What to upgrade first?

[Scaro]

this is the setup as I took it from the bike shop
http://www.giantbicycles.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.006.asp?dealerid=&dealercountry=&lYear=2004&bikesection=8834&range=143&model=10770 except for the pedals wich now are shimano 105

What first from these?

Derallieurs to ultegra
Shifters to ultegra
Wheelsets
Steam
Crankset to ultegra triple
Cassette thinking about a 12-23
Brakes

Any other suggestion?

[rek]

I would start looking at where you find your current components lacking.. not much point spending money upgrading things you're already happy with.

[fushman]

start with something one sale?

i dunno, its not like it matters, if things work they work, if youw ant to spend money then youll spend money, if you want you can just send it to me

[boudreaux]

Originally posted by Scaro
this is the setup as I took it from the bike shop
http://www.giantbicycles.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.006.asp?dealerid=&dealercountry=&lYear=2004&bikesection=8834&range=143&model=10770 except for the pedals wich now are shimano 105

What first from these?

Derallieurs to ultegra
Shifters to ultegra
Wheelsets
Steam
Crankset to ultegra triple
Cassette thinking about a 12-23
Brakes

Any other suggestion? Buy a bike with the right stuff on it.

[JD-LOOK_KG-381]

If you're looking to improve your ride and really see a difference, the first thing you should upgrade are wheels. Shifters, deraillers, cranks should come secondary. Sure, you will probably see some change if you upgrade to Ultegra but a new wheelset will really make a difference. I just upgraded to a Mavic Ksyrium SSC SL wheelset and my ride has changed noticeably.

[Powerful Pete]

I would agree with all the posters! :)

If everything works fine, keep it the way it is. If you have too much money and want to spend it, and do not want to send some my way (so that I can buy things I have no need for) then a wheelset is where you will see the difference.

As for the cassette, depends on where you ride and what shape you are in.

Something else you might consider in terms of improving your riding is the seat! Assuming that the one you have is not comfortable.

I would also consider upgrading your cycling clothing, shoes and getter a nice, lighter helmet. Those are definitely things you will notice when riding!

Have fun with the new bike, BTW!

[RC2]

I don't know, I think I'd start by upgrading the steam to a stem... kept getting burns on my chin during downhills until I did that one...

[lokstah]

Some good points here.

If you get the upgrade bug, just be aware of what you're in for. Buying a new stem, for instance, might save a few grams, and it might look cool -- but know that the biggest change is going to be in how you feel about your bike, rather than in how your bike feels. Having sexy parts feels good, and it makes upgrading fun. If you're bored and you've got money to burn, by all means, amp up the stem, seatpost, bars, and what not, but don't expect the bike to perform differently (not necessarily, at least).

If you're interested in making truly dramatic changes, Pete makes a wise suggestion -- a good saddle upgrade can add powerful "bling" factor to your ride, and be a tremendous improvement to your experience. Pedals, same thing. The right pedal makes a big difference i how your body and your bike interact, and that's crucial.

If you're set on bigger hardware changes, new wheels are worth considering; they play a big enough role in ride mechanics that the right changeup could equal a distinctly different feel. A good wheel upgrade is also an easy way to save weight, if that matters to you.

Upgrading from 105 to Ultegra is tempting, but not terribly cost-effective in my opinion. The two groups are very, very similar across the board. If you go that route, expect the chief difference to be in terms of your own sense of bike appreciation.

Have fun, and good luck.

[ItalianStallion]

I'd say wheels. I have just upgraded to Mavic Kysrium Elites, it didn't brake the bank, but made a big difference to my rides.

I can't express the improvement quantitavely, but the ride just feels a lot smoother.....

[nitrogenmustard]

i bought the same bike about 6 months ago, and as of now nothing has gone awry. I did, however upgrade the stem to a shorter model, and the cassete to one with jun ior gearing (14-24)

as for a better feel, i think the best thing you could do is get new bar tape, but since it's a new bike it really doesnt matter!

-nitro