are probably better off saving up to purchase a new bike after time though than going overboard on the current piece.

In time look for things that are transferrable as far as upgrades. Wheelset comes to mind.

photonick

I just got a trek 1500 that for some reason came with ultegra and 105 components instead of just 105 and i just upgraded the stock tires, brake pads and im going to do the seat when i have some more money. I just figured any upgrades would just be so it looks cooler at this point in my riding and invested the money into riding clothing.

I mean if it does the job for you why upgrade, it'd just be for looks really.

ridethecliche

My CAAD9 is 105 with ultegra RD. It's a great setup! I'm still on the stock tires and wheels after almost half a year. I bought a used wheelset for it and the wheels that are on it right now are going on my 84 trek 760 build

SushiJoe

Anything? Everything.