Upgrades to my commuter? Group set? Wheels? Whole bike?
06-20-12, 12:04 PM
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Upgrades to my commuter? Group set? Wheels? Whole bike?
My commuter, a Trek 1000sl is getting a bit older and everything is starting to feel clunky, flexy(?) and I'm getter a sense of overall janky-ness. I'm torn on upgrading the group components to something nicer, 105 perhaps? Getting a better wheel set? However, this is possibly a waste on a commuter. Or is another bike in order? I'm only interested in sleek and light road bikes and that would seem to be a waste on my commute where I need a rack and panniers...
The Trek is currently sporting a rack and Topeak bag for all my clothes and cargo. Which is great.
My initial thought was to get the group upgrade to 105. I figured it would tighten things up, shifting would be better and the parts would last alot longer. My shifter, front derailleur and crank could probably use it!
The Trek is currently sporting a rack and Topeak bag for all my clothes and cargo. Which is great.
My initial thought was to get the group upgrade to 105. I figured it would tighten things up, shifting would be better and the parts would last alot longer. My shifter, front derailleur and crank could probably use it!
06-20-12, 12:19 PM
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I'd say a group and some smooth rolling/bombproof wheels.
Right now, my commuter is a Medici Pro Strada with Ultegra 6700 and some 32H Chris Kings to DT Swiss rims. Runs over potholes like a BOSS!!
Right now, my commuter is a Medici Pro Strada with Ultegra 6700 and some 32H Chris Kings to DT Swiss rims. Runs over potholes like a BOSS!!
06-20-12, 12:31 PM
#3
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You may find it cheaper to buy another bike than purchase the parts to upgrade your current ride. Cyclocross bikes make nice commuters as they tend to be a bit toughter than road bikes, will take a bit wider tires, still be fairly light and have rack & fender mounts. I'd suggest doing some looking and test rides as well as pricing the upgrades to see what makes the most sense.
06-20-12, 12:52 PM
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I've wondered why cross bikes have rack/fender mounts. Do those come up much in cross races?
06-20-12, 01:00 PM
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06-20-12, 01:47 PM
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You may find it cheaper to buy another bike than purchase the parts to upgrade your current ride. Cyclocross bikes make nice commuters as they tend to be a bit toughter than road bikes, will take a bit wider tires, still be fairly light and have rack & fender mounts. I'd suggest doing some looking and test rides as well as pricing the upgrades to see what makes the most sense.
06-20-12, 01:49 PM
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Do you have a link to your wheels? I need to start pricing this all out so I can pick a way to go.
06-20-12, 02:21 PM
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Depending on how far you'll go and the terrain, I'd suggest 28-36 spokes (depending on weight).
06-20-12, 02:51 PM
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I have one, picked it up second hand and love it. Rides like a Cadillac. I actually sold my "go fast" bike and ride this for everything now because it makes me want to ride all day where as the Orbea I had previously made me want to go home after 40 miles. It is also probably about as close to bullet proof as you are gonna get in a frame without going MTN Bike.
06-20-12, 05:16 PM
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Some commuters find cross bikes perfect for thier commutes, by including the mounts you mentioned a manufacturer can sell a model to more than one type of buyer. I'm often amazed that they aren't included on more models than they are.
06-20-12, 07:27 PM
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Before buying anything I'd give the bike a quick going over to see if it just needs some maint on wear items. What condition are the cables and housing in? Has the chain been replaced when needed? Check the condition of the chain rings and sprocket also, they could be worn. BB and hubs had their maintenance? You might just find some low cost maintenance work gets it back in top running condition.
If it's all good then maybe a new bike will be the way to go.
If it's all good then maybe a new bike will be the way to go.
06-20-12, 09:06 PM
#12
aka: Mike J.
Yep +1 on doing a tune-up or overhaul on the current bike. New cables and housings, maybe a new cartridge bottom bracket assembly since the newer ones only seem to last a year or three of daily use, either you or someone else can tension up the spokes and true the wheels, lube or replace the wheel bearings, clean and lube or replace the headset. You might be surprised what a good freshening-up can do. Then you can start shopping around for your next bike.
Just an opinion.
Just an opinion.
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06-21-12, 07:00 AM
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I don't really know the sport but I was always under the impression that it's a sport that a person may benefit from having fenders on. Maybe not commuter style fenders but more mountain bike style mud guards.
06-21-12, 12:25 PM
#14
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Cyclocross race bikes are stripped down and made light,
the races are shorter lap races , that are an hour +1 lap long at most.
so no waterbottle is even planned for.
Lots of bikes now are 'dual sport'.. the same wheel type, 700c, wider tire.
but the frame is not a Cyclo-cross race light,
Their being so,
so you can run up hills and jump multiple barriers
with it on your shoulder.
It instead leans more towards a Touring fitting, so the racks and mudguards,
and waterbottle carriers have a place to go.
some people buy the race bikes to commute on, road and cross,
because they like to buy and ride top tier stuff,
& don't mind spending the extra money.
the races are shorter lap races , that are an hour +1 lap long at most.
so no waterbottle is even planned for.
Lots of bikes now are 'dual sport'.. the same wheel type, 700c, wider tire.
but the frame is not a Cyclo-cross race light,
Their being so,
so you can run up hills and jump multiple barriers
with it on your shoulder.
It instead leans more towards a Touring fitting, so the racks and mudguards,
and waterbottle carriers have a place to go.
some people buy the race bikes to commute on, road and cross,
because they like to buy and ride top tier stuff,
& don't mind spending the extra money.
Last edited by fietsbob; 06-21-12 at 12:35 PM.
