Carerra VALOUR for $250

Dahut, have you ridden the bike and if so, how did it feel to you?

If it is the correct size for you, everything works as it should, and you like how it rides then I would just focus on any needs you would have using it as a commuter.

For instance, does it need fenders, some type of rack/pannier system, etc?

I probably wouldn't upgrade any existing components until they are worn enough to need replacing, then my decision on what I bought would be what I could get for the best price. If you only ride that bike to work, which is about 80 miles each week, you might not want to spend the money to upgrade from Shimano Tiagra to Shimano 105, it wouldn't be worth the money to me.

But reliable tires, safety equipment, and comfort items would be pretty important to me and some of these things could be used with your other bikes.

64Paramount said:

Dahut, have you ridden the bike and if so, how did it feel to you?

If it is the correct size for you, everything works as it should, and you like how it rides then I would just focus on any needs you would have using it as a commuter.

For instance, does it need fenders, some type of rack/pannier system, etc?

I probably wouldn't upgrade any existing components until they are worn enough to need replacing, then my decision on what I bought would be what I could get for the best price. If you only ride that bike to work, which is about 80 miles each week, you might not want to spend the money to upgrade from Shimano Tiagra to Shimano 105, it wouldn't be worth the money to me.

But reliable tires, safety equipment, and comfort items would be pretty important to me and some of these things could be used with your other bikes.

This was the ultimate direction I intended - let the needs dictate what I do. I havent ridden the bike yet, but I'm certain the frame is the right size. The owner and I are nearly the same, physically and the Valour only comes in three sizes, anyway. To be frank, I expect to do some adjusting to fit and am good with that. So that will come first. Im also thinking out load and looking ahead a bit.

I expect to add fenders and a seat stem rack, along with hi-viz blinkies. The tires are new and were recommended by the owner of the LBS for mild commuting - they're the same ones he uses.

I have toyed with the idea of up-grading the gearset one piece at a time, just for the fun of it. Basically, the Valour would be a frame to hang parts on and experiment with. Whatever I get, I can always use later.

With all that said, I was only wondering about the thoughts some others might Thanks sincerely for your comments.

Upgrading components because you want to, rather then need to, will definitely work to your advantage in cost savings. Based on what you have posted so far, you are well aware of that and seem savy about upgrading the bike.

I think a lot of folks will tell you that wheels sets will get you the biggest performance bang for your buck.

If you could find Shimano 105, or Ultegra, or Dura Ace, drive train components and shifters at a good price, you could always put the original Tiagra stuff back on the bike if you decide to sell it. Same thing with the wheels.

You don't even need to stay with Shimano, but I'm thinking it might be easier than mixing equipment.

You probably already know that there might not be a significant perceived performance difference between new Tiagra Shimano components and new top of the line Dura Ace Shimano components. But, the more expensive components should keep providing a high level of performance for years beyond what the less expensive will do. That's the idea anyway.. 🙂

64Paramount said:

Upgrading components because you want to, rather then need to, will definitely work to your advantage in cost savings. Based on what you have posted so far, you are well aware of that and seem savvy about upgrading the bike.
I think a lot of folks will tell you that wheels sets will get you the biggest performance bang for your buck.

If you could find Shimano 105, or Ultegra, or Dura Ace, drive train components and shifters at a good price, you could always put the original Tiagra stuff back on the bike if you decide to sell it. Same thing with the wheels.

You don't even need to stay with Shimano, but I'm thinking it might be easier than mixing equipment.

You probably already know that there might not be a significant perceived performance difference between new Tiagra Shimano components and new top of the line Dura Ace Shimano components. But, the more expensive components should keep providing a high level of performance for years beyond what the less expensive will do. That's the idea anyway.. 🙂

I would not expect a vast performance increase. It is, after all, a garden variety aluminum frame from Asia. The bike itself is a 20-25 pounder, period. A carbon fiber fork, bars, stems, bottle cage etc. might get me down to an honest 20, but beyond that there would be a diminishing return down that line.

So what about gearset? A word here about Shimano is in order. The one thing I see here is the option to upgrade select gear, to include doing so as a future hedge. As you note, what I put on now can come off later.
I favor Shimano simply because it is so ubiquitous.

I have been away from serious cycling for a long time. 25 years ago I would have sneered at anything from Shimano. Gimme French or Italian - or go home.
But, today, I feel I can hardly go wrong with Shimano for no more reason than the brand is... and I never thought I'd say that!

You have answered the question I had in starting this - what would be the best first change to make? You said wheel sets, and I tend to agree. My commute is pretty mild by most standards, so I wont run it hard. But the wheels are what meets the road, as it were. It pays to have good ones.
Once I get familiar with the bike, I can see me exchanging the wheels and tires. We'll see tomorrow if the price will fit 🙂

Again, I thank you for your comments and your help. Anything else you have to offer will be greatly appreciated