"Luxury" upgrades
05-04-21, 07:58 PM
#51
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 7,851
Mentioned: 38 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6944 Post(s)
Liked 10,944 Times
in
4,677 Posts
05-04-21, 08:24 PM
#52
bike whisperer
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Melbourne, Oz
Posts: 9,537
Bikes: https://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=152015&p=1404231
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1523 Post(s)
Liked 716 Times
in
508 Posts
I've thought a few times it'd be helpful. This is a thread about luxuries, not necessities.
__________________
Sheldon Brown's bike info ~~~ Park Tools repair help
Half-step triple, using double gear ~~~ 6400 STI rebuild walkthrough ~~~ Want 8/9/10s @126mm OLD? OCR. ~~~ Shimano cassette body overhaul ~~~ Ergopower Escape wear repair ~~~ PSA: drivetrain wear
List of US/Canada bike co-ops ~~~ Global list
Sheldon Brown's bike info ~~~ Park Tools repair help
Half-step triple, using double gear ~~~ 6400 STI rebuild walkthrough ~~~ Want 8/9/10s @126mm OLD? OCR. ~~~ Shimano cassette body overhaul ~~~ Ergopower Escape wear repair ~~~ PSA: drivetrain wear
List of US/Canada bike co-ops ~~~ Global list
05-04-21, 08:27 PM
#53
bike whisperer
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Melbourne, Oz
Posts: 9,537
Bikes: https://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=152015&p=1404231
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1523 Post(s)
Liked 716 Times
in
508 Posts
Lots of mentions of carbon bars. Honestly I've never considered them before. Is the main advantage they have over alloy that they dampen more road chatter, are lighter, can be shaped more aerodynamically for the same weight, look bling, or something else?
I have a set of alloy 38cm Zipps, about the cheapest with a shape I wanted that was predrilled for Di2, on my Roubaix with Future Shock. Probably wouldn't feel a noticeable difference going carbon compared to a less forgiving frame? I don't have any real aero or weight weenie bikes, and the Roubaix is my default choice for the longest days.
I have a set of alloy 38cm Zipps, about the cheapest with a shape I wanted that was predrilled for Di2, on my Roubaix with Future Shock. Probably wouldn't feel a noticeable difference going carbon compared to a less forgiving frame? I don't have any real aero or weight weenie bikes, and the Roubaix is my default choice for the longest days.
__________________
Sheldon Brown's bike info ~~~ Park Tools repair help
Half-step triple, using double gear ~~~ 6400 STI rebuild walkthrough ~~~ Want 8/9/10s @126mm OLD? OCR. ~~~ Shimano cassette body overhaul ~~~ Ergopower Escape wear repair ~~~ PSA: drivetrain wear
List of US/Canada bike co-ops ~~~ Global list
Sheldon Brown's bike info ~~~ Park Tools repair help
Half-step triple, using double gear ~~~ 6400 STI rebuild walkthrough ~~~ Want 8/9/10s @126mm OLD? OCR. ~~~ Shimano cassette body overhaul ~~~ Ergopower Escape wear repair ~~~ PSA: drivetrain wear
List of US/Canada bike co-ops ~~~ Global list
Likes For Kimmo:
05-04-21, 08:41 PM
#54
Trying to keep up
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Fort Worth
Posts: 2,137
Bikes: Pinarello Prince, Orbea Onix, Ridley Fenix
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 79 Post(s)
Liked 136 Times
in
79 Posts
I would call a rim that GP5K tires go on without ripping off the skin off your thumbs a luxury.
I happened about a guy Saturday that had a flat and not carrying a seat bag with a tube, co2 or pump, or tire levers. I grabbed a tube and co2 out of my wife's seat bag as I am running tubeless and he was running GP5K's. Snapped a tire lever and took both of us to get the damn tires over the rim. I like Conti tires, but do not want to deal with that on the road side.
I happened about a guy Saturday that had a flat and not carrying a seat bag with a tube, co2 or pump, or tire levers. I grabbed a tube and co2 out of my wife's seat bag as I am running tubeless and he was running GP5K's. Snapped a tire lever and took both of us to get the damn tires over the rim. I like Conti tires, but do not want to deal with that on the road side.
Likes For ericcox:
05-04-21, 08:46 PM
#55
Expired Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: TN
Posts: 11,507
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3657 Post(s)
Liked 5,393 Times
in
2,738 Posts
I would call a rim that GP5K tires go on without ripping off the skin off your thumbs a luxury.
I happened about a guy Saturday that had a flat and not carrying a seat bag with a tube, co2 or pump, or tire levers. I grabbed a tube and co2 out of my wife's seat bag as I am running tubeless and he was running GP5K's. Snapped a tire lever and took both of us to get the damn tires over the rim. I like Conti tires, but do not want to deal with that on the road side.
