Component Upgrade on new Madone 5.1?

[aicabsolut]

I would also go with the compact and 11-25 cassette if you're planning on racing eventually in any terrain other than on steep mountains, depending on your strength. A 50/11 is a larger gear than a 53/12, so if you need/like the low end gears, the compact will serve you fine (over a 53/39) even for descending and sprinting. I also like having a compact for rolling races, because that means I don't have to shift into the little ring as much. It seems to be a bit easier on the drivetrain to crosschain with a compact setup than it is with standard rings for some reason too. The only thing with having a 34 small ring (as opposed to a 36), is that you *might* want DA level front derailleur trim eventually (not part of the front derailleur itself so much as the shifters, unfortunately, which is a more expensive upgrade). You can position the FD where this is not so much of an issue without having the limits set where you really risk chain drop, but it can be a matter of millimeters. In my experience, I've had to do it myself because the shops just aren't so careful with building up compacts despite the tendency for a lot of chain rub. The more trim you have, the less you have to worry about it. For some reason, I've found that 105 and Ultegra level shifters have good trim for the smaller cog/small ring position but not so much for the larger cog/large ring position. (When I try to do a 1/2 click there, it doesn't work--I only get a full click of the front derailleur down to the small ring or nothing at all). Maybe there's a way to fix that, but I haven't found it.

You will be able to race just fine on the other Ultegra components (many race with less!), and you'll get good life out of that 105 cassette. If you want to upgrade eventually, I'd start with rear derailleur and shifters to DA, but it's totally not necessary.

Some people really dislike the Bontrager wheels and saddles. I would definitely swap out the tires based on what I've heard about them from friends. My teammates and I prefer Michelin Pro Race (2 or 3) tires. They have a lot better cornering grip than the Bontrager tires for sure. You can train on the Bontrager tires, and they will last you a long time, but my friend says they feel unstable on twisty descents and in the wet. So, based on that, I'd switch for racing at least. Saddles are obviously personal preference.

The only advantage you'd have in upgrading the grouppo from the start would be that you can sell the Ultegra parts on eBay and get some $ back. But really, the Ultegra is fine. If you really want DA, for example, it would be much better to get the next step up in frame that comes with DA, but that may have a much higher price tag than you want to take.

[tulip]

While the equipment certainly is important in racing, it's the engine--YOU--that is the most important. The bike you describe sounds very nice, but it's you and your training that will determine your success in racing.

If your boyfriend pooh-pooh's Ultegra, he's a bike snob. Just something to be aware of. (I used to be one, too, but like adolecence and pimples, I thankfully I outgrew it ).