Where To Start With Upgrades

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11-05-10 | 06:22 PM

#26

BarracksSi

Bike ≠ Car ≠ Ped.

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 13,863

Likes: 6

From: Washington, DC

Bikes: Some bikes. Hell, they're all the same, ain't they?

Quote:

Originally Posted by BabaRamDas

Now that I'm looking to start to upgrade, I don't really know where to start.

What broke?

The first thing I upgraded was getting a warranty swap from a Truvativ crank to Shimano. Probably the best thing I've done, too.

11-05-10 | 06:31 PM

#27

kleinboogie

Senior Member

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 2,606

Likes: 0

From: San Diego, CA

Consider a power meter and work down from there. GL

11-05-10 | 06:54 PM

#28

learnmedia

Go, Dog. Go!

Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 709

Likes: 0

From: SoCal

Bikes: '09 Fuji Team; '11 PedalForce QS3

Quote:

Originally Posted by rangerdavid

Now realistically, I started with Mavic krysium elite wheels. The 2010 ones are less than 1500 gr. and darn near bullet proof. Then I got several products from 3T. I like their stuff, it's light and well made. I started with a new 3T arcx stem, then ergonova bars (sized down to 40 instead of the 42 that came on my bike), then a 3T doric team seat post. That plus a new saddle made all the difference in the world to me in the fit and ride.

Next I went on a small weight weenie binge and bought some KCNC C6 brakes, seat post clamp, bar ends, KCNC skewers, and headset top cap. All in all several hundred dollars to save a little weight.

All of this stuff cost a bit over $1000 combined, but I lost a bunch of weight off the bike from the OEM specs, and I love the way it rides now, and that's what's most important.

I'll join rangerdavid in offering a dissenting voice to the anti-upgrade sentiment here. I upgraded my bike, starting with crankset, then, saddle, and wheels. Then it became a fun project that allowed me to research various bits, build my knowledge, and make decisions based on cost, performance, and, dare I say it, looks. And I have a one of a kind bike in terms of build that I love riding.

If you have the disposable income go for it. There are a lot worse things to spend your hard earned money on. And if it gets you on your bike even more, then it's an investment in you and your health.

11-05-10 | 07:01 PM

#29

thesmoothdome

Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 468

Likes: 0

From: San Diego, CA

Bikes: '10 BMC Pro Machine, 02 Fisher Sugar 2+

Quote:

Originally Posted by calamarichris

Can't believe no one's suggested getting your bike fit to you, yet.

Please, please, please: visit a pro bike fitter and get your saddle, cleats and bars checked. It might sound ridiculous to spend several hours and pay some dude $150 to shift your saddle, seatpost & cleats, backward or forward a centimeter, but those things make such a colossal difference.

Heck yah...got my bike last night and the fitter is on his way over as I type this.

11-05-10 | 07:28 PM

#30

M_FactorX19

Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 1,564

Likes: 0

From: Northeast TN

Forget about upgrading your front derailer if it works if it doesn't work that great check the set up I bet that will make all the difference. As others have said get some new wheels and tires if u feel u need to upgrade the bike then when u do grow out of this bike u can use them on your new bike. If u don't have it a computer would be nice as well as a good pair of cycling shoes and peddles. If u already have those thing get some new cycling clothes u can never have enough. A good bike fit is also a good idea as well.

11-05-10 | 07:41 PM

#31

bikerjp

Beer >> Sanity

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 3,449

Likes: 0

From: Colorado

Bikes: 2014 Evo DA2, 2010 Caad9-4, 2011 Synapse-4, 2013 CaadX-disc

I'm still waiting to get my road bike, but I upgraded the rear wheel and cassette on my mtb about 6 mos after getting it and it made a huge difference. Ride the shifters until they break or you get tired of maintaining them. Change the wheels first if you do anything. Synapse is a nice bike. I rode one several times trying to decide what to get.

11-06-10 | 10:31 AM

#32

TnDiamondback

Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 358

Likes: 0

From: Raleigh NC

Bikes: Takara 10 spd, Felt F90, Felt Q720

I too started wirh an entry level bike, Felt F90, and yes its ok to upgrade if you like the bike, I started with brakes, first Koolstop salmon pads, later Cane Creek SCR5s, used off ebay, big improvement.
Next was wheelset, Neuvation M28 AERO3s with kevlar bead tires, this made a huge difference, $250.00 plus tires, then after checking around local bike shops I came across a lightly used Tiagra 9 speed groupset including crank, got it plus installation for $215.00, this included a new Ultegra bottom bracket.
I now have an entirely different better functioning bike that I will ride and enjoy for a long time, it is unlike any other because I choose the component mix and that makes it mine.