I happened about a guy Saturday that had a flat and not carrying a seat bag with a tube, co2 or pump, or tire levers. I grabbed a tube and co2 out of my wife's seat bag as I am running tubeless and he was running GP5K's. Snapped a tire lever and took both of us to get the damn tires over the rim. I like Conti tires, but do not want to deal with that on the road side.
05-04-21, 09:01 PM
#56
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 520
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 229 Post(s)
Liked 327 Times
in
179 Posts
Basically my entire new bike that (fingers crossed) will arrive next month. I guess some of the things will actually make me faster but none of it is really useful. Old bike is a Domane SL5. New bike is a Domane SLR7.
Trek OCLV 500 frame ---> OCLV 700 frame
aluminum stem ---> carbon stem
4iiis single-sided power meter ---> Garmin dual-sided SPD
Bontrager Foray shoes ---> Shimano XC7 (in red because they match my bike)
stock paint job ---> custom paint job
stock boat anchor Affinity wheels ---> Aeolus RSL 51 wheels
Shimano 105 ---> Ultegra Di2
stock Arvada comp saddle w/ steel rails (actually pretty comfy) ---> Verse Pro w/ carbon rails
Current additions I REALLY love are the power meter, aero bars, and bike computer. These are things that would enhance any bike I own. And I'd take a cheap bike with these over an expensive bike without them any day of the week.
Trek OCLV 500 frame ---> OCLV 700 frame
aluminum stem ---> carbon stem
4iiis single-sided power meter ---> Garmin dual-sided SPD
Bontrager Foray shoes ---> Shimano XC7 (in red because they match my bike)
stock paint job ---> custom paint job
stock boat anchor Affinity wheels ---> Aeolus RSL 51 wheels
Shimano 105 ---> Ultegra Di2
stock Arvada comp saddle w/ steel rails (actually pretty comfy) ---> Verse Pro w/ carbon rails
Current additions I REALLY love are the power meter, aero bars, and bike computer. These are things that would enhance any bike I own. And I'd take a cheap bike with these over an expensive bike without them any day of the week.
Likes For guachi:
05-04-21, 09:52 PM
#57
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 6,866
Bikes: Trek Domane SLR 7 AXS, Trek CheckPoint SL7 AXS, Trek Emonda ALR AXS, Trek FX 5 Sport
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 761 Post(s)
Liked 1,720 Times
in
1,004 Posts
Basically my entire new bike that (fingers crossed) will arrive next month. I guess some of the things will actually make me faster but none of it is really useful. Old bike is a Domane SL5. New bike is a Domane SLR7.
Trek OCLV 500 frame ---> OCLV 700 frame
aluminum stem ---> carbon stem
4iiis single-sided power meter ---> Garmin dual-sided SPD
Bontrager Foray shoes ---> Shimano XC7 (in red because they match my bike)
stock paint job ---> custom paint job
stock boat anchor Affinity wheels ---> Aeolus RSL 51 wheels
Shimano 105 ---> Ultegra Di2
stock Arvada comp saddle w/ steel rails (actually pretty comfy) ---> Verse Pro w/ carbon rails
Current additions I REALLY love are the power meter, aero bars, and bike computer. These are things that would enhance any bike I own. And I'd take a cheap bike with these over an expensive bike without them any day of the week.
Trek OCLV 500 frame ---> OCLV 700 frame
aluminum stem ---> carbon stem
4iiis single-sided power meter ---> Garmin dual-sided SPD
Bontrager Foray shoes ---> Shimano XC7 (in red because they match my bike)
stock paint job ---> custom paint job
stock boat anchor Affinity wheels ---> Aeolus RSL 51 wheels
Shimano 105 ---> Ultegra Di2
stock Arvada comp saddle w/ steel rails (actually pretty comfy) ---> Verse Pro w/ carbon rails
Current additions I REALLY love are the power meter, aero bars, and bike computer. These are things that would enhance any bike I own. And I'd take a cheap bike with these over an expensive bike without them any day of the week.
Likes For jaxgtr:
05-04-21, 10:03 PM
#58
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 23,208
Mentioned: 89 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18883 Post(s)
Liked 10,646 Times
in
6,054 Posts
05-04-21, 10:08 PM
#59
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 6,866
Bikes: Trek Domane SLR 7 AXS, Trek CheckPoint SL7 AXS, Trek Emonda ALR AXS, Trek FX 5 Sport
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 761 Post(s)
Liked 1,720 Times
in
1,004 Posts
What rim are you running and how were the Pirelli's to install? I am running the Bontrager R3 in 32, but was looking at the Pirelli 28 or 30's when these tires where out. I like the R3's, but would like to try something different. I figured I would pick some up when I spot them on sale that way if something happens, I am prepared.
