Upgrade spesh allez or buy a better bike?

Tino4444

Hi All,

I am currently riding a Spesh Allez 09 model road bike for general training, duathlon events and 10 mile TT's. I have to date modified my bike in the following ways to try and get me round a bit faster:

* Lowered the drop handle bars by an inch and added tri bars to the front.
* Raised seat following the above modification to try and gain a more aerodynamic riding position.

I dont really want to spend thousands on a TT bike but if I can make further modifications to my road bike to give me a bit more speed then I will spend some cash doing so.

My question to you is, is it worth upgrading my spesh allez road bike by adding better gearing, better wheels etc etc. I realise that this bike is classed as a ''starter bike'' but would replacing components ever take the bike out of this category and make it into a flying machine?

Cheers,

Tino.

Mister W

To quote a little known American cyclist... It's not about the bike. If you want to go faster then you need to train more and smarter.

Having said that, upgrading will give you various benefits depending on what you upgrade. Going lighter (frame, groupset, wheels etc) will help on the hills but will have little or no benefit on the flat. The same with lighter wheels although more aerodynamic wheels (such as deep rims) will improve your speed on the flat. A better groupset may make the bike nicer to ride but won't affect your speed (see comment above on weight).

If you did buy a new bike would you got for a TT bike or another road bike?

My advice would be to upgrade components as they wear out and spend your money on some coaching. That will make a much bigger difference than anything you can do to the bike.

Mettan

Upgrade your Wheels Tino - if you're doing Duathlons and TT's, a nice pair of deep carbon wheels will see you good - Another option might be a fast-forward seatpost to bring you slightly further forward and higher (for TT usage). Regular training in a TT position will reap significant benefits.

You could compliment your road machine wiuth a Turbo-Trainer to build power and do intervals etc.

Tino4444

Thanks very much for your replies.

I think I will prob end up getting a decent set of wheels and see if that gives me a bit more.

With regards to the turbo trainer one of my colleagues is selling one that he bought in March and has not really used. I may get that off him also.

Cheers,

Tino.

irvini

Just out of interest what wheels would you be looking at?

I too have got an Allez and am looking to upgrade since my wheels flex quite considerably when pressure is applied.

Tino4444

irvini wrote:

Just out of interest what wheels would you be looking at?

I too have got an Allez and am looking to upgrade since my wheels flex quite considerably when pressure is applied.

Hi Irvini,

Not sure of what make and model of wheels to purchase yet. I think I will call down to my LBS and have a chat about it all.

I think I will set my self a budget of around £300 for the pair and see what that will get me. Hopefully some lighter wheels that as you say dont flex as much when pressure is applied.

Have you been looking at any specific makes/models of wheels? I have had quite a few problems with these wheels right from the off. The wheels have been into Evans cycles on 3 occasions now due to the spokes coming loose. In the end I requested that they put some adhesive on the threads of the spokes to secure them in place.

Appart from the wheels though I am finding the bike to be a great purchase. How about you?

Cheers,

Tino

irvini

Yep the bikes been great and hasn't put a foot wrong but mine came with some of those Specialized Mondo tyres and I soon got through them riding around the glass-strewn streets of Merseyside.
The rubber was just too soft for my kind of everyday riding.

And the wheels, what I've found is there's a fair bit of creaking from my back wheel but I check the spokes and they seem tight enough.
I'm quite a big bloke but I also wouldn't expect them to flex to the point where I get the brakes rubbing on the rim sometimes even after loosening off the brakes a bit

Anyway I've been eyeing up some of those Fulcrum Racing 3 wheels or Easton EA70 or EA50SL.
My only stumbling block is my girlfriend wanting a new kitchen floor - I foresee some kind of secret spending.