Bike components - big gains vs marginal gains

[winjim]

Depends ... does it fit me and are you selling it for a fiver?

I don't know, I need to check its value with the OP.

 

[MichaelW2]

That is a load of rubbish.
No-one expects to go "twice as fast" but if you are denying the performance gains associated with higher end wheels (or other kit and components), you are a long way wide of the mark.

The performance gains of aero design components are most effective if you ride very quickly. For elite riders, even marginal gains are important and a few of them stacked together can make the difference between gold and silver.
For slower riders the effects are exceedingly marginal .
The most cost effective component upgrade for any rider are tyres, then maybe a new stem/bars to get your body position more aero.

Upgrading from light to ultralight (eg 105 to Ultegra) is a marginal gain for athletic riders. Many smaller, non-athletic riders are using bikes that are excessively heavy, by several kg. Upgrading to light makes a difference to acceleration, so is a safety measure.

 

[Rob3rt]

The performance gains of aero design components are most effective if you ride very quickly. For elite riders, even marginal gains are important and a few of them stacked together can make the difference between gold and silver.
For slower riders the effects are exceedingly marginal .
The most cost effective component upgrade for any rider are tyres, then maybe a new stem/bars to get your body position more aero.

Upgrading from light to ultralight (eg 105 to Ultegra) is a marginal gain for athletic riders. Many smaller, non-athletic riders are using bikes that are excessively heavy, by several kg. Upgrading to light makes a difference to acceleration, so is a safety measure.

A slower rider will derive a smaller power saving than a fast rider from more aero kit, however in terms of time saved, since they are out on the course longer, the absolute time savings can in fact be greater for a slower rider than a faster rider.

 

[Hacienda71]

If we never improved things we would be riding around on these.

That might make @Rob3rt s 20 minute 10 TT times a bit harder to achieve.

 

[Arrowfoot]

[QUOTE="Arrowfoot, post: 3608208, member: 18391" ordering carbon frames and components from China and they seem to do the job. And there are copies of well known bikes.

There are good unbranded carbon frames made in China but also sub-standard look-a-likes. The problem is knowing which one you have.[/QUOTE]

Agree. Some of the guys in this forum have done their due diligence, tested it, provided photos and even supplier contacts. Credit to these guys for sharing their experience. They even covered custom charges, shipping duration.

 

[Arrowfoot]

But what if your bike already has Askiums already on it?

Vendors now realise that buyers are now more discerning and checking and getting advice on online forums, clubs and friends. So they now moving away from usual stock wheels. Its a good sign.

Why would upgrade a new Aksium, either get the vendor to upgrade to the spec that you looking for or use it until it times to replace to an upgrade. Nearly all the vendors ar prepared to upgrade components.

 

[Mugshot]

Maybe someone should organise a double-blind test to find out whether a million pound wheel-set (for example) can really make you go twice as fast.

Blimey, don't think I'd volunteer for that one!

 

[Nigelnaturist]

I upgrade my bike when it needs new kit, the frame isn't anything special, probably the opposite, but I know certain upgrades have made riding more enjoyable 105 shifters over the old Sora thumb shifters, and the Ultegra 12-23 cassette has certainly improved my cadence this week.

 

[outlash]

Vendors now realise that buyers are now more discerning and checking and getting advice on online forums, clubs and friends. So they now moving away from usual stock wheels. Its a good sign.

Why would upgrade a new Aksium, either get the vendor to upgrade to the spec that you looking for or use it until it times to replace to an upgrade. Nearly all the vendors ar prepared to upgrade components.

So you're saying that wheels don't get any better than Askiums?

 

[Arrowfoot]

So you're saying that wheels don't get any better than Askiums?

No. For £150, the Aksium or an equivalent is a big jump from the stock wheels that come with entry level road bikes. It makes the most performance wise, not groupset upgrade, or any other component.

Alternatively spend the £150 on comprehension remedial course.

 

[outlash]

No. For £150, the Aksium or an equivalent is a big jump from the stock wheels that come with entry level road bikes. It makes the most performance wise, not groupset upgrade, or any other component.

Alternatively spend the £150 on comprehension remedial course.

Cute. Sure you don't mean a remedial comprehension course? I suggest you take your own advice.

Tony.

 

[Pale Rider]

While I am all in favour of literacy, I am living proof that a literate rider is neither fast nor fit.

 

[outlash]

But at least you can read road signs .