to upgrade .... after wheels

Mr Bungle

Hi all

About 3 months ago, I bought new wheels (Hope hubs / mavic open pro rims for my Cannondale Caad8)

Now, the feeling of the new wheels reminded me of when I first bought the bike - greater sense of speed acceleration etc, so I considered them a great investment.

Not that I have money to burn, and want to upgrade for the sake of it, but what would you say would be the next few things to upgrade.

I did my research before buying the CAA8, and I think it is a good frame, but the kit was not great - poor wheels IMHO, unbranded brakes, Cannondale own seatpost and seat, so I knew what I was getting into and am not complaining.

So what would you say would make a difference... like the wheels made a difference.

Cheers

bobgfish

That is the biggest single upgrade in my opinion. Tyres might be another...The rest won't make as big as step as the wheels.

okgo

I have just gone from cheapo shimano shoes to s works ones, feels like a huge difference, not sure if it is, but they are stiff as hell!

napoleond

A bike fit, a proper one from someone like Adrian Timmis at www.cadencesport.co.uk

Although I'd say that's more important than wheels tbh...

bobgfish

A bike fit, a proper one

Yeah good point !!! Huge differences !!!

Wirral_paul

bobgfish wrote:

A bike fit, a proper one

Yeah good point !!! Huge differences !!!

That in itself might raise opportunities to "upgrade" - stem length / bar width, new saddle etc.

Decentbike fit, shorts and shoes would always come before most components tbh

mike ives

Some good quality brakes seems like an obvious choice.

Mr Bungle

NapoleonD wrote:

A bike fit, a proper one from someone like Adrian Timmis at http://www.cadencesport.co.uk

Although I'd say that's more important than wheels tbh...

mmmm, interesting that you say more important than wheels, and having thought for a while I can see what you mean :idea:

makes sense, if I am in the saddle for 6 hours, the inefficiencies will build up, as will the chances of getting injured

thanks for the tip

Wirral_paul

I notice you're in Cheshire (not far from me) so Pedal Precision in Manchester may well be worth considering. Richard is superb and i think i may well have to give him a call this weekend myself - forgot he's a Sports Rehab Specialist (i've got a poorly knee) as well as a very good bike fitter. He really concentrates on getting your body position right - fits the bike to you fully.

http://www.pedalprecision.com/Pedal_Precision/Home.html

Evil Laugh

The rival brakes at planet x that come with swissstop pads would be a great upgrade at £39. As good as any brakes I've used.

Tyres are a great upgrade for fairly low cost, say £50-70 for something nice.

But yeah, a bike fit (from someone who knows what they are doing rather than just number crunching or blindly following a fit system/process) is about the best "upgrade" you will ever buy.

markos1963

Agree with getting a bike fit.

Depending what you want to do but if you want to get competitive and race/TT then the next best 'upgrade' is to get some coaching.
Or do as I did and put £300 aside and used it to enter races and events for a year, had a far bigger improvement in my speed than any bit of kit I have bought.