Hi,
I'm new to 'proper' cycling having been a runner for a few years. As usual with other former running converts a knee injury has seen me looking at other ways of keeping fit. Luckily my injury is just from over use and will heal so should still be able to do both in the future.
Anyway, recently bought a 2010 Trek 1.5 Had a budget of about £650 and managed to find a 1.5 reduced from £775 to £675 so paid slightly extra.
As I understand it, I've got a half decent frame, and I specifically wanted Tiagra over Sora, but other parts will reflect that this isn't a particularly expensive bike (spec on the link below) - and those are the bits I want to upgrade. I'm not obsessed with getting the lightest bits possible, but guess that most upgrades will likely be lighter than the bit I take off?
My link
Obviously I can do searches on various parts, but wondered based on the specs if there are any specific upgrades people would recommend? I'm thinking:
- Carbon seat post (I need to check this with the shop when it goes back for the free service - the link and the Trek website before they updated for 2011 both said that it should come with a carbon seatpost, but it is definitely alloy. Its Bontrager branded so think it came with the bike, but could they be swapping them and selling the carbon separately?)
- Brakes - currently unbranded. Was thinking of Shimano 105
- Pedals - going to take the plunge and go clipless - Look Keo Easy for £30 delivered on Ebay.
- Wheels - can't afford expensive carbon ones and don't really know anything about them. Will probs just go to Evans or something and take their advice.
- Cabling - Is this likely to be low quality on a budget bike? I may look to replace.
- Saddle - Wouldn't say it's massively uncomfortable but I might try something else just to be sure I've got the best for me.
- Handle Bar tape - filthy already! Am going to replace with black, probably the Team Sky one with the blue writing.
Again, based on the standard spec, is there anything else I should be looking at?
Many thanks to anyone taking the time to read this!!!
Phil
I'm new to 'proper' cycling having been a runner for a few years. As usual with other former running converts a knee injury has seen me looking at other ways of keeping fit. Luckily my injury is just from over use and will heal so should still be able to do both in the future.
Anyway, recently bought a 2010 Trek 1.5 Had a budget of about £650 and managed to find a 1.5 reduced from £775 to £675 so paid slightly extra.
As I understand it, I've got a half decent frame, and I specifically wanted Tiagra over Sora, but other parts will reflect that this isn't a particularly expensive bike (spec on the link below) - and those are the bits I want to upgrade. I'm not obsessed with getting the lightest bits possible, but guess that most upgrades will likely be lighter than the bit I take off?
My link
Obviously I can do searches on various parts, but wondered based on the specs if there are any specific upgrades people would recommend? I'm thinking:
- Carbon seat post (I need to check this with the shop when it goes back for the free service - the link and the Trek website before they updated for 2011 both said that it should come with a carbon seatpost, but it is definitely alloy. Its Bontrager branded so think it came with the bike, but could they be swapping them and selling the carbon separately?)
- Brakes - currently unbranded. Was thinking of Shimano 105
- Pedals - going to take the plunge and go clipless - Look Keo Easy for £30 delivered on Ebay.
- Wheels - can't afford expensive carbon ones and don't really know anything about them. Will probs just go to Evans or something and take their advice.
- Cabling - Is this likely to be low quality on a budget bike? I may look to replace.
- Saddle - Wouldn't say it's massively uncomfortable but I might try something else just to be sure I've got the best for me.
- Handle Bar tape - filthy already! Am going to replace with black, probably the Team Sky one with the blue writing.
Again, based on the standard spec, is there anything else I should be looking at?
Many thanks to anyone taking the time to read this!!!
Phil
