Upgrade

[Yemmi530]

What would you upgrade for your bike?
Beside Saddle and Pedal? What would be next?
I just gave a call to my local bike shop and they've recommend some "New Tire" Continental Grand Prix GP 4000. They said: with this new tire, it will reduce some weight off my bike. What do you girls think?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Upgrade means different things to different people with diff needs.

For me, an 'upgrade' in tires meant buying the rather expensive Continental Grand Prix "4 Season" tires, which have been really bullet proof when it comes to flats. I don't care so much about weight (I'm not racing against anything) as I care about avoiding some flats on sharp gravel roads.

Likewise, some folks might think an 'upgraded' lock is one that's lighter weight, others might 'upgrade' to a heavier lock instead.
It all comes down to individual needs in your particular situation.

Upgrading based on price is not reliable either, since many bike accessories are vastly overpriced from one seller and a bargain from another.

[kermit]

The sky is the limit when it comes to upgrades. As Bleeker St. Girl said, it all depends on what your goals are. If you are planning on racing, well weight is always the big deal. If you want to be comfortable on a nice bike tires are important. I have the continentals on my bike, lighter yes, but that all depends on the rest of your bike. Whats a few grams? They are great tires, not flat proof but very durable and ... pricy. I started with a 2005 roubaix comp and recently did the following upgrades(last 2 years). It's perfect now in my eyes, not cheap though.
2009 Roubaix sl pro frame upgrade
carbon ruby bars
Easton ea90slx wheelset with dura-ace cassette, and continental tires
carbon water bottle cages
and with the last tune-up, dura-ace rear derailleur and the COOLEST lizard skin bar tape.

It's addicting, but I'm done for now!

[nscrbug]

The only "upgrades" I've made, so far, to my Cervelo Soloist Carbon, have been adding 2 carbon side-loading bottle cages. What I would like to upgrade in the near future, include -

possibly a new saddle...unsure about my current (Specialized Phenom) one

LOOK Keo Max Carbon pedals - currently using Time RXS Carbon pedals, which I don't like

CatEye V3 or Polar CS200CAD cycle computer - currently using CatEye Strada Wireless, but would like cadence & HR

A different set of aerobars - currently using Profile Design Jammer GT, but would like a set w/flip-up armrests to allow access to top bar

Williams System 30 wheelset - I HATE my stock wheels!

A wingtop-style handlebar - currently using the stock bars on my bike, but would like a bar with a "flatter" top bar for more comfort

I think that's all...for now.

Oh...FWIW, I've been using Michelin ProRace 3 tires...and LOVE them! They have excellent grip and corner like the bike is on rails. But I have a friend who rolls on the Conti GP 4000S and swears by it. My hubby tried the GP 4000S and didn't like it...said it felt "sluggish" to him...he's back on the ProRace 3's. Tires are a very "individual" thing, I've found...sort of like saddles. What feels good and works well for one person, might not be the case for somebody else.

[tulip]

Yeah, it depends on what you want. You might not need to upgrade anything, it's all up to you.

On my Luna, I will eventually upgrade my pedals. But that's it. I already replaced the double crank with a compact double.

On my Bike Friday, the only thing I want to get is a rearview mirror, because it's a pain to switch back and forth with the Luna. That's not really an upgrade.

I will invest in a major maintenance overhaul on both bikes, though. Every few years it's a good thing to do, if you want to keep the bike, that is.

[Yemmi530]

The sky is the limit when it comes to upgrades. As Bleeker St. Girl said, it all depends on what your goals are. If you are planning on racing, well weight is always the big deal. If you want to be comfortable on a nice bike tires are important. I have the continentals on my bike, lighter yes, but that all depends on the rest of your bike. Whats a few grams? They are great tires, not flat proof but very durable and ... pricy. I started with a 2005 roubaix comp and recently did the following upgrades(last 2 years). It's perfect now in my eyes, not cheap though.
2009 Roubaix sl pro frame upgrade
carbon ruby bars
Easton ea90slx wheelset with dura-ace cassette, and continental tires
carbon water bottle cages
and with the last tune-up, dura-ace rear derailleur and the COOLEST lizard skin bar tape.

It's addicting, but I'm done for now!

Wow! Kermit, Nice bike, Nice setup, upgrades is such a addiction :P but I luv your bike. Great Job, i know upgrades is not cheap ... very expansive habit but we DO enjoy our bike and compliment. Such a perfect bike for you. Enjoy the ride out there.

[KnottedYet]

I upgraded my black Surly Cross Check with:
Vitoria Randonneur tires with reflective sidewalls
Planet Bike fenders
Buddy Flaps (mud flaps) http://buddyflaps.com/fancy.htm
Spokees http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodFR_010.html
Salsa "granny" 3rd chainring
Campy front derailleur
Crank Brothers 5050 pedals http://www.crankbrothers.com/5050.php
Heavy duty rear rack
Ortieb panniers
Brooks B67 saddle in black with black springs
Dimension riser stem
Moustache bars
Cinelli tape
Incredi-Bell
several lights, reflectors, reflective tape, and gewgaws

All of which adds up to a bike that would be a DOWN grade to someone else! It really is entirely up to you and what you want from the bike. And the cool thing is... you can change your mind later and change stuff around again!

[arielmoon]

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

[Bike Chick]

I upgraded my black Surly Cross Check with:
Vitoria Randonneur tires with reflective sidewalls
Planet Bike fenders
Buddy Flaps (mud flaps) http://buddyflaps.com/fancy.htm
Spokees http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodFR_010.html
Salsa "granny" 3rd chainring
Campy front derailleur
Crank Brothers 5050 pedals http://www.crankbrothers.com/5050.php
Heavy duty rear rack
Ortieb panniers
Brooks B67 saddle in black with black springs
Dimension riser stem
Moustache bars
Cinelli tape
Incredi-Bell
several lights, reflectors, reflective tape, and gewgaws

Ewwwww Knottedyet.......Nice! Do you mind sharing a pic? I've got a black crosscheck frame ordered and am planning the build....I'd love some inspiration.