Do you upgrade components or whole bike?

[Boyfrom64]

First of all I need to point out that I am very new to this sport - hobby, about eight to nine weeks now and the bike I stumbled upon and ride is a Specialized Secteur, the entry level bike in the Secteur range.

Not only am I totally hooked and take every opportunity to get out on the bike when I can (the reason why I have posted on this forum so infrequently) but I find the bike an absolute joy and pleasure to ride.

The question which has been going through my mind re the future (again I realise it is still very early in my cycling life), how will I benefit from replacing the bike I have with a new model when surely it will be cheaper to simply change some of the lower level components on my current bike to higher quality components, because unless I am wrong so long as I am not looking to move away from an Aluminium frame, then there is no difference in the frames from the top model in a range to the bottom model in the range?

Your thoughts and experiences will be greatly received.

 

[2Loose]

Is the Secteur frame the same up the range?

If it is, then tyres and wheels are the first logical upgrades as they tend to give bigger changes to your ride quality per pound than any other component.

As other things wear out, upgrade them when you replace them. You'll need to replace bits eventually anyway and it may take a while...

 

[corshamjim]

I agree - I only usually replace components if they have worn out or if they annoy me in some way. Sometimes only a minor annoyance can pursuade me to do a little upgrading though!

 

[Smokin Joe]

I still have the same bike I had in 1969.

Though the frame has been upgraded on lots of occasions, as have the wheels, gears, pedals, bars etc.

 

[Garz]

If you have a decent frame and it fits well then you may as well upgrade the wheels/components. If it's a lower end machine with a cheap alu frame then it would make sense to save up and buy a better frame (carbon) which will come with better components anyway.

 

[Cletus Van Damme]

I have a Secteur Sport that I love also, it's a 2010 model and I got it at a bargain price (£519.99) in February. I have 2 issues with mine I hate the Alexrim rear wheel it keeps going out of true and the Sora shifters p1ss me off the odd time when I am on the drops. Work have just started a C2W scheme so I am going to buy a couple of components for it on it. Mavic Aksium wheels and Shimano Tiagra shifters. The price of the shifters is horrific to be honest and believe me they are not necessary to somebody of my fitness at all. But on the C2W scheme I will not miss it and as the bike was pretty cheap (2011 Sport £770) I am not that bothered. I had also toyed with the idea of a full 105 groupset but because I am not that well off I thought better of it. If I was I would maybe of bought it, although I think it is overkill for me and a pretty expensive upgrade. But I like the bike that much. I also toyed with the idea of selling it and getting a higher spec Secteur as I believe I would get a good price for mine as it has done very little miles and is as new. But I like my triple, did not fancy the SRAM Apex on the Elite and the Comp is pretty expensive and I believe that that is just a compact or double or whatever they are called. I would love a carbon Roubaix but it is pretty expensive again. So I am quite happy keeping my bike.

The only issue I can see with your bike is that you would maybe need to upgrade the whole goupset for better shifters if they bother you as I would guess it is an 8 speed. But if that is what you want to do go for it. But if you do not mind the way the gears perform you may be better with better wheels. If it wasn't for the C2W scheme I would of just lived with my Sora shifters.

But if the bike is in good order you will get a good price on ebay as Specialized bikes seem to be pretty popular.

 

[Turtle Dude]

I think it also depends on if you can get a decent price selling your current bike. If I could sell my bike whole, personally, for purely emotive shiny new bike reasons, I would change the whole bike.

 

[jugglingphil]

Getting new things can be nice, but pretty soon they are not new any more and we are programmed to wish for something better/newer.

Just enjoy your new hobby, find lots of different routes and build up the miles.

After cycling for a while you may decide that you want to do some touring, or sportives, or trails, and could do with a different type bike. Until then, your are in a great position already, as you have bought and ride a bike you like.

 

[accountantpete]

Upgrading the basic kit on a bike in my experience just tends to make life a bit nicer but doesn't really upgrade performance.

If you want the latter then you are better concentrating on the wheels and frame.

As regards alloy frames a small number of companies have continued refining this medium -so you can now get something like the Cannondale CAAD9* which weighs around 1kg (frame only) and will be a considerable improvement on what you have and probably better than the majority of Carbon frames knocking around*.

If you then added a pair of nice wheels - say Mavic Ksyrium SL's - then you will be in another dimension on the road.

* - you will find that a frame that eliminates some of the road buzz is slightly easier on the leg muscles which is why the race guys go for carbon frames and tubular tyres. These bikes are not quicker as such - they just save a bit more energy for the finish.

* sorry I meant CAAD 10.

 

[asterix]

Both. Hence 4 bikes.. no, 5 bikes. or six counting the Brommie

 

[Boyfrom64]

Thanks to everyone for your replies.

First and foremost I am going to continue riding and simply enjoying being out on the bike.

However, the more I get into this hobby the more I learn. I suppose one of the main reasons behind my question was whether I really need to go out in the future and spend a lot of money on a carbon frame or whether I can stay with an aluminium frame and get improved performance. Accountantpete, I think your reply hits the nail on the head, I can get improved performance from an aluminium frame, which will allow me to ride the bike all year round and by changing the wheels.

Now all I need to do is make sure I hit my targets, earn my bonus and not let the wife spend it all!