Yet another bike buying thread

aquanaut

Hey guys. Just toying with an idea thats come my way that means I could upgrade my Trek 1.5 2011 - who could turn down a cheap pgrade. Anyway - its probably between a low cost carbon frame because I would need to keep the trek for winter, or trading in but then being limited to alu as the bike would be used through the winter as well. Was looking at the Cube Agree Pro (alu) - any other ideas for sportive (not a full on racing position) aluminium frame bike for less that 2k?

TinyExplosions

There's loads!

For a start, obligatory Canyon Reference
or a Planet X.

Maybe go for a Cinnelli, or embrace Titanium with a Van Nicholas

You can train over the winter on carbon though, many on here do and it's not a big deal!

aquanaut

Actually another idea that just struck me was keeping the trek and upgrading components. I wonder if this could be done through c2w, if its worth it and what would you upgrade for 1k?

Lemag

Keep the trek and buy yourself a carbon PX. You'll be taken more seriously when you can tell people that you have a bike collection

aquanaut

Okay. Spoke to a few people and im thinking that the trek 1.5 frame is a keeper, but going to upgrafe wheels maybe to ksyriums - what else should be priority for upgrade with approx 700 left after wheels? Thanks

TinyExplosions

You can't upgrade components on C2W, it's for complete bikes only

Ryder

agree with tiny....c2w wont pay for the upgrade. would be better off getting a new bike for the money. would have no worries about training in the winter etc.....just wash it well if very muddy....bike are made to be ridden.

aquanaut

Okay. Not going to worry about c2w at the moment, but as far as upgrades I was thinking of ksyrium elites and swapping out groupset for ultegra sl 10 speed double. Does this sound the best banng for your buck upgrade path, how will this effect gears? Bigger big gear or smaller small gear. Obviously I would need to change tyres and break pads too but have I missed anything. Advise appreciated as always. Here is my current spec

Frame:Alpha White aluminiumFork:Bontrager approved carbonFront Derailleur:Shimano TiagraRear Derailleur:Shimano TiagraShifters:Shimano Tiagra STI 9 SpeedChainset:FSA VeroChainrings:50-34 TeethBottom Bracket:Cartridge typeCassette:SRAM PG-950 11-26 9 SpeedPedals:Nylon body with alloy cageFront Brake:Alloy dual pivot brakeRear Brake:Alloy dual pivot brakeBrake Levers:Shimano Tiagra STI leversHandlebars:Bontrager Race VR-C 31.8mmStem:Bontrager SSR 10 degree 31.8mmHeadset:1-1/8" semi-integrated with semi-cartridge bearingsGrips:Bontrager gel tapeRims:Bontrager approved alloy rimsFront Hub:Alloy hubRear Hub:Alloy hubFront Tyre:Bontrager T2 700x23cRear Tyre:Bontrager T2 700x23cSaddle:Bontrager Affinity 1 steel railsSeatpost:Bontrager carbon with 20mm offsetNotes:Please note all Trek bicycles are only available for a ship to store delivery option

TinyExplosions

Why are you so dead set on changing groupset? Tiagra is just fine. If you're noticing problems with the wheels or whatever, then upgrade, but I wouldn't do it just for shits and giggles

-though this being boards, do it, and upgrade to Campag 11speed while you're at it!

aquanaut

To be honest, the bike was bought brand new so I dont want to loose a ton of money by replacing with another bike. I love the bike but it is heavy and feel that upgrades arr most cost effective. I think wheels are a definate start, but thinking what else is on my wish list it would be 10 speed. So basically looking for advise as to what else is upgradable. Lets 'imagine' I could do this on c2w - I would need to spend 1k to make it worth while and it will probably mean a 3 year gap until next upgrades - so thats why im looking for advise, if I have upgraded wheels and tyres, and had €500 left, what would you spend it on?

Russman

How much weight will changing groupset save you ? I don't actually know myself, but can't imagine it being anything really significant for a fairly big outlay. Anybody I've spoken to about upgrading says its almost always cheaper to get a new bike than to do it piecemeal. I'd say keep the Tiagra til it wears out and stuff starts breaking. Wheels you could upgrade now and then take them onto a new bike in the future.

Of course if you've some way of utilising btw that we don't need to know about, fire away !:D But even then I'd say a full bike would be better value in the long run. You could even sell the trek to add to the fund for the new machine.

Just my tuppence worth.

TinyExplosions

Russman is right.... if it's all about saving weight, either spend your 1000 on a new, lighter bike, or on a personal trainer to remove a few pounds from yourself (I'm not insinuating that you're fat, just that it's very unlikely to be the bike that's holding you back).

If you're dead set on upgrading, just change the wheels -they can be moved to a new bike in a few years, and are probably the best place to save weight

Lemag

If you'll only be getting wheels consider the Pro-Lite Bracciano. If you shop around you should be able to find them for just over €300. If you're considering wheels + gruppo then this would end up costing you about the same as it would to get the Planet X SL Pro Carbon SRAM Rival through the BTW scheme. You'd still have the Trek as your winter/commuter bike.

aquanaut

actually if i did sell the trek, and i could trust myself on it for the winter, this is the dogs bollix - SL Pro Carbon With Campag Athena

Thanks for the advise - btw, where in ireland can you get planet x bikes?

Lemag

aquanaut wrote: »

actually if i did sell the trek, and i could trust myself on it for the winter, this is the dogs bollix - SL Pro Carbon With Campag Athena

I'd rather SRAM Rival even if they were evenly priced.

aquanaut wrote: »

Thanks for the advise - btw, where in ireland can you get planet x bikes?

Some crowd in Athlone.

aquanaut

Thanks everyone for your help. Spoke to Athlone and it looks like ill be getting a Planet X SL Pro Carbon Sram Rival with model b wheelset - happy days!

Lemag

aquanaut wrote: »

Thanks everyone for your help. Spoke to Athlone and it looks like ill be getting a Planet X SL Pro Carbon Sram Rival with model b wheelset - happy days!

Good choice.

aquanaut

Just one concern - Le mag - how long have you had yours? Has anyone had one for more than a year and if so any faults? Just that you know the expression if something is too good to be true then it probably isnt, and at that price!

Lemag

aquanaut wrote: »

Just one concern - Le mag - how long have you had yours? Has anyone had one for more than a year and if so any faults? Just that you know the expression if something is too good to be true then it probably isnt, and at that price!

I don't have a PX. Plenty of others here do. I doubt that there's much for you to be concerned about. You haven't bought it from Indonesia.

TinyExplosions

aquanaut wrote: »

Just one concern - Le mag - how long have you had yours? Has anyone had one for more than a year and if so any faults? Just that you know the expression if something is too good to be true then it probably isnt, and at that price!

I've had mine just over 2 years (April 09), and no problems with it so far, I love it!