Why do you Upgrade?

[byegad]

I upgrade because the original component has worn out and I fit a better one!

 

[winjim]

Balancing true opinions from actual experience against opinions based on science for different products but of similar nature can sometimes be tricky.

That sentence is insane.

 

[Citius]

You'll get actual experience of products on here, but you'll also get the generalised science on that type of component. Balancing true opinions from actual experience against opinions based on science for different products but of similar nature can sometimes be tricky.

Almost as tricky as composing a coherent reply...

 

[bpsmith]

Almost as tricky as composing a coherent reply...

Clearly determined to turn this discussion into an argument, yet again! I'm out.

 

[Citius]

Clearly determined to turn this discussion into an argument, yet again! I'm out.

Not arguing - just asking for some clarity, as usual.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

In tests it was 23% more responsive, I felt 9% more connected and it flew into corners approximately 7% better.

I think you have made those figures up.

I'd really like to see an alloy vs carbon fork debate.

 

[winjim]

You'll get actual experience of products on here, but you'll also get the generalised science on that type of component. Balancing true opinions from actual experience against opinions based on science for different products but of similar nature can sometimes be tricky.

I think maybe you misunderstand how science works. It is true that scientific theory needs to be backed up by experiment, and that what works in the lab does not always translate well to a real world situation and you then need to revise your theory. However, repeated iterations of this process have got us to a point where the classical physics which governs bicycles has pretty much moved from abstract scientific concept, to sound engineering principle.

Personal opinion can of course be useful when making equipment choices, especially from someone who has experience of the equipment in question, but it is very subjective and subject to all sorts of biases. You're right that choosing a balance can be tricky. I guess the way to do it would be to collate people's opinions, and then perform some sort of test to see how accurate their perceptions are. I think that in the case of bicycle components, sometimes the gains are so marginal that having the psychological benefit of shiny new kit may trump any actual physical advantage. (But I haven't tested that assumption )

 

[jowwy]

Just put some nice new tyres on the synapse disc - looking forward to the huge performance gains on the lighter, better rubber

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]