2 bike spec questions

apprent1ce

I bought my bike secondhand about a year ago, it’s the 2011 model.

Two newb questions:

1 What is the typical life-span of the bike frame? (there are a couple of chips in the downtube.) I guess I rode about 1000 miles last year and intend to do 2-3 times that in the year ahead.

2 I’m 50, enjoy cycling and am steadily improving, I want to get better but recognize that I’m not going to set any records. I have done one sprint triathlon and hope to do more and also have done a few 100-140km events. I don’t have the budget for more than one bike, so wondered what, if anything, would be the first consideration for upgrade in the spec to modestly improve performance?

Frame: Super Six Carbon (2011)
Fork: Cannondale Super Six Carbon w/alloy Dropouts
Front Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra
Number of Gears: 20
Shifters: Shimano Ultegra
Chainset: FSA SL-K Light Carbon BB30
Chainrings: 34/50
Bottom Bracket: FSA BB30
Cassette: Shimano Ultegra 12-25
Chain: Shimano Ultegra
Brakes: Shimano Ultegra
Brake Levers: Shimano Ultegra
Handlebars: Cannondale C2 Compact
Stem: Cannondale C2
Headset: Cannondale Super Six 1.1/8-1.5
Rims: Mavic Aksium Race
Hubs: Mavic Aksium Race
Tyres: Schwalbe Durano S 700×23c
Saddle: Fi’zi:k Arione Mg Rails
Seatpost: Cannondale C2 UD Carbon
Weight: 16.5lbs (7.5kg) approx

slowbike

1. You're well off having worn the frame out. 3 of my bikes are 2011 frames and they're all fine despite having been well used (including all winter riding). I do keep them clean and polished though. You're more likely to need a new frame due to breakage than anything else. Just inspect it regularly, which you tend to do if you're cleaning...

2. Nothing wrong with any of that, the only bit's that I'd consider upgrading (rather than wearout replacement) are the tyres and wheels. But I'd first look to the engine for improvements in speed ...

drlodge

One of my frames was built in 1987...frames don't wear out. They may break however.

JayKosta

If the paint chips are just the clear-coat, and there isn't any structural damage to the tube, then just get some touch-up paint from LBS, or use clear fingernail polish.

The frame should last indefinitely unless it gets physically damaged.

There is very little that justifies upgrading on your bike.
Perhaps different wheels - lighter weight (but still durable) if you ride a lot of hills, or more aero wheels for flat riding.
Even with the 'best possible' wheels, I doubt there would be much noticeable improvement due to the equipment itself...

Jay Kosta
Endwell NY USA

Philby

Getting a rear cassette with a wider spread of gears such as 12-28 will probably help you go up hills more easily.

markhewitt1978

Frames can go tens of thousands of miles. The components will wear out well before the frame.

As for upgrades there really is nothing you need it's a very nice bike.

apprent1ce

Many thanks for the replies.

It's good news and the frame feedback is especially reassuring. I have no issues with the bike set up; I had read a number of general posts saying that to keep prices competitive, manufacturers can look to make savings on component specs and recommending wheel upgrades etc and I wondered if that was the case here.

Re the rear cassette, so far hills are not a problem and I do search them out - I should point out I live in Suffolk though!

One further question on wheels, I notice that the norm is now for 11 speed cassettes and I wondered how that effects my bike? I assume my set up will not automatically accommodate 11 speed?

imposter2.0

Assuming the bike is functioning normally, then none of the things you mention will 'improve performance' as such. Regular riding and increased fitness will improve performance, however...

kingrollo

Try one of those garmin or similar thingies - record your route - then try to beat it next time round.

Cycling hardware doesn't improve your performance directly - but a shiny new something, may provide motivation for you....

JayKosta

apprent1ce wrote:

...
One further question on wheels, I notice that the norm is now for 11 speed cassettes and I wondered how that effects my bike? I assume my set up will not automatically accommodate 11 speed?

========================================================
You might be able to install and 11 speed cassette, but it depends on the spec of the rear hub.
Also an 11 speed would require an 11-speed chain (they are narrower than 10-speed), and also probably an 11-speed shifter. I'd stay with 10-speed to avoid unneeded expense and frustration of switching to 11.

I really don't understand a need for 11 versus 10-speed. My thought is that they are just a new 'trinket' to induce buyers to want something new.

The most important things are the 'contact points' - saddle, bars & tape, pedals & shoes.

Jay Kosta
Endwell NY USA

Tjgoodhew

The bike spec looks absolutely fine and the frame will last as long as its looked after.

One thing that you could look at is clothing. Good quality bib shorts from the likes of assos can make riding longer distances a lot more enjoyable.

I have no idea what clothing you have but "upgrading" your cycling wardrobe can make a slight difference to performance and a big difference to motivation

ai_1

JayKosta wrote:

.....I really don't understand a need for 11 versus 10-speed. My thought is that they are just a new 'trinket' to induce buyers to want something new....

There is no "need" for 11 speed any more than there was a need for 10 speed, 9 speed, 8 speed, etc. Early riders on Penny Farthings were able to ride and race bikes with no gearing at all. The point is that more gears allows you comfortably accomodate a wider selection of terrain, conditions and efforts with a single set of equipment. 10 or 11 speed cassettes don't get you much you couldn't already have with a triple but every extra sprocket does provide you with a wider gearing range or smaller gaps for a given number of chainrings. I certainly wouldn't bother "upgrading" my bike to 11 speed if my existing groupset was 9 or 10 speed and functioned correctly without some other compelling advantage. But I would, and did, buy 11 speed when getting a new bike.

Mikey23

My older bike is a defy 4 with shimano 2300 giving 2 x 8 and all useable =16
My newer bike has shimano 105 with 2x10 with two at either end pretty much unusable because of cross chaining giving 2x8 = 16

I suspect that 11s are pretty much the same and i suspect that the manufacturers are working on 12s right now

Makes no sense to me. Makes perfect sense to those who sell us product...