Upgrade [Archive] - Women's Cycling Discussion Forums

BleeckerSt_Girl

11-03-2009, 12:48 PM

Upgrade means different things to different people with diff needs.

For me, an 'upgrade' in tires meant buying the rather expensive Continental Grand Prix "4 Season" tires, which have been really bullet proof when it comes to flats. I don't care so much about weight (I'm not racing against anything) as I care about avoiding some flats on sharp gravel roads. :)

Likewise, some folks might think an 'upgraded' lock is one that's lighter weight, others might 'upgrade' to a heavier lock instead.
It all comes down to individual needs in your particular situation.

Upgrading based on price is not reliable either, since many bike accessories are vastly overpriced from one seller and a bargain from another.

kermit

11-03-2009, 01:21 PM

The sky is the limit when it comes to upgrades. As Bleeker St. Girl said, it all depends on what your goals are. If you are planning on racing, well weight is always the big deal. If you want to be comfortable on a nice bike tires are important. I have the continentals on my bike, lighter yes, but that all depends on the rest of your bike. Whats a few grams? They are great tires, not flat proof but very durable and ... pricy. I started with a 2005 roubaix comp and recently did the following upgrades(last 2 years). It's perfect now in my eyes, not cheap though.
2009 Roubaix sl pro frame upgrade
carbon ruby bars
Easton ea90slx wheelset with dura-ace cassette, and continental tires
carbon water bottle cages
and with the last tune-up, dura-ace rear derailleur and the COOLEST lizard skin bar tape.

It's addicting, but I'm done for now!

nscrbug

11-03-2009, 04:18 PM

The only "upgrades" I've made, so far, to my Cervelo Soloist Carbon, have been adding 2 carbon side-loading bottle cages. What I would like to upgrade in the near future, include -

possibly a new saddle...unsure about my current (Specialized Phenom) one

LOOK Keo Max Carbon pedals - currently using Time RXS Carbon pedals, which I don't like

CatEye V3 or Polar CS200CAD cycle computer - currently using CatEye Strada Wireless, but would like cadence & HR

A different set of aerobars - currently using Profile Design Jammer GT, but would like a set w/flip-up armrests to allow access to top bar

Williams System 30 wheelset - I HATE my stock wheels!

A wingtop-style handlebar - currently using the stock bars on my bike, but would like a bar with a "flatter" top bar for more comfort

I think that's all...for now. :D

Oh...FWIW, I've been using Michelin ProRace 3 tires...and LOVE them! They have excellent grip and corner like the bike is on rails. But I have a friend who rolls on the Conti GP 4000S and swears by it. My hubby tried the GP 4000S and didn't like it...said it felt "sluggish" to him...he's back on the ProRace 3's. Tires are a very "individual" thing, I've found...sort of like saddles. What feels good and works well for one person, might not be the case for somebody else.

tulip

11-03-2009, 04:31 PM

Yeah, it depends on what you want. You might not need to upgrade anything, it's all up to you.

On my Luna, I will eventually upgrade my pedals. But that's it. I already replaced the double crank with a compact double.

On my Bike Friday, the only thing I want to get is a rearview mirror, because it's a pain to switch back and forth with the Luna. That's not really an upgrade.

I will invest in a major maintenance overhaul on both bikes, though. Every few years it's a good thing to do, if you want to keep the bike, that is.

