What is the first thing you should upgrade on a road bike?
08-30-23, 09:03 AM
#26
Full Member
I taught people to drive their high-performance cars, primarily Porsches, on race tracks and road courses for 20+ years, and got that question about changing things on their car over and over from novices who wanted to go faster.
My advice to them holds true for bicycles also. The best way to enjoy cycling more is to do the upgrades in this order, giving yourself time in between each step to get comfortable with the changes you made:
1) Improve your ability & get to know your current bike - get lots of seat time
2) Upgrade things that touch the road (i.e. tires, wheels)
3) Upgrade things that touch you, (i.e. saddle, pedals, shoes, etc) and finally
4) Upgrade bicycle components
My advice to them holds true for bicycles also. The best way to enjoy cycling more is to do the upgrades in this order, giving yourself time in between each step to get comfortable with the changes you made:
1) Improve your ability & get to know your current bike - get lots of seat time
2) Upgrade things that touch the road (i.e. tires, wheels)
3) Upgrade things that touch you, (i.e. saddle, pedals, shoes, etc) and finally
4) Upgrade bicycle components
Likes For oldwinger14:
08-30-23, 09:06 AM
#27
Klaatu..Verata..Necktie?
Join Date: May 2007
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 18,132
Bikes: Litespeed Ultimate, Ultegra; Canyon Endurace, 105; Battaglin MAX, Chorus; Bianchi 928 Veloce; Ritchey Road Logic, Dura Ace; Cannondale R500 RX100; Schwinn Circuit, Sante; Lotus Supreme, Dura Ace
Mentioned: 41 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10507 Post(s)
Liked 12,050 Times
in
6,171 Posts
Another vote for Fit First. Mostly, though, with a new bike, that's about adjusting the locations of things rather than replacing them. The two exceptions would be the stem because that's generally only adjustable vertically, and the saddle because that's such an individual thing - it works, or it doesn't. Pretty much any bike I've ever bought, the saddle isn't good for me. Sometimes, you can tell right off. Sometimes it takes a 10 mile ride. Sometimes, it takes 40, but always, always, always I have to replace the saddle. With a brand new bike, that's generally it till something wears out, the first of which would be the tires.
__________________
"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."
"Everybody's gotta be somewhere." - Eccles
"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."
"Everybody's gotta be somewhere." - Eccles
Likes For genejockey:
08-30-23, 09:32 AM
#28
Habitual User
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Altadena, CA
Posts: 8,121
Bikes: 2023 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2018 Trek Procaliber 9.9 RSL, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5039 Post(s)
Liked 8,273 Times
in
3,908 Posts
The bike in the pic that I posted earlier had 42mm bars on it when I bought it. I tried to ride it like that for a little while, but it never felt right. I swapped the bars to 44s, and that was it - perfect. I have wide shoulders for my 5'-9" height, and 44s have always felt right. As a former sprinter, I always preferred the increased leverage, too. That said, my brain was programmed on this stuff before marginal aero gains were a thing people really considered.
__________________
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
Last edited by Eric F; 08-30-23 at 09:55 AM.
08-30-23, 09:48 AM
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: South shore, L.I., NY
Posts: 6,951
Bikes: Flyxii FR322, Cannondale Topstone, Miyata City Liner, Specialized Chisel, Specialized Epic Evo
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3298 Post(s)
Liked 2,129 Times
in
1,204 Posts
Agree, 46 is very wide. I used to see bikes for 5'-10" - 6 ft riders at 44. 42 is usually too narrow, but some 6ft foks are skinny and it's fine.
08-30-23, 10:02 AM
#30
Just a person on bike
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 2,140
Bikes: 2015 Trek 1.1, 2021 Specialized Roubaix, 2022 Tern HSD S+
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 132 Post(s)
Liked 86 Times
in
56 Posts
Even things like shoes matter. I seem to get by just fine with MTB type Shimano SPD pedals and shoes on my road bikes, but you can have a shoe fitting with arch support etc. to reduce foot hot spots. Another one is making your handlebars comfortable to reduce numbness, especially in the nerve on the outer part of the hand that makes the little finger numb. There, gell pads like Nitto Bananas, Specialized bar shapers and bars suitable for your shoulder width can all play a part. A lot of people go for excessively narrow saddles, which can hurt, but the saddle really depends on the stem in many ways, in that the saddle shape may need to change depending on how for forward you are hunched, and that is related to stem length. There are a lot of newer saddles that are short and wide--see Specialized's range--that help with comfort, but measuring your sit bones is never a bad idea.
Riders are never stuck with the components that come stock with their bike, and for relatively little money (especially if you flip the takeoffs) you can have a much more comfortable riding experience.
Riders are never stuck with the components that come stock with their bike, and for relatively little money (especially if you flip the takeoffs) you can have a much more comfortable riding experience.
