Swop me out

curlyrobert

I know a forum loves techie tips, so here I need your suggestions.

recently purchased a Trek 5.2 Madone, second hand but in vgc, full ultegra throughout, upgraded bars, stem & saddle but otherwise stock:

Ultegra throughout, choice of Aksium/Bonty Racelite wheels with Pro Race 2 tyres, Cane creek S2 a/h set, bonty x-lite seat pin.

as it was second hand I would like to make my stamp on it a little and upgrade parts here and there, the wheels would be a nice choice but unless I spend £300+ there will be little to notice from the 2 pairs of hoops I currently have, so my choices are:

Any of the Ultegra kit (r/mech, brake calipers?), Cane creek S2 headset or seat pin.

can anyone make some suggestions and why worthwile?

Thanks

aracer

Change the bar tape and saddle. They'll make it look far more personalized than any of your suggestions, and have just about the same effect on performance.

curlyrobert

Have the bar tape now changed, saddle I am happy with There must be something that you can change that makes a big difference?

redddraggon

You could change the chainset to a nice looking one? Or at least the outer ring...

meagain

Nowt wrong with change for the sake of change....but will surely be cosmetic-only? It's really very nice as it stands!

Shadowduck

Your tyres also appear to have changed colour between the first picture and the second... Is this some new chameleon technology making them try to blend in with the bricks?

The main change it needs is a shedload of extra miles putting on it. Best way to make it feel like it's yours!

andrewgturnbull

Maybe a bigger frame?

Monty Dog

I agree - judging by the fact that the bars are turned upwards and the amount of fork spacers.

robbarker

Your frame looks one size too small for road use, although it would give a perfect time trial position and be an excellent triathlon bike as a result.

You have a well equipped bike and a great frame, with no obvious weaknesses. Wheels would make the biggest difference in performance terms, although the ones you have are fine.

My tip would be make the most of what you've got.

Firstly, either have the bike fully serviced or learn how to do it yourself, so you know that the wheel bearings, headset bearings and bottom bracket are all working like new. Fit new cables and give the mechs a good clean and lube so they work faultlessly. Replace brake blocks, chain, cassette and front chainrings if they need it. Check your wheels are true and have maintained their proper spoke tension. Fit new tyres if you need them and latex inner tubes. When you've done it iinvest in the tools and equipment needed to keep it in good shape.

Once you know the bike is dialled concentrate on getting your position right. If you can afford to splash out on kit, you can afford a proper bike fitting session with a good coach - Joe Beer sorted out my triathlon position years ago when I was getting into it and it made a hell of a difference. Do be wary though as there are are lots of people who will take your money to do this but not many who can do it well.

Once all that is sorted, work on the engine i.e you. If you want your bike to perform better, train more, drink less beer, eat properly and set goals such as a long sportive or a triathlon to take part in in the summer.

curlyrobert

Thanks Rob, excellent advice,

At the end of last summer I had a bikefit with Sigma sports in Kingston and they went through all the usual questions on my type of riding etc. they also have all the technology for figuring out the exact measurements, angles and so forth. I have long arms and legs, but a short body (yes that sounds funny looking, but it is not too disproportional) but the 58cm fits better than the 60cm, I tried both and it feels better too. I will play around with the spacers to find the best handlebar height though as I haven't done so yet, that was how the last owner had it set up, I have only adjusted the angle of the handlebars as they were pointed up.

So this explains the reason it looks too small.

The wheels have a slight wiggle in both so I will definitely be taking them in for a tune up.

As for the position, this is an interesting idea that I had not thought about. Is it more for optimizing comfort or performance? I will have to look into it some more.

and for the engine - I am working on that, riding 4 times a week at least, and getting ready for the devil ride in August http://www.cyclosportives.co.uk/devilHome.htm

Thanks again