Yemmi530

11-03-2009, 05:21 PM

KnottedYet

11-03-2009, 05:42 PM

I upgraded my black Surly Cross Check with:
Vitoria Randonneur tires with reflective sidewalls
Planet Bike fenders
Buddy Flaps (mud flaps) http://buddyflaps.com/fancy.htm
Spokees http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodFR_010.html
Salsa "granny" 3rd chainring
Campy front derailleur
Crank Brothers 5050 pedals http://www.crankbrothers.com/5050.php
Heavy duty rear rack
Ortieb panniers
Brooks B67 saddle in black with black springs
Dimension riser stem
Moustache bars
Cinelli tape
Incredi-Bell
several lights, reflectors, reflective tape, and gewgaws

All of which adds up to a bike that would be a DOWN grade to someone else! It really is entirely up to you and what you want from the bike. And the cool thing is... you can change your mind later and change stuff around again!

arielmoon

11-04-2009, 09:47 AM

I would like to upgrade to a lighter wheelset and some new handlebars that are more ergonomic. Other than that I am happy! :)

Crankin

11-04-2009, 11:33 AM

Well, I've used the Conti 4000s for years and have had no issues. The only flats I've had were from me not watching the road and actually slashing the tire with sharp objects (twice in 9 years). Of course, I get my tires from various internet sources and they cost a fraction of the retail price.
I haven't really upgraded much. I got a Terry Falcon saddle 3 years ago, when I got my Kuota. I actually switched out the fancy carbon ergonomically correct bars for cheap, aluminum Specialized wsd bars that have a shallow drop and are narrow enough for me. Even though I have a very light bike, I don't care about the bars; I'm not racing. That's about it. My bike came with a wireless computer, which I really didn't want, since the previous ones I've had always conked out or gave me weird readings. But this one is OK. Oh, and I have a headlight I recently bought, since I have been doing some very early morning rides.
Instead of upgrading, I bought another bike to tool around on! I bought a pannier, 2 lights, a blinkie, and a cheap computer for my Jamis.

ny biker

11-04-2009, 12:29 PM

I think the only true upgrade on my bike was the switch from a Tiagra front derailleur to an Ultegra. But that was not planned and I didn't pay for it -- I brought the bike to the shop for an FD adjustment, and it broke while the mechanic was working on it. It was probably metal fatigue from the million or so previous adjustments that were necessary on that FD, but the guy felt responsible so he replaced it at no cost, and the only triple FD they had in stock was an Ultegra so that's what I got. It was a huge improvement. The Tiagra was always causing problems with dropped chains, but I've rarely had that problem since getting the Ultegra.

I tried some Vittoria Open Corsa tires a couple years back. Before that I had ridden whatever Bontragers came on the bike and another set of Bontragers that were supposed to be puncture-resistant but really were not. I liked the Vittorias a lot for their decreased rolling resistance, but they got too many punctures so I switched to Continental Ultra Gatorskins which I love. I'm more interested in avoiding flats than having race-quality tires.

kermit

11-04-2009, 12:44 PM

I have two other bikes. A specialized stumpjumper that I just got and a single speed steel road bike from Bikes Direct. That bike was $250 and I wouldn't change a thing. I think the more there is on a bike the more you can change and play with things. Sometimes it's nice to get on and just pedal, no gears, just pedal.

Yemmi530

11-05-2009, 03:28 PM

Any Comment on Seatpost upgrade?
Some people say yes, some people say no.
Probably, this type of upgrade is not for performance but display (eyes candy).
Agree?

MomOnBike

11-06-2009, 03:28 PM

Come to think of it, I've done a fair bit of upgrading.

1) New pedals - the kind that flat on one side and clip-in on the other

2) Mirrors - bilateral

3) Under seat racks. (Since removed, but will go back on as soon as I decide to take another tour.)

4) Back wheel rebuild. My spokes on the back wheel were popping so much, it reminded me of popcorn. I had the LBS build up a sturdy back wheel & haven't had trouble since.

5) Rotor cranks with 165 cranks & a Really Low granny gear. (Review here: http://www.bentrideronline.com/2004Feb/rotor_cranks.htm ) I put them on right after I had my knee 'scoped, and they seem to have helped.

The recumbent specific part:

6) New seat struts today. They hold my seat upright - when they are not broken. I replace the soft aluminum struts with cro-moly. These should be more sturdy.

7) A pretty seat cover. I'm on my second one. They just make the recumbent seat more interesting than the plain black one everyone else rides.

