Upgrading my Trek 2.1

Moominman2

Hi everyone,

I jumped on the bike today but couldn't help but feel the bike is a little sluggish ? Its obviously not a top end bike, and I'm not a very experienced rider, but would upgrading the wheels help combat this slow, sluggish feel?

What would you guys recommend?

Thanks,
Luke

sloppyschleckonds

Undo the stem cap and fit a new frame

Moominman2

Really? Any recommendations?

But I may as well buy a new bike then?

KonkyWonky

Moominman2 wrote:

Really? Any recommendations?

But I may as well buy a new bike then?

It's the rider you need to upgrade, not the bike. If it feels sluggish the chances are that it's down to you unless you have something mechanically wrong with the bike.

Moominman2

I understand what you're saying. I haven't been riding for the past month or so (due to uni exams) so that is obviously a factor.

However, I've noticed this even before the break.

declan1

Stiffer, lighter wheels will definitely make the bike accelerate quicker and feel more 'snappy'.

markhewitt1978

Moominman2 wrote:

Hi everyone,

I jumped on the bike today but couldn't help but feel the bike is a little sluggish ? Its obviously not a top end bike, and I'm not a very experienced rider, but would upgrading the wheels help combat this slow, sluggish feel?

What would you guys recommend?

Thanks,
Luke

I've upgraded my Trek 2.1 2013. In fact I've taken upgrading to the maximum because there are now no original components remaining!

I went on holiday to Mallorca and rode a Trek 3.5, then came home and found the same as you, the bike is sluggish. But as you suspect a lot of that is down to the wheelset on that bike, it's very basic, cheap and heavy. I replaced them with a set of Shimano RS80 (you would have to get RS81 now), and the difference is massive. This and a set of GP4000S tyres to replace the basic Bontragers on the bike will make the most difference.

Moominman2

Cool, thanks guys.

I'll look into a used set of those RS80s if I can find some

IronMike47

I came across this thread and thought I'd share this pic of my 2011 Trek 2.1. I love this bike. Yes, I replaced the saddle (Fi:zik Arionne), wheels (Zipp 808s), brakes (Dura Ace) and added aero bars. I've done a fair amount of racing (including Ironman Mont-Tremblant) and I honestly don't think the aluminum frame has held me back.

Sure, if I had it to buy over again I would have gone for carbon fiber, but at the time of purchase I wasn't sure how fanatical I was going to become about cycling and triathlon. I suppose I could still upgrade the frame, but I don't really see the need at this point.

debeli

I wouldn't change anything... just yet.

The Trek 2.1 is a perfectly nice bicycle and if it suits you it is even nicer...

The sluggishness may come from recent inactivity.

There is a strange (and slightly unhealthy) push these days - from marketing, media and 'the industry' - towards higher-spec goodies.

Very often, they do not bring greater riding pleasure and do not get rid of sluggishness.

If you like the bike and want to upgrade, do so as components wear out - and if you like the bike they will wear out.

ElectronShepherd

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=18870590#p18870590]Moominman2[/url] wrote:

would upgrading the wheels help combat this slow, sluggish feel?

Checking the tyre pressures would be my first thought, especially if it hasn't been ridden for a month. I'd also check that you don't have a brake rubbing. Giving the whole drive train a good clean can often make the bike feel faster too.

marin_maniac

Don't waste your money on wheels unless they're constantly letting you down. I've been mainly riding my Trek 1.7 winter bike all summer which isn't the lightest bike I've owned, but after putting in the miles, my fitness has really improved. If you want to spend your money to make yourself feel better go ahead, but it won't make you any faster.

Anonymous

I would clean, lube and check everything (chain stretched?).
Then get some new wheels, tyres and maybe try latex tubes.
Pump them up to 120psi, then get out and improve yourself!

Its fine people telling you to get fitter (that boring old b0ll0cks about you being the engine!!!), but in reality I find its a combination of things that will achieve the best results

Buying bike stuff a waste of money lol :roll:
Hundreds of things you could waste your money on that no one on here would bat an eyelid at.......
.....yet mention making your bike better :shock:

simon_masterson

Why 120psi?

Bobbinogs

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19698556#p19698556]Simon Masterson[/url] wrote:

Why 120psi?

More puzzling is why this thread got resurrected from the dead. I am not sure that piccie of a Frankenbike justifies it.

chris_bass

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19698759#p19698759]Bobbinogs[/url] wrote:

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19698556#p19698556]Simon Masterson[/url] wrote:

Why 120psi?

More puzzling is why this thread got resurrected from the dead. I am not sure that piccie of a Frankenbike justifies it.

come one, Mike Tyson posting a picture is worth resurrecting any thread for!

Myster101

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19698759#p19698759]Bobbinogs[/url] wrote:

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19698556#p19698556]Simon Masterson[/url] wrote:

Why 120psi?

More puzzling is why this thread got resurrected from the dead. I am not sure that piccie of a Frankenbike justifies it.

Because there isn't much going on on this forum at the moment?