Comments on: How to Upgrade Your New Road Bike

By: Levi

Levi — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 12:58:44 +0000

@datduude

Consider that seatpost to be an aluminum post. The carbon wrap provides nothing more than the look of carbon.

When you have a stiff aluminum frame like the CAAD9, a real carbon post can make the ride a little more comfortable, so it’s usually worth the upgrade.

By: datduude

datduude — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 18:56:06 +0000

Thanks Levi for the info. I just recently bought a CAAD9 105. I’m fairly happy with the drive-train setup except I just found out that my 12-27 cassettes is pointless for Florida flat roads. Sooo, my replacement by second quarter of 2012, will either be 12-23 for or 12-25. Now, I do have a question about the seatpost. Mine is the Cannondale brand C3 carbon-wrapped. Is this good enough or should I go full carbon?

By: Dave

Dave — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 17:27:35 +0000

Great article. I’m currently in the process of upgrading the components on my bike and your article is the same advice I’ve heard from many in the riding community.

By: Stephen

Stephen — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 02:28:43 +0000

While I know from forum experience (photography/cars) that certain upgrades are not as essential as they’re hyped up to be, I appreciate this article and found a lot of the information to be very useful (particularly maintenance intervals and parts needed), so thanks.

By: Ask Levi: Can I Mix and Match Drivetrain Parts?

Ask Levi: Can I Mix and Match Drivetrain Parts? — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:41:32 +0000

[...] mixing and matching parts again… I’m looking at upgrading several components of my Trek 1.5 I recently purchased a Ultegra rear deraileur to replace the Tiagra unit there now. I’d like [...]

By: Levi

Levi — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 15:45:21 +0000

@Ally

I don’t know why you think you’re disagreeing with me. I’m just listing what I recommend as most worthwhile when you need to upgrade your bike, not saying you need tons of upgrades immediately. The goal of this article is to keep riders from spending money on pointless upgrades.

When to make the upgrades is a personal decision and many factors should be taken into account. For example, if you have upgraded to Cat 1 and are trying to turn Professional, good wheels and tires would help a lot. And if you have a set of broken wheels and bald tires, well, that’s also a good time to get new wheels!

By: Ally

Ally — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 09:54:48 +0000

I’m going to go ahead and respectfully disagree with this guide and say that the only REALLY necessary upgrades on an entry level road bike are the first two you listed – a saddle and clipless pedals. New cyclists should DEFINITELY get fitted, however – this is far more important than buying new wheels and tires straight off the bat. In my experience, most LBSs (that’s where you’re buying your bike, right?) will include a fitting when you purchase your bike, but even if they don’t, THAT’S where you ought to be spending money. If your bike is not comfortable, you will not want to ride it, and that’s what you came here to do, right?

Remember: don’t buy upgrades, ride up grades!

By: Levi

Levi — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 21:57:56 +0000

@mechanic

Who is bowing down to carbon? The bikes mentioned in this article are not even made of carbon. The bikes’ forks are carbon and there are only two carbon parts mentioned – seatpost and handlebar.

I would say carbon works great in those areas, and most anyone who is “anti-carbon” has either a) never ridden carbon or b) broke a carbon part due to misuse.

I do agree carbon is not ideal in 100% of situations, though.

By: mechanic

mechanic — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:00:25 +0000

You can’t always bow down to carbon. although it is good in many applications it is not always appropriate, before diving into lots of carbon on your bike talk to a good local shop and see if your riding style and physique work with carbon.

By: Will Upgrading Tires Actually Make a Difference on My Road Bike?

Will Upgrading Tires Actually Make a Difference on My Road Bike? — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:35:17 +0000

[...] I wrote an article about the best ways to upgrade your road bike, and it sparked this question… I was interested in your “Upgrade a Road Bike” [...]