Best upgrade

[robz400]

Hi all,

Right, I currently cycle 10 miles each way to work on my year and a half old Carrera Virtuoso which is fine but obviously a bit budget and has now done just over 2500miles in which time i've done nothing to it except some nicer tyres.

I can get a new bike on the cycle to work scheme in November but until then I'd like to upgrade the Carrera a bit....

I'm thinking wheels, carbon forks and carbon seat post. oh and brake pads, I ran out of those a few hundred miles ago!!!!

Of the 3 which will make the biggest difference to my commute? Forks and seat post for buzz or new wheels????

Thanks

 

[swee'pea99]

1) Wheels
2) Wheels
3) Wheels

 

[Moodyman]

You're commuting, not racing, so a good set of wheels & decent tyres for reliability.

Bikes get a lot of abuse when commuting so the carbon stuff is a bit of a waste.

 

[Mark_Robson]

Rob check out my upgraded Virtuoso for ideas.

 

[HaloJ]

Rob check out my upgraded Virtuoso for ideas.

How did you manage to only spend roughly the same cost again and get a 105 mech? I specced up a 105 setup (including the levers) last night and could only get it to about £450 for a 5600/5603 setup.

 

[robz400]

Thanks for the replies :-)

I realise its only commuting but I use it as my main CV training for boxing as tend to do weights the evenings and therefore keep a keen eye on my times and push pretty hard.

I heard that carbon forks give bikes a much smoother ride?

Will definitely get some wheels though...

Whats a good set that won't cost the earth but will make a difference, i'd hate to spend £200 and not really save any weight!!

 

[robz400]

Rob check out my upgraded Virtuoso for ideas.

Very jealous now! Same red as well!! I love the idea of loosing the sora shifters but was shocked at the cost.

Any reason I couldn't just continue to upgrade until the only thing left is the frame??? And then once I'm feeling more flush slot in the nice carbon frame???

 

[jay clock]

If you are using this as CV training, do not bother reducing the weight. Increase it if anything.

Give the bike a good clean and service, replace the pads.

Keep riding

 

[Mark_Robson]

How did you manage to only spend roughly the same cost again and get a 105 mech? I specced up a 105 setup (including the levers) last night and could only get it to about £450 for a 5600/5603 setup.

Everything came from eBay. I'm still looking out for some 9 speed shifters to complete the job but as you know they aint cheap. Just keep your eyes open and you will find bargains.

 

[cyberknight]

interesting bike !!

I am considering a carbon fork for mine come Christmas

 

[amasidlover]

I replaced a 531 steel fork (stripped threads on the steerer) with a carbon fork and the difference is noticable - it doesn't cushion the bumps much, but does get rid of quite a bit of vibration.

The other upgrade I've done recently and am really appreciating is a dynamo hub with good standlights attached.

Alex

 

[threebikesmcginty]

[quote name='swee'pea99']1) Wheels
2) Wheels
3) Wheels[/QUOTE]

Is it a trike then?