Cyclocross upgrade help..

AMFM Biker
AMFM Biker Posts: 5
edited March 2011 in Road beginners
Hi all my first post, hopefully not my last.

I've recently (past two years) moved over from mountain biking to road and now Cyclo cross. My cyclocross purchase was with comutting and touring in mind more so then simply cyclocross.

The logic being the roads have gotten so bad that after 4 (I do not jest) punctures in the space on a one way commute I've simply had enough of being juddered all over the place.. I guess bad snow for two years in a row and no road repairs will do that!!

On top of this I intend to ride Land send -> London in a few months and would like something little less aggressive.

The bike I purchased was a Giant TCX 2 entry level, I am ok with that as happy to upgrade the various components these being as follows and in order of importance

The Wheels are Giant CR41 rims with around 200 spokes they feel heave and at 2,200g for the front and back do not really seem to do the frame justice. I'm looking for a good value upgrade on these what are your thoughts, a friend has recommended fulcram racing 7s - but other views I'd really like to hear! :)

The group set / shifters... The Soros are really... well... interesting and do seem to have a mind of their own :D These and the rear cassette could probably do with an upgrade likewise the crank / Compact or a gasp granny ring .. personal choice I guess , recommendations here (on a budget) would be much appreciated.

The forks I can probably live with I would durable crashable, their weight bugs me slightly but I'm happy enough for now. Though thoughts here again appreciated.

Finally as a side note and something I find quite amusing .. the bike I got second hand so didn't pay top dollar but if I did pay RRP and they Giant shipped a bike with that saddle to me I would send it back, I have never in my life ridden on anything so uncomfortable - I realise stock seats are often not great .. but embossing their name on it was a mistake if you ask me!

Any and all constructive advice appreciated.

Thnxs

Comments

  • MikeWW
    MikeWW Posts: 723
    Wheels-I'd go for Kysirium Elites or Fulcrum 3's. If spending less then some Planet X Model B's

    Would upgrade from Sora to 105's(5700) plus 10 speed cassette-Parker have some good deals
    www.lichfieldccc.org.uk
  • ian_s
    ian_s Posts: 183
    Mght be worth considering some handbuilts. Parkers had OpenPro (rim ) based wheel sets from about 160 quid I recall. Not sure how the weight stacks up against equivalent factory builds, but they should be robust and serviceable.
  • tim_wand
    tim_wand Posts: 2,552
    Pro lite como's . Handbuilt . Easily serviced. Great Looking with spokes with 3 times normal tensile strength available on Ebay for £90 delivered. I ve got on my Planet X Pro Carbon SL when my model B's gave up the ghost (another brilliant choice/ not available at the time a PX were moving shop) and was going to move them onto my Kaffenbach when I could affoard better. Wont be bothering now there that good.
  • AMFM Biker
    AMFM Biker Posts: 5
    Thanks for the feedback much appreciated, will now start keeping an eye out for bargains along these lines! :)

Categories