FWIW, I currently have a 380mm bar. Works very well for me.
__________________
The value of your life doesn't change based on the way you travel. - Dawn Schellenberg (SDOT)
The value of your life doesn't change based on the way you travel. - Dawn Schellenberg (SDOT)
Last edited by daihard; 08-30-23 at 10:05 AM.
08-30-23, 12:19 PM
#31
Full Member
Join Date: Nov 2022
Location: California's capital
Posts: 485
Bikes: Litespeed Firenze, Spot Acme, Specialzed S Works Pro Race, Davidson Stiletto, Colnago Superissimo
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 139 Post(s)
Liked 309 Times
in
179 Posts
Agree with the saddle votes. OEM saddles are commodity grade unless the bike is mid or high-tier. Even then, is it a good fit for your rear?
Am also finding some OEM saddles have little fore-aft adjustment range.
Bar tape/grips can be another tweak and luckily, are relatively cheap and easy to swap.
Am also finding some OEM saddles have little fore-aft adjustment range.
Bar tape/grips can be another tweak and luckily, are relatively cheap and easy to swap.
08-30-23, 12:29 PM
#32
Veteran, Pacifist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
Posts: 13,360
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
Mentioned: 284 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3911 Post(s)
Liked 4,868 Times
in
2,246 Posts
Never understood the fear of cyclists in team kit.
What is team kit anyway? Bianchi had a team.
I just wish I wasn't so much like this guy = turkey neck, wrinkly knees, impaired vision, wonky clown shoes. And I hear many younger hotshots pass him all the time, regardless of their clothing.
Upgrade from this rider - at any cost.
What is team kit anyway? Bianchi had a team.
I just wish I wasn't so much like this guy = turkey neck, wrinkly knees, impaired vision, wonky clown shoes. And I hear many younger hotshots pass him all the time, regardless of their clothing.
Upgrade from this rider - at any cost.
__________________
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
08-30-23, 12:31 PM
#33
Super-duper Genius
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Muskrat Springs, Utah
Posts: 1,713
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 768 Post(s)
Liked 984 Times
in
508 Posts
What, nobody's going mention getting a Ceramic Speed oversize derailleur pulley? They look really trick, and might even save a Watt. For a mere three or four hundred bucks, who wouldn't want these benefits?
08-30-23, 03:00 PM
#34
For The Fun of It
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Louisissippi Coast
Posts: 5,854
Bikes: Lynskey GR300, Lynskey Backroad, Litespeed T6, Lynskey MT29, Burley Duet
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2137 Post(s)
Liked 1,650 Times
in
831 Posts
I'd switch out the frame first, unless the spoke nipples were sub-standard.
Likes For Paul Barnard:
08-30-23, 03:31 PM
#35
Method to My Madness
Join Date: Nov 2020
Location: Orange County, California
Posts: 3,778
Bikes: Trek FX 2, Cannondale Synapse x2, Cannondale CAAD4, Santa Cruz Stigmata 3
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2027 Post(s)
Liked 1,520 Times
in
1,053 Posts
This photo illustrates the correct answer to the original question, i.e., the first thing to upgrade is not a bike component, but one's kit to match one's new road bike.
Eric F you sexy beast!
Eric F you sexy beast!
08-30-23, 03:38 PM
#36
Method to My Madness
Join Date: Nov 2020
Location: Orange County, California
Posts: 3,778
Bikes: Trek FX 2, Cannondale Synapse x2, Cannondale CAAD4, Santa Cruz Stigmata 3
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2027 Post(s)
Liked 1,520 Times
in
1,053 Posts
The first order of business upon buying an Ultegra road bike is to carefully inspect the drivetrain to make sure that the manufacturer or its prior owner has not slipped in a 105 component (e.g., cassette or chain) to save a few dollars. If that happens to be the case, you curse the penny pinching fool and immediately set upon upgrading the offending 105 component(s) to the corresponding Ultegra counterparts, thereby satisfying your inner OCD and weight weenie.
08-30-23, 03:53 PM
#37
Habitual User
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Altadena, CA
Posts: 8,121
Bikes: 2023 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2018 Trek Procaliber 9.9 RSL, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5039 Post(s)
Liked 8,273 Times
in
3,908 Posts
This photo illustrates the correct answer to the original question, i.e., the first thing to upgrade is not a bike component, but one's kit to match one's new road bike.
Eric F you sexy beast!
Eric F you sexy beast!
__________________
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
08-30-23, 04:04 PM
#38
Veteran, Pacifist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
Posts: 13,360
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
Mentioned: 284 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3911 Post(s)
Liked 4,868 Times
in
2,246 Posts
Eric F you sexy beast!
