Should I upgrade my Trek 2.3 or replace it?

lastbuilders · 26-08-2023 03:00PM #1

Hi all,

I am an occasional 48 year old cyclist, 10-12 cycles a year of 40 Kms or so, who does quite a bit of running and is thinking of getting more into cycling in 2024.

I currently have a Trek 2.3 madone 2013 I bought new on the btw scheme.

https://www.sigmasports.com/item/Trek/Madone-23-C-H2-Road-Bike-2013/1K6D

Things have moved on since this and I am wondering should I look at buying a new or used replacement or upgrade the components on my 2.3 as I have not changed anything on it so far. The bike is in very good condition so I am thinking an upgrade of components might be best but still feel a new bike might help get me a few Kms faster to keep up 😃.

Any thoughts appreciated.

Lastbuilders

cletus · 26-08-2023 03:15PM

What components were you thinking of upgrading, and who do you need to keep up with?

I'd be of the opinion that if the bike is in good nick, get it serviced, and replace any consumables that might be needed (chain, cables, brake blocks etc.) and get out and get some rides done.

If, on the other hand, you're looking for an excuse for a new bike, then it definitely needs replacing 😉

nilhg · 26-08-2023 03:47PM

I have a 2011 version of that bike here, the first "proper" road bike I bought after starting cycling in early 2012, it still rides really well and is a very solid well engineered bike, you'd have to spend quite a bit of money to get a noticeable upgrade. You'd certainly have to go to carbon frame.

The reason mine spends a lot of time on the turbo now is that it has limited tyre clearance, you won't get anything bigger than 25mm on and even less if you want full mudguards.

If you do decide to keep the bike and spend a little money on ut, start with the wheels, you'll see most bang for buck by upgrading the stock wheels, especailly if they are 10 years old, new cables after that, then see how it feels

CramCycle · 26-08-2023 05:18PM

It is a good bike in good nick, give it a service and replace anything that needs replacing and then decide next year when you know if you will increase your mileage or not. Personally, if it is in good nick and you have no great gra for another bike, I would stick with the one your with for now. At 400k a year for 10 years, it probably needs little replaced.

nicksnikita · 26-08-2023 05:45PM

Good advice above..if the bike is in very good condition, I’d have it serviced and it should come back good as new. Some good tyres would be a noticeable upgrade over the originals as well.

I’d probably avoid sinking a lot of money into it, replacing the wheels and groupset, as there are great second-hand options out there at the minute that would make more sense to me.

T-Maxx · 26-08-2023 06:04PM

Good sensible advice all around. I bet it's not what the OP wanted to hear though. LOL

f1000 · 26-08-2023 10:43PM

I'm still on a 2009 bike - just replaced worn parts and serviced over time - upgrades were a lighter wheelset + saddle + better tyres

still in love with it 😊

On your Trek, I'd suggest a service - to replace all the cables & maybe cable housing, brake pads, bar tape and a fresh set of nice tyres. Will feel like new

cletus · 26-08-2023 10:53PM

Actually, I've rethought my original response here.

You should buy a new bike. Your old bike is basically scrap. I'd be willing to take it off your hands for 100 quid, and that's being generous...

fat bloke · 27-08-2023 10:28AM

You've got a cracking winter and training bike there. Keep it in good nick, keep it serviced, ride the bejaysus out of it on the roads and on a turbo trainer and in the meantime keep an eye out for a second bike for next year for summer / race / event usage. AKA, a "good" bike! And then you're sorted.

lastbuilders · 27-08-2023 05:09PM

Thanks all,

Good advice. I got it serviced earlier this year and was told it was in good nick so will hold on until I see how much cycling I get done before next summer. Maybe losing a few pounds might improve my speed more than a new bike (and be cheaper) 😁

T-Maxx · 27-08-2023 06:02PM

Yup unless you're a pro the best upgrade is always the engine.

beggars_bush · 27-08-2023 10:21PM

Promise yourself a newer bike if you get to a certain km or number of cycles between now and eg April or weight loss etc great motivation to get out there.

lastbuilders · 22-08-2025 05:38PM

Hi All, I'm back. Ended up not cycling much last year as focused on running

Unfortunately this has led to knee problems so physio said to drop running except once a week so am back cycling again now. Did about 10 spins over last month of about 40 Kms and my average speed has increased from 25.5kph to nearly 28. My frustration has been sticking with our group and I'm thinking new wheels from the stock ones will help :). Can I get recommendations of a good set from this collection, without breaking the bank, in this shop as it is local to me? Thanks

https://www.clarkesofcavan.ie/category/road-wheels/1

nicksnikita · 22-08-2025 07:45PM

What’s your budget?

Nothing for rim brakes for under a grand there..

lastbuilders · 23-08-2025 07:43PM

That might be my problem now as the bike is a bit older and most wheels are probably for disc brakes. I was thinking of around the 500 mark is not a little more.

