somebikerider

I kind of want a new bike, but am feeling kind of frugal so am thinking upgrades to my current bike, something keeping under $200 - $300.

Questions:

* I often feel like my top gear isn't fast enough, is it possible to change the gears that are on there? Is it a big deal?

* How much of a difference do wheels make? Would something a bit thinner with better bearings make a big difference?

* I am also thinking a computer would be a nice toy to put on, suggestions for a good one? I want something as simple as possible but good quality.

* The bike I have has front shocks on it, 99% of my riding is on the road/paved paths. Is changing the front forks within my price range? What brand should I get?

* Anything else?


Thanks a bunch
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ShadowGray

Cyclocomputer first. Lets you check your cadence and speed:

Cateye Strada Cadence from Performance bike for ~35.

You should definitely have a rigid fork; the suspension takes away power.

Gearing is most important though: since you have a suspension, it means you're on a mountain bike (why are you in this forum again? ) and they have much lower gearing than road bikes for rougher conditions. Changing out the chainrings/cassette will help, but you also have to stay within the limits of your derailleurs (ask the mechanics on this one).

Wheels are very important, but they won't make a difference until you get way way beyond your budget range.

Szczuldo

I don't think your gearing is too low for you unless you constantly find yourself spinning at 100rpm on the small cog large chain ring combination. Chances are you are just pedaling too slow.

Thinner tires will be a difference you can feel, especially with smooth tread. If your wheels take tires 25cm and up in width then you might want to look into changing rims to something that will take 20-23mm, but that's up to you.

No clue about computers since I still don't have one. But one of these days I'll get a garmin when I feel like spending 300$

Changing the fork would make you feel the road more and might increase efficiency since a lot less of your weight transfer between pedal strokes will be going into the shock. I have a Carbon fiber fork that I am trying to get rid of, PM me for details if you are interested.

Overall you'd be looking at probably around 300$ spent if you spend 200$ on wheels and the aforementioned fork and a computer. Cassettes aren't too expensive either, and I have a triple crankset (no bottom bracket) laying around somewhere. I actually have pretty much a second bike in spare parts, so if you want to know more send a PM.

bubbaeck

I'd say keep your mountain bike a mountain bike, and get a separate road bike. You'll spend as much time and money "upgrading" your mtb into an inferior road bike than you would just buying a road bike. That said, if you are planning on only doing short distances (<50 miles) a mtb with slick tires pumped up to the maximum pressure will treat you just fine.

somebikerider

Thanks for the advice, I don't know if I am hitting 100rpm but I am definitely getting to the point where I start having a hard time keeping up with my wheels.

The bike was given to me, which is why I am looking at making changes instead of getting another bike, if I were to have purchased the bike myself this would NOT be the bike I would have bought.

CharlieWoo

Engine

LostitoaBianchi

huerro

I agree with bubbaeck. If you have space for it, get yourself a used roadbike. You can find a decent older bike for $200-300. It won't be a modern racing machine, but compared to your mountain bike it will feel like one.

dendawg

I'd also say keep the mtb or hybrid and invest in an entry level road bike. The most important thing will be the fit. When I switched from my hybrid to a road bike last year I did notice a slight speed increase, (not much maybe less than 1 mph), but did find pedaling easier. The more I rode the faster I got. This year my overall average was up almost 2mph over last year, but I attribute that to getting out and riding more (engine improvement) as there have been no upgrades to the bike other than tire replacement (the originals wore out).

Matt888

Insert Mum joke hare****************************************?

CharlieWoo

I say find the right woman. The right woman brings the income to buy what you want and the leisure time to enjoy it.

ptle

I'd say go with a used road bike. I wouldn't waste any money upgrading your current bike if its a mountain bike, for the same price you could get a cheap used road bike that is "faster". But if you really want to be faster bike more.

jsmithepa

Some Snazzy Zippy decals will make u real fast!

Lycra&Spandex.

Computer, on the other hand, will make u SLOWER, only 12 mph?!!!

somebikerider

Funny because doing some research on what the bike I now have is worth and it isn't worth putting money into it, I went to the bike store and tried out a Trek 7.3fx and I think I am just going to wait until I can find one slightly used or otherwise well priced.

I decided in the mean time that new valve stem caps were the way to go:

https://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...m=300245452039

vad1819

[QUOTE=somebikerider;7202950]Funny because doing some research on what the bike I now have is worth and it isn't worth putting money into it, I went to the bike store and tried out a Trek 7.3fx and I think I am just going to wait until I can find one slightly used or otherwise well priced.

I decided in the mean time that new valve stem caps were the way to go:

https://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...m=300245452039[/QUOTE]

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