Upgrade advice!

caesarhound

Hi,
I'm new to this site and would really appreciate some advice... :?
I bought my first road bike last year to take part in a few triathlons. It's a Specialized Allez Sport Double (full spec here http://www.evanscycles.com/products/spe ... e-ec019409 ) I am now addicted to triathlon and would like to improve my bike times - to help with this I'm aware I need to invest in some upgrades to my bike (and train my nuts off!)

I've started by buying a Mavic Aksium wheelset for my Winter/Spring training and hope to get a better set for the season, but as I've read that my Shimano Sora groupset is pretty poor, I'd like to upgrade that too, but not spend too much money...! As I'm training for my first Outlaw ironman in July the upgrades will get a fair bit of use so must be good quality, but not too expensive as it's all starting to add up! .

To summarise, my questions are:
What groupsets should I consider?
If I change the groupset is there anything else I must change as a result (I did say that I am new to cycling!)?
Anything else you would recommend?
Many thanks!
Stuart.

rolf_f

Just to summarise the likely conclusions that will follow:

1) Upgrades won't help your times anywhere near as much as improving your fitness (if they help at all).
2) So save the upgrades for now - wear various bits of the bike out whilst you are doing as per item 1) and then, by the time you actually need the upgrades, you'll properly benefit from them.
3) You don't need to change anything.
4) If you want to change something, you'll find plenty of advice following. But remember you are spending because you want to - not because you need to!
5) By the time you need the upgrades, you'll probably decide its better and cheaper to get a better bike all round.

night_porter

+1 to Rolf's suggestions

But 1 addition might be a good set of racing tyres with low rolling resistance but if you already bought these to go with the new wheels then ignore this point.

cougie

Groupsets are expensive and you'll not notice any performance increase.

You need tri bars.

race wheels and decent tyres will be the best upgrade.

By the time you upgrade the groupset - you may as well buy a new bike. Only upgrade as it breaks.

caesarhound

Hi,
Thanks for taking the time to provide advice. All very helpful

I should have explained that I've been using my current rear wheel with my turbo trainer and I have fitted a tacx tyre on it. I intend to use my new Aksium wheelset for going out on the roads, but it doesn't come with a cassette - this is what made me look at buying a new cassette and when I started looking in more detail I considered buying a new groupset (which I have now decided against!).

So... as I don't know which cassette to fit and what the difference in quality is between a £20 model, which is what I have fitted (Shimano HG-50, 9-speed, 12-25t ), and £60 model I could really use some more help. I've tried to read up and understand how it all works but I don't know if I could fit a different size cassette without changing other parts or whether I have to stick with a 12-25t.

Cheers,
Stuart.

Pross

New groupset won't improve your times at all. Depending on the course it is likely that more aero wheels will get you more of an advantage than lighter wheels. Get some good quality tyres and tubes. If you haven't already done so invest in some clip on aero bars. Obviously the biggest improvement will come from training, make it structured (ask in the training section for some specific routines for long distance time trialling!!). After training the most important aspect is bike setup - you want to be able to get into the most aero position possible whilst remaining comfortable enough to ride the distance.


Of course, if you want to change the groupset that's fine and it can always give a boost to have some nice new kit but don't expect it to help your speed in any way.

keef66

Not much difference in 9 speed cassettes providing they give you the gear ratios you need.
The more you spend the lighter they get (alloy sprocket carrier, titanium sprockets) but they don't last any longer.

9 speed stuff should be pretty cheap now 10 speed has become the norm.

Assuming you have some decent tyres to go with your Aksiums, I'd concentrate on:

Lose any excess weight you're carrying
Structured training with specific goals, and if you can afford it, with a coach.
Aero bars and a bike fit to optimise your aero position / power delivery

If you're still at it in 2 years time you'll have saved up enough for a TT specific bike.