Trek 1.2 - upgrade parts?

galwayguy85

Hi Guys,

Recently after getting a Trek 1.2. Fairly impressed by it! My first ever proper road bike, the contrast to my previous 'mountain bike' crocks is enormous... speeds I would never even dreamt of being possible on a mountain bike can be reached on a road bike with a high gear and even just a modest slope behind you.

In any case, I would like to know which parts you would recommend upgrading? I find the saddle to be pretty unforgiving. Also I don't really feel fully comfortable with the peddles on the bike. At the traffic lights I am always panicing when trying to get my left foot mounted on the pedal and securely within the 'straps'... not fully sure of what the correct cycling parlance would be!

Any suggested parts or links are appreciated.

Lashed

I have the same bike.
I made a few upgrades and now am very happy with it to the point that I'm not considering doing any more to it.
Upgrades were as follows:

Shimano Ultegra 6500 Brakes. (Second Hand)
(The brakes on the bike originally are crap, noisy and heavy)

Shimano Ultegra 6610 Clipless pedals.
(The strap pedals are really only meant to get you started but everyone seems to upgrade them straight away)

Selle Italia C2 Saddle.
(Very comfy and light for the money)

Mavic Kysrium Elite wheel set. (Second Hand)
(Much lighter, stiffer and better looking than original wheels)

The above made a huge difference to the bike and comfort level. Welcome to you're new most expensive hobby.:D

blorg

It is an entry level bike with parts that do the job so I would only look at things you can easily transfer to a new bike when the time comes you really want to upgrade, the whole bike. Pedals, saddle and wheels would fit in this category. Saddle in particular is a very personal thing and once you have it right you will probably want to move it from bike to bike.

Beasty

By the time you add up the costs of upgrades it may actually work out cheaper to buy a new bike and sell your existing one. Most components can be much cheaper when obtained in a total "bike" package than when bought separately, and you then don't have the hassle of installing them.

ckeego

Beasty wrote: »

By the time you add up the costs of upgrades it may actually work out cheaper to buy a new bike and sell your existing one.

I wholly agree with the first point about upgrading individual parts..It's a bit like Pringles slogan though..Once you start this, yo don't wanna stop!

I started out on the road with a 1.2 after MTB for 5 or 6 yrs. The biggest mistake i made was selling my 1.2 when I upgraded a few years ago. Whilst I got a good price for it, I regretted getting rid of a bullet proof bike that would make a great winter/training bike..

Whatever you do, hang onto a second bike! You won't be half as nervous on your shiny carbon then when you see a very shiny/frosty patch on a fast descent!!:D

macnab

Lots of great advice there. I am in the same boat, Trek 1.2 looking to upgrade parts.
I have decided to buy a new bike and keep the 1.2 at least while I get used to the new bike.
Deciding factors were: It was going to cost me at least €1000 to get the 1.2 weighing below 8.5kg, and that would still leave me with only 1 bike.
A Trek 1.2 will never be worth more 2nd hand than new, unless you gold plate it, so you will never get your money back on upgrades.
I can buy a new carbon bike in Halfords for €1249 that already weighs less than 8kg.

If you do still want to upgrade the 1.2 then spend about €400 on light wheels (less than 1700g)
Buy a new saddle, Selle Italia, San Marco, Toupe or even a Charge Spoon.
Upgrade the front deraileur to 105.

murph226

Would something like an upgraded front derailleur make much of a difference?

Ah_go_on

I've done a few upgrades on mine too including wheels and saddle however have recently changed the shifters from Sora to Tiagra as it was impossible to change up from the drops which was a pain in the arse. I'm a heavy guy so got a decent handbuilt wheelset (105 hubs with mavic cxp33 rims) and although the bike is quite heavy, I'm very happy with it. Oh, also changed the bar tape as the original white tape gets grubby very fast.

Would probably have been better off getting a higher spec bike from the start but thats the downside of being a newbie

gman2k

murph226 wrote: »

Would something like an upgraded front derailleur make much of a difference?

In terms of performance, none whatsoever, but if you are talking about your wallet, then that's another matter!

macnab

murph226 wrote: »

Would something like an upgraded front derailleur make much of a difference?

the sora derailleur on the 1.2 is not the best and can be a pain, I think its the triple more than the double though.

gman2k

macnab wrote: »

the sora derailleur on the 1.2 is not the best and can be a pain, I think its the triple more than the double though.

I've just built a bike up with a Sora drivetrain (triple). It's the first time that I've had a full Shimano equipped bike.
To be honest it's a very nice groupset and shifts beautifully - and that's me coming from a Campagnolo Record equipped other bike.
Nothing at all wrong with the Sora, except it's a little heavy, but it does exactly what it says on the tin.