05-04-21, 11:22 PM
#61
bike whisperer
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Melbourne, Oz
Posts: 9,537
Bikes: https://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=152015&p=1404231
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1523 Post(s)
Liked 716 Times
in
508 Posts
...?
__________________
Sheldon Brown's bike info ~~~ Park Tools repair help
Half-step triple, using double gear ~~~ 6400 STI rebuild walkthrough ~~~ Want 8/9/10s @126mm OLD? OCR. ~~~ Shimano cassette body overhaul ~~~ Ergopower Escape wear repair ~~~ PSA: drivetrain wear
List of US/Canada bike co-ops ~~~ Global list
Sheldon Brown's bike info ~~~ Park Tools repair help
Half-step triple, using double gear ~~~ 6400 STI rebuild walkthrough ~~~ Want 8/9/10s @126mm OLD? OCR. ~~~ Shimano cassette body overhaul ~~~ Ergopower Escape wear repair ~~~ PSA: drivetrain wear
List of US/Canada bike co-ops ~~~ Global list
Likes For Kimmo:
05-05-21, 05:15 AM
#62
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: TC, MN
Posts: 39,516
Bikes: R3 Disc, Haanjo
Mentioned: 354 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 20808 Post(s)
Liked 9,450 Times
in
4,668 Posts
I just prefer the overall feel, in general. It's hard to describe, but in addition to the above, there's the fact that they're less of a heat sink, too.
I had carbon bars on my Domane with front IsoSpeed; still preferred them to the stock alloy bars.
Likes For WhyFi:
05-05-21, 05:41 AM
#63
Mostly Harmless
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Chittenango, NY
Posts: 56,565
Bikes: Have two wheels
Mentioned: 169 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 13694 Post(s)
Liked 4,520 Times
in
2,499 Posts
05-05-21, 06:14 AM
#64
Trying to keep up
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Fort Worth
Posts: 2,137
Bikes: Pinarello Prince, Orbea Onix, Ridley Fenix
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 79 Post(s)
Liked 136 Times
in
79 Posts
What rim are you running and how were the Pirelli's to install? I am running the Bontrager R3 in 32, but was looking at the Pirelli 28 or 30's when these tires where out. I like the R3's, but would like to try something different. I figured I would pick some up when I spot them on sale that way if something happens, I am prepared.
In contrast, the Pirellis were easy. I mounted the first one with a single standard park tool lever, and the second with thumbs. Got the bead to pop with a standard pump. The Pirellis hold air better, and generally feel more supple, though that's hard to measure.
I do think the GP5000s are probably more durable, based on the wear so far, but when my current ones wear out, I'm going back with Pirelli.
Excel was running a sale on a Pirelli 2 pack, but only had 26 and 28 in stock. I will say the 26s set up tubeless are very comfy - I did a century a few weeks ago on them. My cross bike with 33mm schwalbes running tubeless is more comfortable for sure, but for road use only, the Pirellis feel great.
05-05-21, 09:14 AM
#65
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 6,866
Bikes: Trek Domane SLR 7 AXS, Trek CheckPoint SL7 AXS, Trek Emonda ALR AXS, Trek FX 5 Sport
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 761 Post(s)
Liked 1,720 Times
in
1,004 Posts
I'm running 26mm PZeros Race TLR on FFWD RYOT 55 rims. They are hooked. Well, now a mullet with PZero on front and a GP5000 on the back. The GP5000s are a pain to mount. To mount the rear (which was had about 800 miles on it), I used a crank brothers lever together with a tire jack like tool whose name I forget. I had to use a CO2 charge to get the bead to set.
In contrast, the Pirellis were easy. I mounted the first one with a single standard park tool lever, and the second with thumbs. Got the bead to pop with a standard pump. The Pirellis hold air better, and generally feel more supple, though that's hard to measure.
I do think the GP5000s are probably more durable, based on the wear so far, but when my current ones wear out, I'm going back with Pirelli.
Excel was running a sale on a Pirelli 2 pack, but only had 26 and 28 in stock. I will say the 26s set up tubeless are very comfy - I did a century a few weeks ago on them. My cross bike with 33mm schwalbes running tubeless is more comfortable for sure, but for road use only, the Pirellis feel great.
In contrast, the Pirellis were easy. I mounted the first one with a single standard park tool lever, and the second with thumbs. Got the bead to pop with a standard pump. The Pirellis hold air better, and generally feel more supple, though that's hard to measure.
I do think the GP5000s are probably more durable, based on the wear so far, but when my current ones wear out, I'm going back with Pirelli.
