Modify or buy new ?

[plastic_cyclist]

Hi, I have a Giant TCR Advanced, I kinda like this machine and recently it's had to go into the LBS for some work, so I've been forced onto my winter gravel bike for a bit (Boardman CX Comp), which is a good bike but, my god, does it make you realise how good the Giant is for road work (I know it's not like for like).

My question is, could I make this any better by improving some of the parts like wheels, aero bars etc? I can't stop looking at the Giant Propel and I'm getting twitchy.....with the buying a new bike for the sake of it disease!! Since this photo, I've upgraded the pedals to 105s

Do the stock OEM misc parts like wheels and saddle just do just enough and the basic job and are they really only on there to keep costs down?

 

[I like Skol]

I think you will be sorely disappointed. IME, the bike is the bike and the rest is purely down to the rider. Trying to upgrade the bike is a story of diminishing returns.

 

[TheDoctor]

Skolly has it right, I'm afraid. My old carbon roadbike was better at climbing than my Brommie, but I'm still rubbish at climbing whatever I'm on.
Even a 250W motor didn't get me up Covadonga in northern Spain.

 

[I like Skol]

Skolly has it right, I'm afraid. My old carbon roadbike was better at climbing than my Brommie, but I'm still rubbish at climbing whatever I'm on.
Even a 250W motor didn't get me up Covadonga in northern Spain.

Not wishing to blow my own trumpet, but.....

My bikes are an eclectic collection of various machines with little regard given to spec, weight or purpose. Despite this I usually outride my peers. As witnesses I call @dan_bo @fossyant @Hacienda71 @nickyboy @potsy and various other forum members I have ridden with over the years.... Just for the record, I don't train or exercise or target any level of fitness. My cycling is purely for commuting and leisure.

 

[Joffey]

I noticed a difference when upgrading my wheels.

 

[Sharky]

Do you have any set timed loops for both bikes to analyse the time difference between the bikes? You'll probably find that the difference is less than 5 minutes over an hour and this will probably be down to weather conditions on the days.

When you look at some of the tables which attempt to show the difference in times for using aero equipment, helmets, wheels etc, the gains over 40k are measured in seconds, rather than minutes.

Slick tyres, rather than knobbly tyres should make a difference.

The position on the bike might affect speed. If the gravel bike has a more upright position, this would make you a bit slower. Get the tape measure out and see if there is scope for adjustments.

Good luck in finding ways to improve speed, I've been searching for 50+ years.

 

[Cycleops]

That old Eddie Merckx quote about riding up grades (which he probably never said) still holds true but if you want a new bike to make you think you’re better go right ahead.

 

[Jameshow]

Do you have specs for those wheels?

I think you will notice a difference if you go deeper section wheels if you live in flat areas or lighter weight wheels if in the hilly areas?

300gms is about the minimum needed to notice a difference imho.

So from stock wheels at 1800 to mid range at 1500 or too top off the range at 1300gms.

Don't forget tyres too 200 gms is a ball park figure there too, no point putting cheap / heavy tyres in fast wheels!

 

[Arrowfoot]

If anything it is the wheels that has best potential in terms of performance. The bike itself is amazing so nothing else to touch.

ps. don't do the oversized pulley thing. We not going to talk to you forever if you did.

 

[T4tomo]

It's a bit ambiguous which bike you are looking to "improve"

Wheels can be a point of cost saving on new bikes, particularly at the cheaper end of the market

The Giant may have come with decent wheels in the first place, the boardman probably not.

 

[Jameshow]

Worth a gander.....

https://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=147848

 

[cyberknight]

tyres will make a difference too if your running gravel type tyres on your boardman

 

[plastic_cyclist]

It's a bit ambiguous which bike you are looking to "improve"

Wheels can be a point of cost saving on new bikes, particularly at the cheaper end of the market

The Giant may have come with decent wheels in the first place, the boardman probably not.

Looking to also make the bike aesthetically look a bit better, I'm not a fan of the all over black, I'd like to add some white!!

 

[Sallar55]

Do the stock OEM misc parts like wheels and saddle just do just enough and the basic job and are they really only on there to keep costs down?

Yes unless you buy the top end bikes. Best upgrade is new wheels especially if its a lower spec bike.

 

[T4tomo]

It's a bit ambiguous which bike you are looking to "improve"

Looking to also make the bike aesthetically look a bit better

as I asked previously, which bike?

...and what is its spec?