The bike has a fairing up front which came with the bike. I'm not responsible for that, but I'm keeping it.

I'm still running the stock Kenda Kwest fat high-pressure tires. They maybe aren't the fastest tires on the road, but they are reasonably bullet-proof.

I think I'm pretty much done changing thing on this bike (subject to change without notice). I'm dreaming about a second bike, and the upgrades and changes I'll make with that one - and the bike after that, and . . .

Owlie

11-06-2009, 05:22 PM

The only upgrading I've done on this bike has been the saddle. Apart from pedals, that's the only upgrading that's going to be done unless I somehow wind up with a lot of money. It would be more than the bike's worth.

lph

11-06-2009, 11:49 PM

I don't really think of it as upgrading, I think of it as gradually tuning a bike to fit me. The "perfect" bike may be out there, but I'll never have the patience, time, money or insight to hunt it down. My 4 bikes - 3 in use - have all come into my hands in sort of roundabout ways, only one was bought new, and I spend my time and money gradually tweaking things here and there. I've bought them or acquired them based on the frame fitting reasonably well and the price being reasonable, then I swap parts around or buy new ones as old ones wear out, and am gradually tweaking 3 bikes to be fairly specific for 3 types of use: 1 winter bike/commuter bike (durable, low-maintenance parts, comfortable), 1 mtb, 1 training/road bike (lightweight, good wheels).

ehirsch83

11-07-2009, 05:04 AM

Don't let yourself think of tires as an upgrade!
Every 1500 miles or so, you will need new tires!! You can stay with the same kind, or try something different. The fun in upgrading are parts that are you are going to really enjoy-either the feel of or the look:)

Tires are like bar tape- they are something that you are going to need to replace every few months.

Upgrade things like-wheels, seat post, bars, stem, gruppo, frame!

You can even upgrade helmets and shoes.

redrhodie

11-08-2009, 04:57 AM

Any Comment on Seatpost upgrade?
Some people say yes, some people say no.
Probably, this type of upgrade is not for performance but display (eyes candy).
Agree?

This is kind of funny. When I got my "upgrade" bike, I went all out on a lot of the components, including an Easton carbon seatpost. Then, like a year later, I was looking at that seatpost online, and realized how much I paid for it. I remember thinking Was I on drugs!? But, I can ride over almost any pothole and my tush doesn't mind, so it was worth it. :p My commuter has a $10 alu seatpost which is just fine because the bike is steel. It wouldn't be good on my Alu bike, though. Even with carbon seat stays, there might be some teeth chipping on some of the roads I ride on. I guess the carbon seatpost was cheaper than a dentist visit! So, I guess if your riding aluminum, a carbon seatpost might be money well spent.

I've upgraded the brakes on my commuter bike from Sora to Ultegra. I've upgraded to Selle Anatomica saddles on both my bikes. I'd love to have better wheels on my commuter. My upgrades have been for comfort and performance, not aesthetic reasons (except my good bike's frame. That was lust!) :D

Yemmi530

11-09-2009, 09:22 PM

not a surprise ... I end up with a seatpost upgrade as well. "bontrager X lite race". Even I wasn't too sure about a performance improvement with my new carbon seatpost. I still want to have one, i guess "they look good". Upgrades, is like a never ending project. As long as we are riding all the time, every upgrades will worth the price. I am riding and I am happy about it, have some great ride out there sisters.

aicabsolut

11-10-2009, 03:43 PM

I am in the process of upgrading my 2008 S-works Roubaix that has 2006 Shimano 105/Ultegra/FSA parts to the new Ultegra 6700 group with the Dura Ace 7950 crankset.