Excel was running a sale on a Pirelli 2 pack, but only had 26 and 28 in stock. I will say the 26s set up tubeless are very comfy - I did a century a few weeks ago on them. My cross bike with 33mm schwalbes running tubeless is more comfortable for sure, but for road use only, the Pirellis feel great.
Likes For jaxgtr:
05-06-21, 06:03 AM
#66
Super Modest
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Central Illinois
Posts: 23,465
Bikes: Trek Emonda, Giant Propel, Colnago V3, Co-Motion Supremo, ICE VTX WC
Mentioned: 107 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10963 Post(s)
Liked 4,618 Times
in
2,122 Posts
05-06-21, 06:09 AM
#67
Super Modest
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Central Illinois
Posts: 23,465
Bikes: Trek Emonda, Giant Propel, Colnago V3, Co-Motion Supremo, ICE VTX WC
Mentioned: 107 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10963 Post(s)
Liked 4,618 Times
in
2,122 Posts
My first set of aero carbon bars were FSA K-Wings in 2010. The silky feel of those unwrapped flats is sublime.
__________________
Keep the chain tight!
Likes For Trsnrtr:
05-10-21, 11:18 AM
#68
BF's Resident Dumbass
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Posts: 1,566
Bikes: 1990 Raleigh Flyer (size 21"); 2014 Trek 7.6 FX (size 15"); 2014 Trek 7.6 FX (size 17.5"); 2019 Dahon Mu D9; 2020 Dahon Hemingway D9
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 792 Post(s)
Liked 1,494 Times
in
496 Posts
N+Umpteenth bike. Just because.
05-10-21, 12:20 PM
#69
Senior Member
FSA K-wing carbon bars
05-10-21, 09:02 PM
#70
bOsscO
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Vancouver
Posts: 746
Bikes: 2024 Spec Crux, 2015 Norco Search S1, 93 Mongoose IBOC COMP
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 296 Post(s)
Liked 355 Times
in
212 Posts
I've got a 'Burrito Supreme' bar bag from Road Runner on my gravel bike; https://roadrunnerbags.us/collection...handle-bar-bag
When it arrived in 2019 it felt like a luxury but now the bike feels naked without it.
When it arrived in 2019 it felt like a luxury but now the bike feels naked without it.
05-11-21, 02:32 AM
#71
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: The banks of the River Charles
Posts: 2,029
Bikes: 2022 Salsa Beargrease, 2020 Seven Evergreen, 2019 Honey Allroads Ti, 2018 Seven Redsky XX, 2017 Trek Boon 7, 2014 Trek 520
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 696 Post(s)
Liked 910 Times
in
487 Posts
I've got a 'Burrito Supreme' bar bag from Road Runner on my gravel bike; https://roadrunnerbags.us/collection...handle-bar-bag
When it arrived in 2019 it felt like a luxury but now the bike feels naked without it.
When it arrived in 2019 it felt like a luxury but now the bike feels naked without it.
Last edited by Ghazmh; 05-11-21 at 11:53 AM.
Likes For Ghazmh:
05-11-21, 09:13 AM
#72
Full Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Franklin, TN
Posts: 423
Bikes: 2016 Cervelo R3 & 1999 Litespeed Tuscany
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 158 Post(s)
Liked 138 Times
in
79 Posts
Nothing says luxury more than a carbon fiber kick-stand. Make sure to spend the extra money to get the one with dimples and the whale fin inspired profile since aero is king!
05-11-21, 09:15 AM
#73
bOsscO
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Vancouver
Posts: 746
Bikes: 2024 Spec Crux, 2015 Norco Search S1, 93 Mongoose IBOC COMP
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 296 Post(s)
Liked 355 Times
in
212 Posts
Not sure if it counts as an upgrade but, from a pure vanity perspective, a custom paint job on an existing frame/fork always looks sick.
05-12-21, 05:32 AM
#74
Newbie
Luxury? How about a rain jacket from a bespoke London tailor? (Won't let me post URLs yet, but search YouTube for "Brooks England jacket".)
A more simple luxury? Throw out that old toe-clip strap, and say Hello to the Brooks trouser strap - also known as a $29.50 piece of leather wrapped around a $0.50 snap bracelet!
A more simple luxury? Throw out that old toe-clip strap, and say Hello to the Brooks trouser strap - also known as a $29.50 piece of leather wrapped around a $0.50 snap bracelet!
05-12-21, 06:29 AM
#75
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2021
Posts: 4,083
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2333 Post(s)
Liked 2,097 Times
in
1,314 Posts
The luxurious look on the face of riders neatly in a paceline when I ding my Spurcycle Bell and give them, "Top of the morning, Lads" and power off. The B & M mirror is a close second, seeing the lads out of the saddle chasing is priceless.
Likes For GhostRider62: