Downgrading components... and being happier?
Bear with me on this one...
Has anyone ever downgraded components on their bike, and then been happier with the result?
I mean, if you had an entry-level equipped bike, then went onto something better, would you ever consider lower-spec stuff again? It´s not that likely is it? Most of us move up the component 'food-chain' (for whatever reason - searching for that competitve edge; having a bit more disposable income; believing the marketing hype...), but don't often come back down again.
I´m just intrigued if anyone has done the reverse, by choice, and successsfully.
Did paranoia about snapped carbon bars lead you to re-fit alloy ones, thus improving karma on your rides? Did your oh-so-expensive Flite titanizzato prove to be the least comfortable thing you've ever sat on? Was your ride improved when you swapped out your ultra-light, ultra-flexy climbing wheels for some heavy but reliable Aksiums?
I´m just curious... I guess I´m searching for an antidote to the all-consuming upgrade-mania that I´m sure many on here can sympathize with.
Actually - I´ve got an example from the pro ranks.
Supposedly Cancellara uses a low-end FSA chainset because it's the stiffest. Now he must have ridden better in his career, and I´m pretty sure he's not using low-end componentry becuse Bjarne Riis won´t pay for anything better. So it´s a successful downgrade by choice!
Anyone got any examples from the real world?
Has anyone ever downgraded components on their bike, and then been happier with the result?
I mean, if you had an entry-level equipped bike, then went onto something better, would you ever consider lower-spec stuff again? It´s not that likely is it? Most of us move up the component 'food-chain' (for whatever reason - searching for that competitve edge; having a bit more disposable income; believing the marketing hype...), but don't often come back down again.
I´m just intrigued if anyone has done the reverse, by choice, and successsfully.
Did paranoia about snapped carbon bars lead you to re-fit alloy ones, thus improving karma on your rides? Did your oh-so-expensive Flite titanizzato prove to be the least comfortable thing you've ever sat on? Was your ride improved when you swapped out your ultra-light, ultra-flexy climbing wheels for some heavy but reliable Aksiums?
I´m just curious... I guess I´m searching for an antidote to the all-consuming upgrade-mania that I´m sure many on here can sympathize with.
Actually - I´ve got an example from the pro ranks.
Supposedly Cancellara uses a low-end FSA chainset because it's the stiffest. Now he must have ridden better in his career, and I´m pretty sure he's not using low-end componentry becuse Bjarne Riis won´t pay for anything better. So it´s a successful downgrade by choice!
Anyone got any examples from the real world?
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I've gone 8 speed on the 'cross bike and couldn't be happier: old set of Shimano 600 shifters, 11-28 SRAM cassette - lovely. Thinking about sending my On One Inbred back to 8 speed heaven, too. Not downgraded the road bike though, just doesn't seem right somehow
I'm only concerned with looking concerned0 -
I had complete Campag Record on the bike I bought second hand two or so years ago, and Im now specking my new bike with 2009 Sram Rival, which is their third best groupset, but seems to work just as well on the trial I had! Also am getting fed up by the pros who train here going caning past me on bikes often not quite as good as mine!Fitter....healthier....more productive.....0
