Am I missing a trick?

hubz94

Hi all,
I've just joined the forum having been lurking for a while (sorry :oops: ), and you guys have been really helpful so far. So instead of just leeching off your vast expanses of knowledge and experience, I thought I'd try to add some of my own (limited) experiences so people don't make the same mistakes I did.
Anyway, before I do that, I have one last shameless bit of brain-picking to do. I've had a 2005-ish Claud Butler Milano for a few years, so last year I thought I'd start to upgrade parts, such as fork (was steel, now carbon), bars (bought as flat, now drops) and a few other bits. All in all i reckon I'm in somewhere to the tune of £300 so far. So my question is...am I missing a trick by not cutting my losses and selling up to buy something a bit newer? I'd also mention the current frame size is 47cm BB to top tube, and I'm 5'10" ish, so its a little on the small side. Would I notice a difference in going to a larger frame?
Sorry for being a bit long-winded, but I'd be grateful for your opinions

Anonymous

Hi,
I would have put the money towards a new bike. £300 sounds a lot to have spent on that one but its all experience.

Guessing you like the bars that you have bought so consider putting those on a new bike if you do go down that route.
The CB may not be worth selling now so maybe keep as winter/wet weather/turbo bike.

Can you do cycle to work scheme on a new one?

You should have a good idea of sizing now (based on current bike). Height is not everything.

Don't make the mistake of going too big.
Do not rule out modifying a smaller frame rather than just buying a big bike.
Stems get longer as bikes frames get bigger, so you might find the smaller frame (of two you will be considering) with a longer stem (i.e. the same size that would have been on the bigger bike) will be a better option.
Make sure the seat is in the right position before you consider reach anyway.

ic.

I'd say a 47cm frame (BB to Top) sounds a little small for a 5'10" rider, but the top tube measurement would be more useful. It doesn't matter if the bike is comfortable though. Every rider is shaped differently.

£300 is a lot to invest in a bike of that age and initial value. Does that include the cost of the bike itself, or just the changes you have made? I think you will struggle to see a return of half of that if you sell it on. A friend of mine just bought a 2008 Milano for £100, for example

If the bike is comfortable and working correctly then don't feel you "should" sell it for newer. People ride bikes much older!

cougie

I'd think about keeping that for a winter bike and save up for a new bike. Spending a lot on an older bike doesnt usually see returns on investment or performance.

hubz94

hmmm, thanks guys
the bike was actually a hand-me-down from my dad when he upgraded, and I think he paid in the region of 600 for it about 7-8 years ago. Also, 300 is probably an over-estimate, its probably closer to 200, having looked at the receipts.
In the end, I think I will sell up. I really like the look of the Planet X RT58 Alloy. Fantastic spec for the price, and pretty good comments all round