Upgrade

[arielmoon]

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

[Crankin]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[redrhodie]

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. 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!)

[Yemmi530]

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.