Originally Posted by
Koyote
Why would anyone buy a brand new bike if they're not happy with the components (aside from some obvious personal items like the saddle)?
Might as well ask why bike component and wheel makers exist -- do you think these markets exist only for the sake of replacing broken bits?
Originally Posted by
veganbikes
Best thing to do is buy the bike you want with the parts you want on it or buy a frame and build it up yourself. Upgrading a bike aside from touch points (or to match your fitters recommendations) can be a bit silly. You aren't saving yourself money if you already want to swap major components. Probably not a lot of good wheel upgrades for cheap most upgrades are not in the cheap category as they are upgrades.
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Not at all necessarily true.
1. For some reason, Trek doesn't list the 2021 Emonda SL frameset as a standalone option, so there's that.
2. Going up in model trim levels, generally means that the manufacturer changes more than just the one or two things.. So if you have an interest in minimal changes to stock configuration, it does indeed make sense to upgrade parts (and sell the 'old'). Easy example, OP could upgrade his $2600 bike to Di2 for $1200, and sell some of parts removed (105 shifters and such). Total net cost of ~$3600. Buying the bike already with the 'parts you want' (ie. electronic shifting) means buying the SL7 for $5,500 (of course also getting other upgraded bits you weren't looking for).
For the OP, the stock wheelset is about 1750 grams; Yes, you might be able to get a better and lighter wheelset for $600 or less. Other options for 'upgrades' might be instead better tires than the stock R1s, or an ergo/aero handlebar, etc.