edgamar

Hi, I have a question and need some advise. For some this question might not make any sense or two things completely different ... I started cycling almost a year ago and is one of my passions now. I live in Clermont Fl, just west of Orlando and 20 minutes away from Disney. It's a great place to live and to ride as well. We have lots of hills in the area and some of these areas are very country. We host a lot of events, some of them 100 miles and triathlons.

I have a 2010 Fuji SL1 Comp, I like my bike and have not problems so far. It has Shimano 105 all around and Fuji stock wheels. I'm still learning aspects of the sport. I average between 35-50 miles per ride. Now I would like to start upgrading some parts such as a carbon wide bar (for a good and tight grip during all these hills), but this can be done later on, isn't that expensive. Now my question is, should I replace the 105 for the new Ultegra 6800 (11 speed) or should I replace the stock Fuji wheels for the Reynolds Attack clinchers?

I know that these are two completely different equipment and can't be compare. But from these two, which one would like be getting the most at of it. I would like to upgrade by summer and get ready for the Six Gap at Georgia.

This question might sound stupid or that doesn't make sense but I would like to hear opinions or advise from other riders. Thanks in advance.

Edgar

BoSoxYacht

Why replace anything? What is wrong with what you have.

bikemig 

No. 1.

Gramercy

You could always sell your bike and get a new one that comes with ultegra 11 speed, and that bike will most likely have better wheels. Then spend 200 bucks and get vuelta corsa lite wheels. Problem solved. This probably won't cost more than just buying carbon wheels which won't get you what you ultimately want.

dtrain

I've got the same frame. Kinda feel like 6800 would be a little much. That 5700 should be fine but might work even better with 6800 cables. Wheels and brake pads are likely weak links right now. But carbon? Eh, maybe some lightly used Mavic Elites or similar.

TrojanHorse

OK, other than that, carbon bars aren't that expensive? They seem to be from where I'm sitting.

Anyway, nothing wrong with upgrading parts of your bike but know that 105 is a perfectly good groupset. A new groupset is unlikely to result in any noticeable changes to your riding enjoyment, other than you won't be sitting crooked on account of your wallet being so thin.

New wheels are always fun though, have at it. Make sure you get 11 spd hubs (unless you can get 'em discounted). You can run 10 speed with a spacer and you can always reuse them if you upgrade your drive train at some point.

dtrain

Another thing about wheels: one of the easier upgrades to transfer fo that 'next' bike, etc.

Will Goes Boing

The problem with your two options is that your stock wheels are not compatible with an 11-speed groupset. So you're going to have to scrap that idea. As others said, you're better off selling your current bike, and then upgrading to a new bike with all the fixens. My buddy just recently picked up a brand new 2013 Cannondale CAAD10 Black Inc w/ Ultegra Di2 for $2100. It's a size 60 and it tipped the scale at 17lbs even.

Unless you have a really nice frame, usually it's not worth it to upgrade the groupset.

jsigone

Wheels and cockpit upgrade.

I <3 Robots

Get wheels. Then switch them over to the new bike. You live in Florida...get deep wheels.

TheSame

I'd get new wheels first (that support 11 speed). As others have said. easiest thing to carry over to a new bike.
If you decide to get a new bike, just bring the wheels over. They'll be better than the wheels on any prebuilt bike that's under 4k.
If you decide to keep the bike, put on Ultegra 6800.

coasting 

wheels.

105 is great. i would never upgrade the 105 anddo other parts instead.

8086bruce

I would vote for some wheels like vuelta super life's also.

jimc101

If your looking at upgrading to 6800, than new wheels are almost a necessity, as the freehub on 10 speed wheels won't accept 11 speed cassettes. Would also be looking at the cost vs total replacement, if looking at bars as well, as their won't be much left of the bike once your done.

Weatherby

Tires and wheels

If you stay with it and are still jazzed, get a new high end ride. Keep the old one for rainy rides.

Bah Humbug

Get Boyd Altamonts. Cheaper and very good.

merlinextraligh

Another vote for wheels. Lighter, more aero, wheels will make a slight difference in how the bike performs, and will make a noticeable difference in how it feels.

Changin groupsets won't make any measurable change in performance.

And it's always good to have a second set of wheels, so new wheels are a valuable addition; new groupset is an economic waste.

alexaschwanden

Save your money and ride what you got.

Kopsis

My philosophy is that groupset upgrades should be done in two step increments (105 to DA, Rival to Red, etc.). The improvements in function (if any) and weight of a one level upgrade are pretty small, so unless you're dead set on going to 11, 105 to Ultegra isn't going to give you much noticeable change.

Wheelset, on the other hand, would probably be a very noticeable upgrade. The stock wheelset that typically comes on the SL1 is almost 1900g. You could easily drop over a pound of rotating weight with an upgrade. I'd take that over a groupset upgrade any day.

Looigi

Don't buy upgrades. Ride up grades. On wait, Orlando... never mind.

Darth Steele

^^ this.

on your next cassette change get the Ultegra and change the Derailleur to Ultegra as well (upgrade to replace worn out pieces). I seriously doubt that you have out grown the 105 groupset in 1 year.

As for the wheel, get them if they will make you feel better, but I seriously doubt that the performance gain will warrant the price. You want to get faster, train harder... Rule #5 : HTFU

snookanglr

You'll see more benefit from wheels

RollCNY

OP
There is no upgrade, only replacement.

If you have a specific and quantifiable target for part replacement, then that replacement becomes self-evident. For instance, your wheels won't stay true, or they rub your brake pads on every climb, then you have a problem and a target solution. Replace parts to solve,

If you have no specific target, then replacement parts are unlikely to be a satisfactory solution.

RugbySH9

Hey, I'm in Winter Garden and pretty much ride Clermont daily.

Andrew

BoSoxYacht

If you are buy all new components, please send me the old stuff.