How much of a difference does a bike upgrade actually make?

[pumpkinpony]

I started on a LeMond Tourmalet (entry level relaxed geometry), and after a few years upgraded to a Mrazek BOH RD (more aggressive geometry) with an awesome set of Topolino wheels on it. I think the wheels make more difference than anything else. It's still an aluminum frame. The other big difference was switching to Campy which came on the newer bike... You might try test riding a bike with Campy or even SRAM, just to see what you think of a different groupset. I really have enjoyed the Campy though I probably wouldn't have sprung for the extra cost if the bike didn't come with it. The hoods are smaller, brake levers easier for me to grab, and thumb shifters. Since I got the new bike I rarely ride the LeMond (anyone want a LeMond? :-) Definitely test ride a few to see how they feel. I haven't regretted my upgrade in the least. You do know the perfect number of bikes is n+1, right? <g>

[fallstoclimb]

Do you like how quickly I went from 'you're right, I don't need a new bike' to 'YOURE RIGHT I NEED A NEW BIKE!' Haha.

Muirenn -- I actually couldn't find a chart on the Dolce's ETT but when I googled, some other people online claimed it was 506. I should probably verify this myself. I'm 5'2" so not like crazy pants short but I think I have a short reach.

We did upgrade the wheels on the Dolce in my first year - but I'm sure there are always further upgrades.....

I do wish I could easily test ride in my size, though!

[rebeccaC]

You have a good bike now, but hey I know the want thing….there can always be better

When I kinda knew there was going to be a lot of bicycling in my life I waited and saved for a custom built frame and don't regret the time it took to save the money now. I rode easily affordable bikes for 7 years while i saved, lots of miles, lots of good times, learned more about working on bikes and got stronger too. As already said you might think about wheels that can then go onto your custom though….....and +1 on campy....i like being able to replace a $5 brifter part with a $5 part rather than a new brifter, at least that was the case when i got campy for my two custom bikes....and no mechanical problems at all with simple maintenance over a couple of years of hard riding