Tiny K Posted March 28, 2011 Posted March 28, 2011 So here is my dilemma: I have miraculously been given the go ahead to upgrade my bike (road) by my wife so it's full steam ahead in the planning and purchasing (but need to save for 5-6 months for it though). I have looked around, but not a lot I must admit (only got the go ahead this weekend). One thing I have decided upon is to get a light weight alu frame rather than carbon - better peace of mind for my crash one day knowing that I won't be cracking an expensive piece of carbon. Also, weighing in at 93Kg's racing weight (for now), I don't want to crack the frame or have it give in within two years. Not cost effective then. My fixed commitment is 32H wheels - anything less and I know I am going to break spokes (because I have already), and I'd like to get SRAM Force groupo seeing that it is better than Ultegra and I have heard Campy can get a bit niggly. So here are my choices that I need to look at: #1: Frame Material - Lightweight Alu. I was looking at the CAAD10 but are there any others out there that are good and light? This is pretty much my only way to reduce weight. #2: Frame size - I ride a 60cm at the moment and my body's geometry (in-seam, torso and arm length) seem to work, but is it at all advisable to go to 58cm to reduce flex in the rear triangle? I am either looking at getting a frames set and groupo apart, but looking at prices, I am sure buying a complete bike (new or close to new) would be the same price of not a little more. I have also heard that you can get pretty light and strong alu frames that can weigh close to a mid level carbon bike, but I may be wrong. I have a little while to decide on all these things so your input will be appreciated, but lets keep it topic and question related please, thanks.
bontie Posted March 28, 2011 Posted March 28, 2011 You'll have to spill and tell what your budget is... otherwise you might get misdirected advice.
DaLoCo Posted March 28, 2011 Posted March 28, 2011 I think your reasoning is sound, except for the frame. It might be placebo, but my carbon frame made a massive difference in my climbing, in the region of 2 km/h on the same hills. It actually feels more responsive to input from the pedals With me riding entry level I have always been looking at what I would like to upgrade to. The first item sort of happened, I bought a Merida Scultura carbon frame, secondhand. I put all my entry level drive gear (Sora) and wheels (Alex DA16) on it. The Sora has served me well, as ignorance is bliss My next upgrade would definitely be Sram Force or Ultegra, leaning towards the former..... As for wheels, I don't think I would go any more than 38mm deepsections, lots of crosswinds where I ride. I will upgrade as I am ready finacially and I find the items secondhand here on the HUB It is good that you leave yourself some time to do it.
Tiny K Posted March 28, 2011 Author Posted March 28, 2011 Sorry guys, I was looking at R20K but my wife was offering R25K..... who am I to complain
DaLoCo Posted March 28, 2011 Posted March 28, 2011 Sorry guys, I was looking at R20K but my wife was offering R25K..... who am I to complain Nice budget You can go carbon Cannondale with that, Action Cycles in PE had one for R19 999,00 brand new, but that was with 105 gruppo, so for 25 you should be able to get it with Force
Tiny K Posted March 28, 2011 Author Posted March 28, 2011 I think your reasoning is sound, except for the frame. It might be placebo, but my carbon frame made a massive difference in my climbing, in the region of 2 km/h on the same hills. It actually feels more responsive to input from the pedals With me riding entry level I have always been looking at what I would like to upgrade to. The first item sort of happened, I bought a Merida Scultura carbon frame, secondhand. I put all my entry level drive gear (Sora) and wheels (Alex DA16) on it. The Sora has served me well, as ignorance is bliss My next upgrade would definitely be Sram Force or Ultegra, leaning towards the former..... As for wheels, I don't think I would go any more than 38mm deepsections, lots of crosswinds where I ride. I will upgrade as I am ready finacially and I find the items secondhand here on the HUB It is good that you leave yourself some time to do it. Well I was kinda gifted my first ride (read hijacked from my dad with no resistance) - Bianchi 7000 alu frame (don't know what model - has the Bianchi emblem all over the frame), with 105 crank, ultegra rd and fd, I put on 8 speed STI (sora I think), ITM stem and cinelli bars. I put on 105 pedals and kept the 32H wheels. I tried the shimano whr550 wheels - broke a front spoke - not gonna try it again. Been asking around re wheels - been told to go 32H min because of weight and strength. My biggest thing it to go lighter because it's pointless going for a bike that weighs the same - then I might as well stick to the ride I have and just upgrade components.
Tiny K Posted March 28, 2011 Author Posted March 28, 2011 (edited) And what did you promise Hildi in return? I didn't have to promise her anything She has seen how much I have worked in my first proper season and now wants me to excel to become better. That involves more training and a bike that is set up for me. Edit: and my previous upgrade money went to that 3 week India trip. Edited March 28, 2011 by SirK
Jeepdude Posted March 28, 2011 Posted March 28, 2011 mavic aksiums are a worthy upgrade for heftier rider looking for lighter than 32h wheels... BUT for 25 k DUDE you can build serious RIG!! especially if you are going to build over months...
Jeepdude Posted March 28, 2011 Posted March 28, 2011 oh and yes carbon is pretty .... and not thaaat much lighter than alu... . BUT it is strong and stiff
gummibear Posted March 28, 2011 Posted March 28, 2011 #1: Frame Material - Lightweight Alu. I was looking at the CAAD10 but are there any others out there that are good and light? This is pretty much my only way to reduce weight. There is nothing wrong with a CaaD10 frame unless you ride more than 200km then it may get a little hard on the kidneys. I broke my carbon chain stay last week and i am replacing my BMC with a CaaD10 because it is very light and just as responsive as any carbon frames out there.Yes carbon frames might be 300 grams lighter but i won't notice the difference. Average weight on carbon frames in medium around 1100 grams,CaaD10 1130 grams painted.
tombeej Posted March 28, 2011 Posted March 28, 2011 I have miraculously been given the go ahead to upgrade my bike (road) by my wife... Interesting how much of a universal phenomenon that is :D
chris_w_65 Posted March 28, 2011 Posted March 28, 2011 Buy the Cannondale SuperSix 5 with 105 groupset. So what if it is carbon, you will have it insured anyway.
bontie Posted March 28, 2011 Posted March 28, 2011 Buy the Cannondale SuperSix 5 with 105 groupset. So what if it is carbon, you will have it insured anyway. You cannot go wrong with that...
Wannabe Posted March 28, 2011 Posted March 28, 2011 I didn't have to promise her anything She has seen how much I have worked in my first proper season and now wants me to excel to become better. That involves more training and a bike that is set up for me. Good on her (and you). Knowing you, you will get everything 100% to your satisfaction.Why not speak to Marc at Cape Town Cycles. I know he is busy with an deal to get some fantastic frames (unbranded, but genuine articles) in at unbelievable prices. You can even look at his KappiKappi frames with Sram Force at about 25K.
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