carbon vs alu and tiagra vs ultegra?

[Krissy.M]

Hi all

 

Some advice please. I have been riding an entry level trek for the last few years. Alu frame with tiagra. I'm contemplating upgrading but I'm wondering if it's worth it or if I'm just overly excited to get a new gadget.

 

Will a carbon frame with an ultegra groupset make a noticeable difference? What else should I be considering? Say with a budget of 20k second hand.

[UpShift_Cycles]

Let me ask you this. If you trade in a city golf for a BMW M3 would you feel the difference? The simple answer is yes, 2 completely different bikes

[Eugene]

Shifting is so smooth and effortless with Ultegra, it will feel like silk. The carbon frame will give you a smoother ride.

 

Having said that, your legs are still the engine, so your times will not drop significantly.

 

Personally, I would go the carbon route.

[Krissy.M]

A Golf to BMW, that would be a pleasant change!

 

What else should I be looking for? Also is it worth saving an extra 5-10 or is something around 20 fairly decent for now? I'm not looking to go win DC or anything, just looking for a nice ride ☺

[raptor-22]

The more you can save the better your options will be. R30K will buy you a nice new carbon bike with ultegra

[Long Wheel Base]

I until recently didn't do much road racing on the single bike so still had my old Raleigh rc3000(ally with tiagra) and loved that thing. I was just racing mtb or tandem. Then last year I started racing vets so decided to get myself a new giant TCR with Ultegra and it is quite a big difference, I can see the difference on strava!!!! And while I don't know how much quicker the bike is, mentally it makes me quicker and that helps a lot.

If you buy new for that price you must save up afterwards for a better set of wheels as the standard wheels in that price range are very basic. If you go second hand I'd definitely consider looking at something with upgraded wheels. I have since spent about the same as the bike cost on a set of enve wheels and they have also made a considerable difference.

[Maniax]

I upgraded from a alu with tiagra to carbon with mixed components (build her myself).  The carbon added 2km/h to my ave speed using the same power output I had with the alu.  The ride is softer, stiffer and just all round better.  

 

I agree with Upshift.   Its like going from a citi golf to M3, its a different class bike.

[Falco]

Going from entry level aluminium to a decent carbon frame, you will definitely feel the difference in ride quality.

 

Going from Tiagra to Ultegra will give a noticeably slicker feel, both gears and brakes.

 

Overall the new setup will be considerably lighter, which probably won't do much for your overall speed, but it will make a difference when climbing.

 

Try to include a decent set of wheels, if your budget allows.

[Pure Savage]

I until recently didn't do much road racing on the single bike so still had my old Raleigh rc3000(ally with tiagra) and loved that thing. I was just racing mtb or tandem. Then last year I started racing vets so decided to get myself a new giant TCR with Ultegra and it is quite a big difference, I can see the difference on strava!!!! And while I don't know how much quicker the bike is, mentally it makes me quicker and that helps a lot.

If you buy new for that price you must save up afterwards for a better set of wheels as the standard wheels in that price range are very basic. If you go second hand I'd definitely consider looking at something with upgraded wheels. I have since spent about the same as the bike cost on a set of enve wheels and they have also made a considerable difference.

 

Well its on Strava so it must be true

[HeadDown]

At R20 grand I'd look at 105 level components with a nicer frame.

(Having said that I paid R20 grand for a second hand Alu frame (CAAD10) with Ultegra. )

[Pure Savage]

The carbon bike with Ultegra will also be lighter so you wont build pesky arm muscles when you pick it up when you put it in the car etc.

 

To be honest, the biggest difference in speed will be a decent set of wheels and tyres for money spent.

 

The biggest key is just to get out on the bike more often and get fitter, if a new bike does this, then get the bike.

 

(I don't agree with the whole M3 comparison, unless you buy a spez, then people will look at you and think you are a nob. ) *pic of my carbon bike with Ultegra attached

[Schnavel]

Look second hand. Buying a brand new bike is a waste of money.

 

Look on the hub - you can pick up a bike in really great condition, carbon frame and great components for R20k - R25k

[Brickleberry]

I recently traded my old Marida Alu , with Tiagra 9 speed a giant tcr advanced sl with ultegra. The difference is night and day. Lighter by 2 kgs , shifting is excellent and it jut feels better in every way imaginable. if you have the cash and are serious about cycling, I would say pull the trigger.

[Veebee]

if you happy buying second hand then 20k can get you a good bike. If you like me and prefer new stuff then save a bit and look at something in the 30k range. you can fetch a well spec'd bike from many of the brands. You also get piece of mind with new and will have a warranty on your carbon frame.

 

I recently moved from a heavy alu frame to a full carbon, full ultegra set up. I certainly enjoy my riding a lot more now. More comfortable, shifting is smooth, braking is better and climbing is easier with the lighter frame so my average speeds are automatically better.

[Long Wheel Base]

The carbon bike with Ultegra will also be lighter so you wont build pesky arm muscles when you pick it up when you put it in the car etc.

 

To be honest, the biggest difference in speed will be a decent set of wheels and tyres for money spent.

 

The biggest key is just to get out on the bike more often and get fitter, if a new bike does this, then get the bike.

 

(I don't agree with the whole M3 comparison, unless you buy a spez, then people will look at you and think you are a nob. ) *pic of my carbon bike with Ultegra attached [emoji14]

Even a spez needs giant bits on. Nice wheels [emoji106] [emoji16]

[Krissy.M]

Ok great, thanks all! Getting excited now!

 

What should I look for in Wheels?