Dilemma: sensible + upgrade in due course or blow the budget now?

[Graham W]

So I'm ready for the new bike. My dilemma is as above: do I get a bike I can afford and then upgrade (wheels, pedals, other bits once I learn what they are and what they do) when I am ready and can afford them? Or do I blow the budget and get the slickest shiniest thing I can find right now?

Detail:
I currently commute about 11 - 15km each way depending on the route, and have done so for nearly a year now. I ride an old mountain bike with smooth tyres. I would also like to be able to go out a bit at the weekends, so the new one is not going to be just a workhorse.

I'm looking at single speeds because I like them.

My choice is something along these lines:
Affordable option: Charge Plug (CycleSurgery do a black one with brown seat and handlebar. Looks stunning.)
Out of the budget option: Worx SR01 or the Cooper Sebring. There is little information on the Worx bikes out there, and I've never seen them around (which adds to the appeal), but my LBS rates them and they look amazing. I think the Sebring is pretty comparable but any comments would be appreciated.

I guess my question is: once I get fitter faster stronger etc, do you think I am likely to feel restricted getting the Charge? Is upgrading the wheels etc going to make a difference, or am I better off going higher from the start?

Thanks for any comments.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Wanna buy a second hand blue Charge Plug with upgraded wheels? Take a look in the classifieds if you do.

On a more serious/helpful note; buy the best frame you can get. All the other bits are going to wear out or break sooner or later anyway and then you'll have to replace them.

 

[jazzkat]

+1 best frame you can.
All the other bits, especially on an ss are so simple to replace. Upgrading stuff is ok, but if you are not fit to start with then there is little point. A bit of extra weight will help you get fitter

Better still, buy a cheapy, save some cash. When you are fitter/faster spend your saved dosh on what you know you want (or need). Also gives you time to bag some 2nd hand bargains to build up into your ultimate ride.

Note to self.....I must listen to my own advice

 

[Graham W]

Thanks guys, useful advice.
More pondering to do I think...

 

[earth]

Whats the budget?

The freehub on that Charge is a Dicta. Had one - didn't rate it. Even a Shimano one is better. Given that is a very cheap part - £10 - I wonder about the quality of their own branded Shield wheels and other parts.

Going for a single speed is an advantage because you can spend what you would have on gears on the frame or wheels. All the other parts are reasonably priced for a single speed.

 

[jefmcg]

What's the parking like at work? I just passed a Carrera Subway in Wigmore Street that was stripped down to a bare frame, even cabling gone.

 

[Graham W]

Being sensible, the budget is £500. The £800 for the Worx bike is not completely out of the question, just means savings have to be made elsewhere...

As for parking, I'm lucky enough to be able to bring it into the building. Don't tell anyone from Health & Safety but there's a convenient place I can store it in front of the fire escape.

 

[vickster]

Just make sure you lock it up properly even there as there are several tales of bikes being nicked from office buildings! That said mine lives in an underground carpark, about the 4th level down and I don't lock it