Shemmy

I currently have a Trek 1.5 (2010) with Shimano Tiagra Set, Very Basic Wheels. Currently have approximately $1,500 for upgrades or a new bike. Advice? Upgrade or New Bike? Which Parts if Upgrade. Thank you.

SethAZ 

What don't you like about your bike? Ie: what would you want to upgrade if you went that route? Figure out what you'd want to upgrade, then look to see if anyone's selling a new bike with that same level of stuff on it, and I think the answer will be clear. You could get a lot of bike for $1500, while if you spend it on upgrades, you'll have your old bike from 2010 with some better stuff on it.

edit: your old bike with better stuff on it may well be what you want, but figuring out what exactly you want will help establish that

Shemmy

I read that wheels are a big upgrade to make, however I would probably desire to upgrade the Shimano Tiagra to 105s or higher because I feel they have worn in their capability to run quietly and shift easily.

blakcloud

Sure, upgrade your bike. If you like the frame and the fit, upgrading makes the most sense. Wheels and tires make the biggest difference and that is where I would put most of my money. I would only replace the Tiagra stuff when it is worn out. If it works now, then don't touch it. You can replace things one or two things at a time. You said it doesn't shift smoothly, is this because they are worn or the need some TLC?

Getting a new bike is nice but it most likely won't be nicer than the upgraded bike you will have.

MRT2

I ride a 2012 Salsa Casserol with Tiagra, so I believe we have the same type of drive train, which is 3 x 9. I really like it and find that over time, it just works. I have upgraded the wheels, and changed the chain and cassette several times, so there is that.

Is something wrong with your shifters and derailleurs? If not, I think you need to ask what you can get new for $1,500. As far as I can tell, you still can't get full carbon, or 105 for that price, but you can get a bike with disc brakes, and the newer Tiagra, which is 10 speed. So is 2 x 10 that much better than 3 x 9? Not in my book.

Now, you can upgrade your wheels for a lot less than $1,500.

Sy Reene

Alternative route.. shop around for new old-stock CF frame, and get a new groupset... Swap all of the rest of the parts over. Will feel like mostly like a brand new bike ..
eg.
105 7000 groupset about $450
Colnago frameset: $973 https://www.merlincycles.com/colnago...19-168970.html

WhyFi

This is more of a maintenance thing than a groupset tier thing. Sure, shifting performance has improved since 2010, and I wouldn't begrudge anyone wanting to upgrade their 10-year-old groupset, but a new chain, cassette, and cables/housings would probably take care of it.

Racing Dan

Not accounting for me not knowing about your frame, wheels, etc, one option is to simply get a new group set. Imo a complete Tiagra 4700 is a good option if you can find a good deal. Its good and cheap(ish).

Tacoenthusiast

A $1500 bike isn't going to be much different than your current bike.

Unless you want a different type or size of bike I'd save more and wait to make a better upgrade

Trading an AL tiagra bike for a AL 105 bike is not much of an upgrade

Racing Dan

I disagree, except if the 10 year old bike is in mint condition. Wear and tear does take a toll on "feel" and function and im betting even a new Tiagra bike would be a substantial upgrade compared to det 10 year old one.

Tacoenthusiast

Most of the stuff that wears and tears is cheap to replace

A new set of cables, new bar tape, new chain, tires is a lot cheaper than a whole new bike and will perform just as well as the new bike

Sure sometimes it's just fun to get a new bike, and there's nothing wrong with that.

blakcloud

Well on the same day this was posted he seemed to have purchased a new bike. Here is the thread. So no upgrade needed now.

MRT2

New Tiagra is 10 speed. Old Tiagra is 9 speed. So I guess it is 1 better.

MRT2

Apparently not. In just a few short hours, OP bought himself a new Trek Emonda ALR 5.

Racing Dan

There U go :-)

holybinch

I was in the same kind of position.
I have a viner perfecta from 2009.
Instead of splashing out on a new bike, I talked myself into getting a set of nice wheels, and now I'm getting a bike fit, because it's been a while, and depending on the outcome, I'll probably get myself some sweet carbon handlebars and stem