New or update?

[lura]

Got a question for all you out there.
Do I buy new or upgrade what I have.
I have about a 6 year old Trek 2120 road bike, carbon frame.
I have already upgraded to the Ultegra brake/shifter.
It is a great bike, but I of course always want something lighter, better, faster.
So the question I ask myself and now you folks...is the frame good enough to warrant a slow make over? Or do I fork out a couple of thousand up front and start with something new?

[Kathi]

My SO has a Trek 2100. A couple of years ago he put new wheels and components on it and is very happy with it.

I have a 1995 Cannondale. I spent a lot of money putting a carbon fork, upgrading it to a 9 sp. and I still wasn't happy with it. I bought an Aegis Swift and love it.

Try demoing newer frames 1st. then decide.

If you do decide to keep the frame start with the wheels. That is where you will take off the most weight. I took 2+lbs off
my mtn bike just by putting on new wheels. Plus, if you do change your mind, the wheels can be put on the new bike.

[lura]

Thanks for your thoughts. I had heard the wheels make a huge difference. For the prices I have seen, I would hope they make a difference!
That is why I was wondering where the trade off is. $400-600 for new wheels, $300-400 for a few more things or just go for it and spend $2000 on a new one?

[Kathi]

Do you have a new bike in mind? My SO demoed the Trek postal and said he didn't think it was much different than the 2100. We were on a bike tour and so he got to ride it for the whole day (55mi). But he's also not very discriminating.

I had these same doubts when I bought my Aegis. So I found a shop that had one small enough to demo. I could tell a huge difference in the parking lot. I was in love! Since I've had the Aegis I have not ridden the Cannondale, it's my trainer bike.

So I'd say demo and if you don't see a significant difference, then just upgrade your frame.

And after 3 yrs I'm still in love with my Aegis!

[Kathi]

If you can use your existing hubs and have a shop build wheels for you that will bring down the cost of new wheels. My shop built me Mavic Open Pros.

[Dogmama]

Does the frame fit you? Is it comfortable? Then, go for it. If not, don't throw good money after bad.

[aka_kim]

My old bike was a 2120 too, with slightly upgraded wheels (low-end Rolfs) but otherwise original components. My wheel upgrade was really a mistake -- the Rolfs were much stiffer (and only a bit lighter) than the originals, and made for a *very* harsh ride. I thought about upgrading to a carbon fork to help smooth out the ride, but was also never happy with the 105 derailleurs. While contemplating an upgrade to fork and components I fell in love with an Airborne Zeppelin. So I got $400 for the old 2120 and a beautiful new ride.

But, I'd agree it's best to demo a few other bikes.

[MightyMitre]

Ah, go for a new one Iura - you know you want to.
Just thing of the hours of bicycle retail therapy you could have, drooling of catalogues and loitering in bike shops.

If there's nothing particularly wrong with your current bike, you could just down-grade it to a winter training bike / bad weather bike if you don't want to get the new on too messy.

Also, you might want to check the shelf life of a fully carbon frame . If you've done a lot of miles in those 6 years it could be time for a change anyway.

P.S. Not a total expert of carbon frames but this excuse might rub off well with hubby/siginifcant other if they star turning pale when you mention getting a new bike