It was always "good enough," but the shifters have been a pain in the rear lately (the front has decided to act like a triple shifter instead of a double with trim), and I found myself never riding the bike and always gravitating towards the newer racing steed (2009 Tarmac Pro SL) with better components. Time to take the components issue out of the equation and log some training miles on the Roubaix again.

blackhillsbiker

11-10-2009, 05:20 PM

My new Kona Dew Deluxe now sports Ergon bar grips and bar ends (a necessity for my arthritic hands), a Brooks B-67S saddle and Velo Grand Cru seatpost (helps get the Brooks in the right position), a Light & Motion Stella 120 headlamp and a Trek rear blinkie, a Topeak rack and small pack/pannier combo, a Cateye Enduro 8 cyclometer, and Planet Bike fenders. The lights and fenders were the only things bought for this bike. The others were ported over from my previous bike. I'd like to try a B-17 saddle, but I think I need to wait until next summer before I spend any more.

Deb

marni

11-10-2009, 06:47 PM

I am a long distance and cross country bike rider. I ride a 2004 trek pilot 5.2 with a carbon frame, a triple crank , a 9 gear stack and all ultegra fixings.My wheels and tires are Bontrager race lites.These were original with the bike. I do one cross country and multiple shorter rides as well 6-8 charity centuries

My upgrades include stryker iron man aero bars and double sided pedals.

Since my focus is distance and endurance over speed, weight is not a major factor for me. I have had very good luck with the bontrager tires, havinng had to replace the only one time. In all my riding, I have had only two flats which I think says a great deal about the strength of the tires, especially when you consider that I have ridden across goat head thorns, endless miles of Texas chip seal, and lots of blown radials and truck tires. I think that speaks to the quality of the Race lites (which have kevlar sides as well as the area under the treads.) That being said, I will also point out that I am fanaticabout checking my tires completely after every ride or any time I run over something suspicious.

The only upgrades in my future are a new bike seat since the one that came with the bike which is cracking and splitting.

The upgrade I would like to make is to get some new aero bars with the gear shifter on the end. Not necessary, but easier to not to keep having to change positions if I need to change gears, especially on hills.

I plan to keep riding the trek until it or I can't go on. I would like a custom painted ffully upgraded Trek Madone for my 65th birthday in a few years which seems highly unlikely but a girl can dream. In the meantime I love mmy trek.

Marni-the hippie biker chick from Sugar Land, TX

Owlie

11-10-2009, 07:06 PM

I'll upgrade the tires on my bike when they wear out. My bike has about 60 miles on it, so I doubt that will happen any time soon. If I get some money and some guidance, I may upgrade the wheels. Anything beyond that for this bike is probably not worth it.

My bike came with Sora components. If I wanted to upgrade to 105 (highest level that makes sense for the frame), I would probably replace the cassette first, as I can't quite find a groove in the 8-speed. (I'm really strange, apparently--the bottom is quite comfy, as is the top, but the middle gears, not so much.) If I replace the cassette, I have to replace the RD. If I replace that, I need to replace the shifter. If I do that, I may as well replace the other one. If I do that, I may as well upgrade the FD. I looked up prices for new parts, and it comes to... $842, not including tax. If I include the cost of the wheels, I may as well buy a new bike.

sundial

11-11-2009, 03:43 AM

For me an upgrade is new bar tape, Brooks saddle, different pedals (going with touring pedals for now) and nice rims.

Bike Chick

11-11-2009, 06:39 AM

I upgraded my black Surly Cross Check with:
Vitoria Randonneur tires with reflective sidewalls
Planet Bike fenders
Buddy Flaps (mud flaps) http://buddyflaps.com/fancy.htm
Spokees http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodFR_010.html
Salsa "granny" 3rd chainring
Campy front derailleur
Crank Brothers 5050 pedals http://www.crankbrothers.com/5050.php
Heavy duty rear rack
Ortieb panniers
Brooks B67 saddle in black with black springs
Dimension riser stem
Moustache bars
Cinelli tape
Incredi-Bell
several lights, reflectors, reflective tape, and gewgaws

Ewwwww Knottedyet.......Nice! Do you mind sharing a pic? I've got a black crosscheck frame ordered and am planning the build....I'd love some inspiration.