Fuji Road Bike Improvements

[NY-Mets]

Hi all,

I bought a fuji newest 3.0 2009 road bike a couple of weeks ago because it was the best bike I could find for my price range. I'm completely new to cycling (apart from owning a couple of mountain bikes as a kid) so I'm unsure about upgrades to the bike and maintenance etc.

Each month I'll be looking at buying some new kit (be it bib shorts, jerseys, jackets etc) but also upgrades for the bike.

Looking at the specs (link below), without going OTT price wise, what are the best ways to improve the bike (be it new tyres, saddle etc). Please give links if possible.

Also, I'm getting varied responses from people I ask about maintaining the bike. At the moment I do two or three ten mile rides midweek and I'm upping my mileage on one day at the weekend each week. Can I get away with cleaning the bike once a week with something like Muck off? If so do I need to lubricate the chain at the same time? What lubrication is best to use?

Apologies if these questions are very basic but I'm totally new to it all!!

Thanks

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/fuji/newest-30-2009-road-bike-ec018090

 

[accountantpete]

Performance wise (assuming expensive wheels are out of the question) I'd invest in a track pump,quality tyres such as Michelin Pro 3 and lightweight inner tubes such as Michelin Aircomp.

I use a light oil for my chain - but this can get washed away with rain etc so a Finish Line dry lube may be better for you.

The rest of the bike gets a wash once a month but really I'd concentrate on keeping the brake blocks and rims clean.

 

[NY-Mets]

Performance wise (assuming expensive wheels are out of the question) I'd invest in a track pump,quality tyres such as Michelin Pro 3 and lightweight inner tubes such as Michelin Aircomp.

I use a light oil for my chain - but this can get washed away with rain etc so a Finish Line dry lube may be better for you.

The rest of the bike gets a wash once a month but really I'd concentrate on keeping the brake blocks and rims clean.

Thanks.

Is this a decent pump for the money then? http://www.wiggle.co...Pump/5360013205

Also, are the pro 3's better than continental tyres?

 

[accountantpete]

Haven't used the Topeak Joe Blow - but the reviews seem to think it is a good pump.

The main comparison with the Pro 3's would be the Continental GP4000 - personally I would think that they roll about the same so it's down to longevity and puncture protection and my Pro 3's have been excellent on both counts.

 

[NY-Mets]

Haven't used the Topeak Joe Blow - but the reviews seem to think it is a good pump.

The main comparison with the Pro 3's would be the Continental GP4000 - personally I would think that they roll about the same so it's down to longevity and puncture protection and my Pro 3's have been excellent on both counts.

Thanks. Going to order the pump now and get the tyres and inner tubes before my service in a few weeks.

 

[NY-Mets]

Ok I've got quite into it now so I'm looking to make the improvements to the bike to get me through the winter.

The plan is to continue using this bike over the winter months and then buy a better bike at the start of spring, using my current one next year purely for bad weather etc.

I'm thinking of upgrading both the wheels and the tyres, but realistically I don't want to spend more than £200 altogether.

Can anyone advise on the best wheels / tyres to get in this price range please? Wheels can be second hand, that isn't a problem.

I've been told the shimano rs10's could be decent at the money as well as continental gp 4000's for tyres? Any better alternatives to these?

Thanks

 

[accountantpete]

A good pair of wheels would start at £300 retail new - at this price range there won't be a massive difference between the different makes - I'd personally stick with the main brands Campag,Fulcrum, Shimano & Mavic.

You can get a tidy pair of these for £200 off eBay - but try and stick to someone who gives a detailed description and history(preferably little use).

There is or was a pair of Fulcrum 3's in For Sale - have a look at those.

 

[PpPete]

Depends what you want from wheels really...

If you are using through the winter for commuting...., a pair of hand-built OpenPros on Shimano 105 hubs will set you back about £180 (e.g. from Parker) maybe not the lightest or sexiest of wheels, but reasonably quick and tough as they come.