Hey everyone, I want to eventually upgrade the components of my bike, but I don't know whether or not to slowly buy the individual parts as I get the money or save up and go for the whole group set at the same time? Also, if you say that it should be one at a time, what is the first thing that you would buy, and second, third, etc.? thanks

If you got the money, go for entire drivetrain I think when it comes down to the final or last two pieces, you will start to find your mind unraveling from the incompleteness of the set, or least that's what would happen to me.

Im on a '10 Allez Sport myself.

I'm having to take the one part at a time path. The very first thing I changed was the brifters (the usual issue of shifting from the drops). The next upgrade on my list is upgrading the brakes. I figure that stopping is more important than top speed. But that's just me. After that.... I'll just have to see. I'm a recreational/hobby rider so I'm not even sure that upgrades beyond that will be that important to me.

Oh yeah, except for wheels. They will probably be third on my list.

If you have the patience, hunt for individual parts. You won't find all the things you need right away but you will save hundreds down the road (this might take months).

Wheels seem to be the first upgrade that most BF regulars suggest. Shifter are next, then crankset as they are the most expensive when it comes to the group. Brakes are last...change the pads first unles you want to change it because of weight weenie-ism or aesthetics.

but...if you have the cash, buy a complete bike that you want, instead of trying to convert what you have into something else. Groupsets are not cheap unless you ahve the time and patience to shop around for great deals (there are plenty but patience is key)

Here is how jdon does it..

But some new R45 hubs. Buy some new overpriced rims and spokes. Have the wheels built up. Because I just spent $1200 on wheels, I may as well throw on a new cassette. When you change cassettes, always throw on a new chain. Ah hell, may as well freshen things up with new cables and new brake pads. New bar tape as well. Go for a ride and be amazed at how fresh and crisp the bike feels all because of the R45 hubs.

If you want new stuff, it's probably going to be cheaper to get the whole group at once. You can get an Ultegra group for about $1,000, but I've seen just the cranks for $300, shifters for $400, and cassette for $250. Lots of patience and time in front of the computer is going to be necessary if you want to beat the price for the whole group.

On the other hand, if it were me, I'd probably replace individual parts when they wear out. So I guess that would be the chain first, then the cassette, etc.