Upgrade

[BikeHN]

I'm thinking about making an upgrade on my road bike, & I need a little advice on which upgrade I should get. Everything on my bike is stock (giant avail advanced II). Should I get new rims/tires first? Gears? I'm looking to spend about $500 is that enough to even get an upgrade??

[Biciclista]

I think 500 dollars judiciously spent would make your bike nicer, yes. Do you have a LBS that you trust? Are you doing it for yourself?
I have heard that the single biggest improvement you can make for speed and lightness would be wheels.

[ehirsch83]

What wheels do you have now and what components do you have?

[BikeHN]

Thanks Biciclista. There are a few LBS around but I wanted to get some outside opinions before I walk in & ask them. Definitely, not doing the upgrades myself. :P

[BikeHN]

All factory.....

Frame Giant Advanced Composite
Fork Giant Advanced Composite w/aluminum steerer
Rims/Wheels Giant P-R2
Hubs Formula sealed
Spokes SAPIM Race 14/15g
Tires Giant P-R3, 700 x 25c
Crankset FSA Gossamer MegaExo
Chainwheel 50/34
Front Derailleur Shimano 105
Rear Derailleur Shimano 105
Rear Cogs Shimano 105, 10-speed: 11-28
Shifters Shimano 105, STI
Handlebars Giant Connect for women
Stem Giant Connect
Brake Levers Shimano 105
Brakes Tektro TK-R540
Saddle Selle Royal Seta, Women's
Seat Post Giant Vector Composite

[Sky King]

The question that comes to mind "What is the reason for the upgrade" What are you wanting to achieve? I agree with Mimi, wheels and tires are a great place to start be it for comfort, less rolling resistance or a desire to feel like you are riding faster.

[ehirsch83]

I agree with Sky King.

105 components are decent, so you don't need to upgrade those right now.

But besides the wheels, how does the stock saddle feel and the handlebars?

[indysteel]

I'd echo what Sky King has said and add this: I personally don't upgrade parts that tend to wear out over time until they have, in fact, worn out or are otherwise not functioning. So, before you make any decision on what to spend your $500 on, I'd figure out if anything actually needs to be replaced. Is your cassette and chain worn? How about your chainrings? Have your bike shop give it a good once over.

If everything's in working order, then I'd personally go with new wheels. My first big upgrade on my road bike was a set of hand built wheels. Now, I'm not sure what you'll get for $500 and how they'll compare (especially weight-wise) with what you have now. Just make sure you make that comparison before spending the money.

[BikeHN]

Saddle is def. an ehhhhhh. I haven't gotten a new one b/c I just expect that all saddles besides a banana seat are gonna be uncomfy right?? Handlebars are good. I might check out prices on wheels, I know they can be quite pricey & don't know if my 500 bucks will suffice.

[Catrin]

Saddle is def. an ehhhhhh. I haven't gotten a new one b/c I just expect that all saddles besides a banana seat are gonna be uncomfy right?? Handlebars are good. I might check out prices on wheels, I know they can be quite pricey & don't know if my 500 bucks will suffice.

If the bike is fit properly and you have the right saddle FOR YOU, then the saddle really does just fade into the background and it is possible to ride all day without really worrying about saddle issues. At least that is my experience. If you have access to a good fitter you might want to explore this if you have saddle issues at all.

For me the most important thing is the three points of contact I have with my bike be comfortable and without pain. Once that goal is accomplished I would look at a different wheel set/tires if you have enough left in your budget. At least that is what I would do

[indysteel]

I agree with Catrin. It is possible to have a saddle that is comfortable, even on long rides. It often takes the right pair of shorts, too, but there's no reason to tolerate discomfort. The question is finding the right saddle, which as you might assume, can be difficult.

[Miranda]

+1 on the right saddle....

The saddle I have now on two of my bikes is the exact same one I had tried before and hated it in pain. The difference is that before the saddle was on my old ill fitting too large for me bike... and after it was on my current right sized bike, fit by a pro... and literally both the saddle and bike disappear underneath me.

If you are going for more speed, then you might also consider switching the width of your tires from 25s to 23s. The latter is usually the standard. It takes a little more balance practice, but is not long to adjust.

I'm getting ready to swap over my wheelset this season so we will see. But I have heard this to be true. It's the reduction of rotational gravity that makes a difference.

[ehirsch83]

After hearing about the saddle.,I would invest in a good fit(retul is amazing!) and saddle. Make sure chain,cassette,etc. don't need replaced then look at wheels.