handlebars, saddle/post, wheels
- Thread starter foild1
- Start date
Wheels will be the most effective upgrade by far. A set of wheels with better hubs, stiffer rims etc etc...that'll make more difference than a saddle, seat post or handlebar upgrade.
It depends a bit on what you have, compared to what you're upgrading to...
I'd go
It depends a bit on what you have, compared to what you're upgrading to...
I'd go
- Wheels
- saddle/post
- handlebars
You could go for a carbon seatpost. Carbon handlebars have a nice bling factor, but if you crash with them...they can crack. Saddle is a personal thing and if the current saddle isn't uncomfortable, I'd be tempted just to stick with it. The wheels are definitely the key upgrade out of this lot. Some aero wheels if you like the flats, or light wheels if you like the hills...that could be a nice upgrade. I just upgraded to DT Swiss wheels (240 hub, aerolite spokes and RR1.1 rims) just over 1400 grams and rock solid. Not cheap though! They cost me $AUD1200...foild1 said:
Some time you can "score" great deals at a LBS/Chain Shop on subed out components that people have changed on their new bikes after a fit. This weekend, I wandered through a LBS and checked out the baskets and picked up a oversize 31.8 handelbar for $10.00 USD and the matching stem for $5.00 more for my winter bike. I might go back and get the carbon post I saw for $40.00! Always check the bins, bike shops are full of subed equipment and close outs; cheap upgrade like these always help an older bike along!
Dependign on where you are, i saw a local shp selling Mavis K Equipes for $229.00 USD (Shimano).
Dependign on where you are, i saw a local shp selling Mavis K Equipes for $229.00 USD (Shimano).
Walrus said:
Wheels will give you the biggest improvement with stiffness being more important than weight.
Some people really like the feel of the aero handlebars, say they are more comfortable. I like the feel of really stiff bars, especially when I'm flying down some hill at 40mph. If your bars are hurting your hands you can try double-wrapping them but usually sore/numb hands mean you should adjust your fit to take some weight off your hands.
Are you interested in losing weight on the bike or do you have some problems with these components? Or are you interested in making your ride look better? Carbon bits will improve the looks of a lot of bikes and reduce the weight a bit, particularly in the fork, which you've already got.
Some people really like the feel of the aero handlebars, say they are more comfortable. I like the feel of really stiff bars, especially when I'm flying down some hill at 40mph. If your bars are hurting your hands you can try double-wrapping them but usually sore/numb hands mean you should adjust your fit to take some weight off your hands.
Are you interested in losing weight on the bike or do you have some problems with these components? Or are you interested in making your ride look better? Carbon bits will improve the looks of a lot of bikes and reduce the weight a bit, particularly in the fork, which you've already got.
foild1 said:
Unless the handlebars are far from correct size for you, don't waste your money. The other two depend on comfort and how you ride. If your current seat is comfortable forget that too. Same for the post.
You'll get more pleasure and improvement in speed from a pair of lightish, aero, slick looking wheels.
So if your current bars fit and your seat is not uncomfortable, spend all the money on wheels. Ksyrium SL's, alloy Dura Ace, Campag whatevers.
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