I'm partial to steel bikes, so I'd probably fix up what you already have. To my tastes, it would be better than what your budget will allow you to buy new. What model is your Trek? Is the frame in good shape?
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Thread: New bike vs. new components
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03-23-2011, 05:28 PM #1
Meow!
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Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Continue to learn. Appreciate your friends. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.
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03-23-2011, 05:54 PM #2
thickly settled
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Have you done any long rides on your bike? Any aches and pains that might indicate a fit problem?
I would ride the bike you have for a while. If you're generally comfortable and don't have a fit problem that can't be solved with your current frame, then new components might be the best course of action.
- Gray 2010 carbon WSD road bike, Rivet Independence saddle
- Red hardtail 26" aluminum mountain bike, Bontrager Evoke WSD saddle
- Royal blue 2018 aluminum gravel bike, Rivet Pearl saddle
Gone but not forgotten:
- Silver 2003 aluminum road bike
- Two awesome worn out Juliana saddles
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03-23-2011, 05:54 PM #3
In-app purchases
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I had the same dilemma a few years back and opted for a new bike. My budget was quite a bit higher, and it was still not much more money to buy a new bike than to totally refit the old frame (parts only, doing all the labor myself except for getting the rear triangle cold-set to accommodate a 10-speed cassette hub). Then of course there's the hassle factor, all that work instead of just going to the LBS and plunking down my debit card...
There's the regret factor though, that you can't really put a price tag on. I feel bad about not riding my old bike. One of these days I will get that thing back on the road.Speed comes from what you put behind you. - Judi Ketteler
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03-23-2011, 05:58 PM #4
Sue
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I agree with asking the question: what don't you like about the current wheels? Has it gone long before?
What it feels like is IMO the most important. If you're gonna be on it for a hunnert miles, you want what works. If this one's only "pretty good" I'd definitely be shopping -- tho' I'd also explore those little tweaks that can make for a better fit.
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03-23-2011, 06:03 PM #5
thickly settled
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Another thing to consider -- for your budget, you would wind up with an aluminum bike. You might be very happy with it, but as Indysteel indicated, there are more than a few folks here who do strongly prefer steel.
You can test ride a few new bikes in your price range to get a feel for differences in fit, components, and frame material, to help with your decision.
- Gray 2010 carbon WSD road bike, Rivet Independence saddle
- Red hardtail 26" aluminum mountain bike, Bontrager Evoke WSD saddle
- Royal blue 2018 aluminum gravel bike, Rivet Pearl saddle
Gone but not forgotten:
- Silver 2003 aluminum road bike
- Two awesome worn out Juliana saddles
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03-23-2011, 06:22 PM #6
Meow!
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My response was largely based on the assumption that the OP would likely end up with an aluminum frame, which may or may not be a big improvement. But others have raised good points. If the Trek just fits so so, then fixing it up doesn't make a ton of sense.
Originally Posted by ny biker
Still, I'm a big fan a steel, especially for long rides!
Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Continue to learn. Appreciate your friends. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.
--Mary Anne Radmacher
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03-23-2011, 06:25 PM #7
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500-900 wouldn't buy a very nice bike in my opinion. Steel rocks
I upgraded from aluminum frame, carbon fork with low end parts to steel frame, carbon fork and high end parts and am living with the bike of my dreams Nicer wheels, better components will suit you well I think! I'd keep the frame as long as you are happy with fit.
Alison - mama of 2 (8yo and 6yo)
2009 Independent Fabrication steel Crown Jewel SE
1995 trek 800 steel MTV
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03-23-2011, 06:25 PM #8
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ps you CAN adjust fit with the frame you have as long as you are in the right window. New stem, seat setback post, etc.
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03-24-2011, 09:05 AM #9
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Wow, thanks for all the info!
I do like my current frame. It seems to fit me well, and it's in good shape (though there are a couple tiny rust spots I need to take care of). I don't like the saddle and haven't found a way to adjust it so that it doesn't feel like I'm constantly sliding forward. I know that's easy enough to fix. I also need to get a new headset. I have upright handlebars right now, and I am going to get dropped ones, and switch out my shifters (and probably brakes) while I'm at it.
I have taken some moderately long rides, and the biggest problem is the saddle issue. It's possible something else will come up once that's fixed...
I talked to a guy at a local bike shop when I got it tuned up a couple months ago. He said it was a really nice frame and said it could make a nice road bike. The shop I went to specializes in vintage road bikes, so I think it would not only be a good fit, but they also have lots of parts on hand and seem to be pretty reasonably priced.
It sounds like maybe my plan of action should be to fix up the one I've got now for this season and save my pennies and buy something new next year...
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