KPSquared

I have a Merida with Shimano Tiagra components. Aluminum frame, carbon fork. I think a 2008 year bike. I bought it used for a few hundred dollars. I've was riding about 10 miles Monday through Friday and 50 miles on Saturday before I came to work for a while in Kuwait. Now it's in storage. Before I left I planned on updating the bike when I got back but now visiting more bike websites, etc. I don't know if I want to just buy a new bike or not.

i don't know how many miles total are on the bike but when I had it tuned up by the LBS the chain was just within tolerance for replacement. So, when I get back at least a new chain and cassette. Any recommendations on updating the bike?
Thanks, Kevin

hailandkill

New ugly but super comfy saddle. Anyone wanna suggest some wheels

e_guevara

Why do you want to upgrade? Is there anything wrong / not working? Are the components limiting your cycling abilities? Or are you just itching to spend some cash? Shimano Tiagra components are good enough for most riding requirements. I say ride it until everything breaks then buy a new one. If you really want to upgrade, buying a new set of wheels would be the best upgrade.

e_guevara

Wheels are fine. They match the colorway of the frame nicely.

FYI Fulcrum wheels are made by Campagnolo for Shimano drivetrains. It's a good wheelset.

Reeses

Need my silver tape

KPSquared

I do not believe I'm at the point where I'm being limited by the bike. I have a few pounds still to shed and some more fitness work to do before I need to invest in a new bike, but I've am tempted. I'd like to use the full potential of this frame before getting another.

RobbieTunes

Steel Breeze

No, it's not the short-lived band from the 80's. It's a Wraith Hustle. And it's f*&^%ing awesome.

MikeD1

She's all original except for saddle, tires, tubes, cables and tape. She's a 1986 and still rides beautifully although she is a bit bigger than I'd like at 58cm.

EddNog

Just completed my second century ride on Saturday, averaged 16.7mph over 6:09 moving time on my Venturi. Spent about 1/2 the time in aero using my RedShift dual position seatpost and Vuka clip-ons. So glad I switched to 700x25 tubeless when my original 700x23 tubeless finally wore out—the added comfort was a real blessing!

hailandkill

thank you. it is a good wheelset. IMHO the frame and wheel combo is too gaudy (look at my old cannondale, i like simple =))

on fast, twisty descents, however, the wheels (or frame?) flex and rub the brake pads. and when sprinting/uphill battling the rear wheel flexes (almost as if the spokes are rubbing each other). i'm thinking higher spoked archetypes laced to WI hubs or something similar.

e_guevara

What model are those wheels? I've never had a problem with my Fulcrum Racing Quattro regarding flex (I like punching up hills and sprinting), and the wheels are on my old-ish training bike (1997 Giant TCR - heavy, not as stiff as newer aluminum). YMMV

Atakuweh

2014 Jamis Icon Pro

After a year on my 2013 Jamis Allegro Elite getting into cycling again after a long absence, I decided it was time to get a "real" road bike, and took delivery on my 2014 Jamis Icon Pro a couple of weeks ago. Kind of like going from a Chevy Camaro to a Ferrari as best I can describe it!

It comes with a 6061 aluminum frame (58cm); carbon fork and steerer; Shimano 105 5700 derailleurs and brifters; Shimano R565 50/34T 175mm crankset; 11-25T cassette; Ritchey Comp Logic Curve handlebar; Ritchey 6061 alloy stem; Mavic Aksium Race wheels; Vittoria Zaffiro 700x23c slicks; Tektro R540 brakes. That's all the stock stuff. I swapped out the factory saddle on day one for a Fizik Arione Versus Kium, and added some Shimano M520 pedals (since my existing shoes are SPD). Added sensors and transmitter for my Cateye RD420DW computer, and a couple of Ibera BC5 bottle cages.

Not particularly flashy to look at, I know - I call it understated - but the anodized "Palladium" finish (ok, it's grey) is actually pretty attractive in person. They did a nice job smoothing the TIG welds on the frame, too. But man what a ride! You get on this thing and you just can't help but go flat out fast, like it insists upon it! Lighter wheels and a lighter handlebar might be nice at some future point, and yeah those pedals are heavy, but all in all I couldn't be happier!

K100Fran 

My new road ride (the old ride was a Lotus Classique w/ 105 on the downtube)

RobbieTunes

Way to rock that Ironman!

MiguePropelSL

Giant Propel Advanced SL (XSmall)
Giant Contact SLR 100mm Stem
Giant Contact SLR Aero handlebar 42cm
Sram Force 22 (53-39 / 11-28)
Sram S60 wheels
LOOK KEO Blade Carbon
Fizik Arione VS
Fizik Superlight bar tape
Elite Custom Race cage
Schwalbe Lugano Tires

Crush the Miles

2014 Trek Madone 4.3 w/ 105 components.

AristoNYC

Cannondale CAAD10 Force 2 [2012] with some cheapo Chinese carbon clinchers.

sw686blue

Absolutely gorgeous Giant Propel Advanced SL!

zatopek

AristoNYC,

Your CAAD10 would be one of the hottest ever with a slammed stem that sits parallel to the ground. Otherwise, SWEET!

AristoNYC

Thanks.
My bike fitter set it up this way for me and it feels good. I don't want to compromise a good fit for appearance, even though I agree with you.

MiguePropelSL

Thanks... soon some better pics...

sirknight

my ride.

valygrl

Beautiful! Mind if I ask - how tall are you?

MiguePropelSL

I don't remember my tall size (lol) but that was the pic before we cut... for saturday i will have size and new pictures.... now it says one side GIAN y the other IANT

cicli_masi

So much win on so many levels.