how do yo define upgrading your bike?

ianbar

hello, currently i have a caad8 tiagra(2012), and as u normal cyclist i cant resist looking at bikes...not that I'm that tempted lol looking at prices and frame materials etc i started to think, "what really is a decent upgrade anyway"?
i had pretty much ruled out another alu frame as i didn't think that would be a worth while frame improvement.so how do you really know a good carbon frame? i i was to upgrade i wouldn't really want to just go to an entry level carbon?

ianbar

on a different note ..slightly...really good price on rubble stealth frame and forks £439!

jonomc4

good route - geometry is race though - but hell I like the geometry! - pointless without at least reasonable wheels though.

ianbar

the reviews seem very good for it and looks damn sexy, i wasn't thinking that frame in particular just caught my eye lol

ShutUpLegs

I don't expect apart from being lighter, the ribble will be a noticeably better ride

Bozman

When i first started out and i wanted to take the plunge, I stuck with the frame and added the rest. I started with the wheels and tyres and then i upgraded the rest(components, bars etc) over time and flogged the old stuff on Ebay. When i'd completed i bought a top quality frame and swapped the lot over.
It was the cheap way for me because i kept watching out for offers and discounts on the net and i got to stay on two wheels.

At the time i kept the original wheels for winter use to save the new ones.

Or wait until September when the offers kick in and buy a complete bike then save your bike for the winter.

ianbar

yeah i wondered about doing something like that...kind of have already lol have a winter bike that i have used parts like handlebars, stem etc on the winter and bought some new parts, more cometic improvement than anything else really.unless something catches my eye or i somehow end p with lots and lots of spare cash i won't be buying anything new for a long while i don't think.

Down the Road

Spend 3/4 of that on a decent pair of wheels and you will notice a bigger difference than on a cheap frame.

ianbar

been having a good look around tonight i think i will set myself a performance based target before i even dare look seriously.i certainly wasn't looking yet any way as just got the caad how i ilk ever. got some mavic aksiums on her too which has made a nice improvement, but looking i think to make it worth upgrading i would have to spend a good amount of money!

cooper.michael1

ianbar wrote:

been having a good look around tonight i think i will set myself a performance based target before i even dare look seriously.i certainly wasn't looking yet any way as just got the caad how i ilk ever. got some mavic aksiums on her too which has made a nice improvement, but looking i think to make it worth upgrading i would have to spend a good amount of money!

A CAAD8 with Aksiums will not hold you back unless you are putting in a serious amount of miles every week, and are at your optimum cycling weight. You are probably best investing your money in good clothing so you can get out in more weathers, maybe a turbo trainer, or a good cycle computer to help you meet your targets.

Maybe some top quality tyres would be a good upgrade if you want something for your bike. Don't buy into the marketing that unless you ride a carbon superbike you can't enjoy cycling. You've already got a nice bike, go out and enjoy it.

ianbar

i am certainly not at my optimum cycling weight thats for sure(honeymoon cruise and a stone later lol) even then could lose a bit more after that.i do like my bike its a little personalised too so i do like the bike, now I'm back out again i can concentrate on climbing climbing climbing again like i was and burning weight off!

twoshots

ianbar wrote:

been having a good look around tonight i think i will set myself a performance based target before i even dare look seriously.i certainly wasn't looking yet any way as just got the caad how i ilk ever. got some mavic aksiums on her too which has made a nice improvement, but looking i think to make it worth upgrading i would have to spend a good amount of money!

I set myself a weight target before I could upgrade my Sora triple for SRAM Apex. 1800 miles and a final push (a bottle of red wine and naked as the day I was born) I finally got under the goal weight. Out came the credit card and it's nice to know I earned that upgrade through many 50+ milers. Now on to lose the same amount of mass again!

Before that £60 on a set of second hand Planet X Model B wheels transformed my old alu bike. The best £60 I've ever spent.

ianbar

well i am 16st3.4lbs right now, lost albs last week, i am aiming for 14st 10lbs is my first goal so lots of work...may hit it just in time for......winter lol