The glasses - must be a S.CA too much sunshine thing. Presuming Eaton Designs preceded Stork. Eaton jersey would match my latest bike, need one (seriously).
__________________
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
08-30-23, 05:07 PM
#39
Senior Member
When I buy a new bike, I find it more economical to get one already equipped with the components I want. The only real upgrade I need is the saddle, as no new bike I have ever test ridden or bought was equipped with a good saddle. I’ll do more upgrades as parts wear out and need to be replaced.
Likes For 50PlusCycling:
08-30-23, 05:29 PM
#40
Habitual User
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Altadena, CA
Posts: 8,121
Bikes: 2023 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2018 Trek Procaliber 9.9 RSL, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5039 Post(s)
Liked 8,273 Times
in
3,908 Posts
From a cycling perspective - if that's a compact double the cassette has a big bailout cog, so short of beast. And sexy = well, can't tell from pic if legs are shaved? At least the face is.
The glasses - must be a S.CA too much sunshine thing. Presuming Eaton Designs preceded Stork. Eaton jersey would match my latest bike, need one (seriously).
The glasses - must be a S.CA too much sunshine thing. Presuming Eaton Designs preceded Stork. Eaton jersey would match my latest bike, need one (seriously).
Those Oakleys have been replaced by newer ones, more recently.
Eaton Designs Racing is a club/team run by one of my best friends, and the colors have evolved over the years. These days, it's mostly ex-racers who still like to go fast once in a while. The bike and the kit matching was a coincidence. I bought the bike used, and it had actually been custom-painted to match the team kit of the guy I bought it from.
__________________
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
08-30-23, 05:31 PM
#41
Advocatus Diaboli
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Wherever I am
Posts: 8,660
Bikes: Merlin Cyrene, Nashbar steel CX
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4760 Post(s)
Liked 1,539 Times
in
1,008 Posts
When I buy a new bike, I find it more economical to get one already equipped with the components I want. The only real upgrade I need is the saddle, as no new bike I have ever test ridden or bought was equipped with a good saddle. I’ll do more upgrades as parts wear out and need to be replaced.
Likes For wheelreason:
08-30-23, 06:37 PM
#43
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,430
Mentioned: 211 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18494 Post(s)
Liked 15,790 Times
in
7,415 Posts
If the bike is blue, upgrade the color. Studies have statically shown that blue bikes are the slowest.
08-30-23, 06:50 PM
#44
Veteran, Pacifist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
Posts: 13,360
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
Mentioned: 284 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3911 Post(s)
Liked 4,868 Times
in
2,246 Posts
Looks a match. Two blues and some white.
__________________
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
08-30-23, 07:02 PM
#45
Habitual User
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Altadena, CA
Posts: 8,121
Bikes: 2023 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2018 Trek Procaliber 9.9 RSL, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5039 Post(s)
Liked 8,273 Times
in
3,908 Posts
LOL. Eaton Designs is a custom cabinetry and woodworking business. Eaton Designs Racing is a bike club. My friend is the owner of both. PM me your email address, and I’ll make sure you’re in the loop for the next club kit order. Go ahead and buy a bike, though, so you’re ready when the kit comes. Hopefully, there won’t be a big color change on the next re-design.
__________________
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
08-30-23, 07:09 PM
#46
Veteran, Pacifist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
Posts: 13,360
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
Mentioned: 284 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3911 Post(s)
Liked 4,868 Times
in
2,246 Posts
Upgrade!
yeah need the jersey for the colors.
yeah need the jersey for the colors.
__________________
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Likes For john m flores:
08-30-23, 10:12 PM
#48
Crawlin' up, flyin' down
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Democratic Peoples' Republic of Berkeley
Posts: 5,699
Bikes: 1967 Paramount; 1982-ish Ron Cooper; 1978 Eisentraut "A"; two mid-1960s Cinelli Speciale Corsas; and others in various stages of non-rideability.
Mentioned: 40 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1048 Post(s)
Liked 2,593 Times
in
1,082 Posts
It's a lot less about height and a lot more about shoulder width. I have broad shoulders (I wear a 50 suit jacket for the shoulders, not for the gut I admittedly have) and I like 46cm or 48cm Nitto Noodle bars. Someone else who is my height (6'3") but with narrower shoulders very likely would prefer narrower bars.
__________________
"I'm in shape -- round is a shape." Andy Rooney
"I'm in shape -- round is a shape." Andy Rooney
Likes For bikingshearer:
08-30-23, 10:54 PM
#49
Veteran, Pacifist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
Posts: 13,360
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
Mentioned: 284 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3911 Post(s)
Liked 4,868 Times
in
2,246 Posts
I have upgraded most bikes I have owned - but never underestimate the pleasure of N+1. The two practices are not or should not be mutually exclusive.
__________________
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
