Next upgrade

london-red

Having almost decided not to buy a new bike for a good couple of years at least, I think I need something to keep me going. So, having invested in a set of new wheels, what upgrade should be next on my list?

I have a 2003/04 Specialized Allez Sport with Carbon forks and seat post. I've since put on Reynolds Alta Race wheels... It's a mix of 105 and Tiagra.

Any thoughts?

gkerr4

bring it all up to 105?

I'm guessing it's 105 rear mech with tiagra everything else? - perhaps 105 shifters then? (or ultegra as they aren't much more!)

also - are the brake calipers shimano or tektro or unbranded? - if not shimano then 105 calipers? what about the chainset? - bring it all up to shimano parts makes for a smart bike I think

chunkytfg

gkerr4 wrote:

bring it all up to 105?

I'm guessing it's 105 rear mech with tiagra everything else? - perhaps 105 shifters then? (or ultegra as they aren't much more!)

also - are the brake calipers shimano or tektro or unbranded? - if not shimano then 105 calipers? what about the chainset? - bring it all up to shimano parts makes for a smart bike I think

Like this man says my next point of call would be bringing the lot up to 105.

I have a base model road bike with tiagra all round and the first thing i did was fit 105 calipers from tektro. the difference they make is truely unbeleivable. The bike actually stops now. Brakes can be had from below £20 each.

Planet X has some great deals on the other components. IIRC 105 levers are only £99

verloren

Not setting myself up as an example, but I've upgraded my '02 Giant OCR2 from sora/tiagra to mostly ultegra over the last 3 years almost entirely based on opportunism I got a new seatpost (carbon for comfort) and seat from the LBS using birthday money, but everything else was based on what came up on eBay. Every time I had the urge and the cash I'd start searching for 'ultegra', and get whatever came up at a good price. Not having a particular need I could bide my time.

Having said that, the consensus here seems to be that wheels are the first thing to get, and now that mine are starting to get old I'll probably hit the LBS for those to be sure I get quality.

london-red

Thanks for the replies. The difference wheels made were absolutely amazing. A much stiffer ride, much better climbing and far more positive handling...

As for groupset, I was thinking of moving up to Ultegra - just not sure how much of a real difference it will make...

I think part of the problem is just being a little bored with my current bike...

wildmoustache

London-Red, when thinking about upgrades the best policy is to think about your next bike (frameset) and your overall "bike strategy"

Remember this... it's cheaper, less hassle, and more enjoyable to upgrade once in a big way than upgrade twice in smaller jumps.

I would upgrade the brake calipers to dura-ace if you can get them cheap from an internet retailer.

I would do the same with the chainset. DA 10speed chainset IS compatible with 9speed if you have that.

I'd do the same with the front derailleur.

In fact, there's a good case for buying a complete DA groupset and fitting whatever makes sense with your current bike.

all of this will knock off a bit of weight and make the bike a bit nicer.

if you want to go compact then hold off for DA compact which is due out later this year.

domtyler

Dura Ace groupset six hundred smackers here:

http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=A8058

There is also the option of switching over to Campy!

Maybe you could just invest in new tyres, bar tape and saddle for a quick cosmetic overhaul though?

Then there's always the new FSA K-Force Light MegaExo Road Compact 07 drivetrain:
http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/?action= ... odID=38942

I assume you have already upgraded to Nokon cables young man?

If that's not enough for you to think of then there are always new shoes and pedals.
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