ARX · 23-08-2025 10:08PM

Try the German websites: bike-discount, Rose, bike-components, bike24, r2-bike etc

For example:

DT Swiss P 1800 SPLINE 23 - Wheelset | Clincher | QR 100 | QR 130 - Shimano HG-EV

CramCycle · 24-08-2025 10:32AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123745445#Comment_123745445

Clarke's is a good shop but you won't get reasonably priced, fast, rim brake wheels in a LBS at the minute, it's online or second hand

I have a pair of HUNT aeros sitting in a. cupboard I'd let go for a reasonable price if you want to PM me for photos. You'll need a cassette to suit your group set but that's it.

Seth Brundle · 25-08-2025 09:44AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123745445#Comment_123745445

My frustration has been sticking with our group

Are you having difficulty staying with them on flat or heading uphill or both?

Might a different cassette ratio be all that's required here?

Are you with the right group currently?

lastbuilders · 25-08-2025 11:06AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123751768#Comment_123751768

Hi, I am normally fine on the flat. It has been on the downhill I was dropped recently where there is a bend on the downhill as I am not as confident here going at 55+km/h 😬.

There is only one group too that might split in two mid spin but all the riders would have many more miles in than myself.

Seth Brundle · 25-08-2025 11:10AM

Ah I wouldn't worry about that to be honest. The bars on my Summer bike loosened a while back and now I'm wary on any unfamiliar descents. If my group have to slow down to wait for me then so be it.

If the group are unwilling to ease up or wait for someone then I'd reconsider the group. We all have days where we're not on form or need a toe or just for them to ease up a little (it's not a race!). If they don't do that then possibly reconsider until you're confident that you won't feel off form, etc.

8valve · 25-08-2025 12:47PM

As already mentioned, a wheel upgrade will give you the biggest bang for buck.

Mavic Aksium and Mavic Ksyrium can still be bought new for rim brakes and all come in under 500 for a set.

nicksnikita · 25-08-2025 09:48PM

deleted

lastbuilders · 02-03-2026 11:37PM

Hi All, New season starting a joined first spin last weekend so going to go with the Tyre and Rim upgrade and if I get into it will look at new bike for 2027. I am hoping to do more cycling this year as have signed up for the marathon in October and will not be able to do a huge amount of road running with my knee issues.

I am considering the Mavic Ksyrium S RIMS with Triban Protect 700x25 tyres.
Does this look like a good choice or is there better ones? Thanks

CramCycle · 02-03-2026 11:44PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124279908#Comment_124279908

What's your budget?

fat bloke · 02-03-2026 11:47PM

Jeez, looking back over the thread, you're over 50 now, like meself. Personally if I had knee troubles I'd put that marathon entry on donedeal or the dustbin and concentrate on minding and rehabilitating what's left of my knees going forward!

Cycling is a much better lower impact activity to do for years and years to come yet.

Anyway, those wheels are fine but spend another 80 quid on line on a pair of fast road tyres like Continental GP 5000's. They should be a noticeably nicer than those Tribans.

Best of luck whatever.

lastbuilders · 03-03-2026 12:15AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124279924#Comment_124279924

Would say around 6-700 but cheaper if possible 😁

CramCycle · 03-03-2026 08:32AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124279990#Comment_124279990

This is what you have: Aluminium hubs w/Bontrager Approved aluminium rims. Pretty much any wheels will be an improvement. Any Hunt or Scribe rim brake set will be faster and there are a few alloy wheels in that range. More Aero might have some Winspace wheels but you might have to email him, you can also buy direct from them but you are probably just over budget.

fat bloke · 03-03-2026 10:12AM

Gotta be careful buying modern rim brake wheels cos all the manufacturers jumped on this idiotic "wide" trend, with rims so wide they didn't fit any bloody frames, and they certainly won't fit your old bike.

Nico is here on boards, he's worth contacting, he's very good at sourcing rim brake wheelsets and selling them at reasonable prices.

https://www.adverts.ie/bike-wheels/bontrager-aeolus-comp-5-clincher-50mm-aero-wheels-rim-brakes/39023100 These look good too and could be worth an offer.

lissard · 03-03-2026 12:21PM

I have Mavic Ksyrium S rims on my bike and they are perfectly good for a 2015 rim brake frame. The rims are 19mm wide. Defintely miles better than the stock wheels that came with my bike. I can see them available on bike-discount.de. Pair them with some Conti GP5000 tyres and you have a nice set of wheels. The rear freehub makes a wierd jet engine type sound which I have grown to like. A lot quieter that some of my other wheels which can be heard from space ;-)

fat bloke · 03-03-2026 12:47PM

S's aren't available but the SL's are.

https://www.bike-discount.de/en/mavic-ksyrium-sl-wheel-set

Lovely wheels

MojoMaker · 03-03-2026 02:06PM

Another vote for Ksyriums here - they would set off an older Trek frame beautifully.

Should I upgrade my Trek 2.3 or replace it?

https://www.sigmasports.com/item/Trek/Madone-23-C-H2-Road-Bike-2013/1K6D

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