Road bike upgrades

[arendoog]

I am new to road cycling .I have recently bought a pinarello fp uno with 105 shifters and the rest is Tiagra .I like the bike but the shifting I found a bit sluggish .What would be the best componant upgrade that will not cost more than the bike itself

[Butterbean]

I am new to road cycling .I have recently bought a pinarello fp uno with 105 shifters and the rest is Tiagra .I like the bike but the shifting I found a bit sluggish .What would be the best componant upgrade that will not cost more than the bike itself

 

WHEELS! Get a nice set. Deep sections make the most difference, and always make you feel great on your bike.

 

Also, invest the small amount in a bike fit at cyclefit.co.za. Will change your experience for the better.

 

Shifting? Don't see why it would be sluggish... Unless it has something to do with the bike sitting for a while. Maybe take it for a good service with new cables and a good lube job.

 

And of course, a saddle that fits your sit bones.

 

Done. Don't spend anything else. It'll just be a waste.

[TopFuel]

WHEELS! Get a nice set. Deep sections make the most difference, and always make you feel great on your bike.

 

Also, invest the small amount in a bike fit at cyclefit.co.za. Will change your experience for the better.

 

Shifting? Don't see why it would be sluggish... Unless it has something to do with the bike sitting for a while. Maybe take it for a good service with new cables and a good lube job.

 

And of course, a saddle that fits your sit bones.

 

Done. Don't spend anything else. It'll just be a waste.

 

Campagnolo is never a waste. But yeah, wheels are the best upgrade to do on a factory bike. Good advice above.

[Butterbean]

 

 

Campagnolo is never a waste. But yeah, wheels are the best upgrade to do on a factory bike. Good advice above.

 

I know what you're saying... But just in case he takes that line seriously, a new group set isn't worth it unless you're planning on keeping the bike for ages... They don't add he same amount of value to the bike as they cost... So not worth it.

 

Do the above, and any budget left over, spend on decent quality extras like clothes, sunnies, helmet, shoes, etc.

 

But the bike fit had to be done. Will really make the biggest difference.

 

 

[arendoog]

Thanks ! It rides great as is .Still getting use to the ride position .Will have to do something to the narrow handlebars .My hands are getting numb .

[TALUS]

Welcome Blitzer. Since you have been MTB'ing forever- cleating in and out of road pedals suck! Have a look at Speedplay - double sided entry like SPD. We are doing Klapperkop Sunday. Come join us.

[T-Bob]

It's got to be wheels and train hard / race light.

 

Only thing I'd say is don't focus on deep section exclusively. No point having a 1800g set of aeros that don't react or are laminates over Alu rims.

 

If you're riding in packs as well deep sections aren't going to do that much.

 

Look at Mavics, Easton's and my fav' American classic aero 420s. Light, fast and great price.

 

After that I'd recommend carbons shoes as key then pedals and upgraded cranks (FSA carbons really make a hell of a difference in power transfer).

 

But that's just me...

 

On yeah... Get that fit wired, it's worth every randella.

Edited September 27, 2013 by hellocolour

[jcza]

It's got to be wheels and train hard / race light.

 

Only thing I'd say is don't focus on deep section exclusively. No point having a 1800g set of aeros that don't react or are laminates over Alu rims.

 

If you're riding in packs as well deep sections aren't going to do that much.

 

Look at Mavics, Easton's and my fav' American classic aero 420s. Light, fast and great price.

 

After that I'd recommend carbons shoes as key then pedals and upgraded cranks (FSA carbons really make a hell of a difference in power transfer).

 

But that's just me...

 

On yeah... Get that fit wired, it's worth every randella.

 

I have 1800gr aeros and normal wheels that are about 300gr lighter but the aeros feel faster... Maybe it's a mental thing?

[T-Bob]

I have 1800gr aeros and normal wheels that are about 300gr lighter but the aeros feel faster... Maybe it's a mental thing?

 

For sure, I'm just saying that there are some pretty average aeros out there just as there are some not great semi and std rims. It's what suits you and the riding but have a good look around as too many people go blindly for one thing and don't look at what else there is. (you could insert a whole 9er vs 6er thread off the back of that comment...)

[Butterbean]

 

 

For sure, I'm just saying that there are some pretty average aeros out there just as there are some not great semi and std rims. It's what suits you and the riding but have a good look around as too many people go blindly for one thing and don't look at what else there is. (you could insert a whole 9er vs 6er thread off the back of that comment...)

 

For the majority of South African road races, aero rims are the better choice. We ride fairly flat and fast races here, and unless you're racing with a training group, you're more likely to have a lot of alone time... Hence, aero outweighs the slight weight penalty.

[jcza]

For sure, I'm just saying that there are some pretty average aeros out there just as there are some not great semi and std rims. It's what suits you and the riding but have a good look around as too many people go blindly for one thing and don't look at what else there is. (you could insert a whole 9er vs 6er thread off the back of that comment...)

 

Agreed - best choice for a single wheelset is probably 303's

[Blackadder]

Here is a link to a thought provoking article on the relative benefits of aero wheels, as compared to simply lighter wheels: http://alex-cycle.blogspot.com/search?q=aero

[cadenceblur]

Thanks ! It rides great as is .Still getting use to the ride position .Will have to do something to the narrow handlebars .My hands are getting numb .

Specialized have or had a product called Bar Phat. They are gel pads which go under your handle bar tape. They absorb some of the shock.

[Butterbean]

Specialized have or had a product called Bar Phat. They are gel pads which go under your handle bar tape. They absorb some of the shock.

 

The number hands are from a bad fit.

[T-Bob]

Agreed - best choice for a single wheelset is probably 303's

 

Good call... Next on the list.

[DARK KNIGHT]

Welcome Blitzer. Since you have been MTB'ing forever- cleating in and out of road pedals suck! Have a look at Speedplay - double sided entry like SPD. We are doing Klapperkop Sunday. Come join us.

 

Where do I get hold of speedplay pedals in CPT??? I've checked everywhere but seems nobody stocks them?? Will appreciate any tips / feedback thanks