Gradually Upgrading Components

[The Mighty News]

I would like to gradually upgrade the components on my Specialized Allez, im thinking of starting with pedals but after that what is the next logical route or is there one?

I think in my position the cheapest first would be the starting point but after pedals where next?

 

[Cubist]

Depends what you want to achieve. Do you want to make it
A) Lighter?
B) Faster?
C) Comfier?
D) Unique?

 

[The Mighty News]

Depends what you want to achieve. Do you want to make it
A) Lighter?
B) Faster?
C) Comfier?
D) Unique?

I suppose a bit of everything, the gears on the bars are ok but could be smoother, I would like to give snap on pedals a whirl as I really cant get away with the basic ones that came with it. The brakes are the standard issue ones but there is no real need to change them unless I am missing something

 

[Cubist]

OK, so what gears does it currently have? In terms of upgrades wheels and tyres are often a good start, but then chainset/drivetrain to suit how and where you want to ride.

Do you do your own maintenance, and can you do your own spannering if you choose to upgrade stuff like the drivetrain? The reason I ask is that you can find some absolute bargains in classifieds and eBay (occasionally) and can make good upgrades cheaply, but if you need a shop to do it all for you it may be cheaper simply to buy a "better" bike.

 

[Drago]

I think in my position the cheapest first would be the starting point but after pedals where next?

Seat, pedals, bars. Those are the contact points so deserve attention.

Next in line is whatever wears out or breaks first.

 

[The Mighty News]

OK, so what gears does it currently have? In terms of upgrades wheels and tyres are often a good start, but then chainset/drivetrain to suit how and where you want to ride.

Do you do your own maintenance, and can you do your own spannering if you choose to upgrade stuff like the drivetrain? The reason I ask is that you can find some absolute bargains in classifieds and eBay (occasionally) and can make good upgrades cheaply, but if you need a shop to do it all for you it may be cheaper simply to buy a "better" bike.

I will be doing my own maintenance, my mate is good at doing his and i am sure he will provide pointers :-)

He has already sent some links for stuff to be honest.

 

[The Mighty News]

Seat, pedals, bars. Those are the contact points so deserve attention.

Next in line is whatever wears out or breaks first.

Thanks mate, I think I will go pedals then bars, so far the seat seems grand enough

 

[Citius]

Upgrading bars is a waste of time - it's a lot of faff for no discernible benefit. The biggest difference you will notice instantly in terms of ride quality and feel is by changing to a set of quality, lightweight tyres. Maybe look at the saddle if you can find one that is more comfortable (assuming the one you already have is not comfortable). Clip-in pedals will give you a more secure foot placement as you pedal. But bars? Seriously, save your money.

The rest of your bike is already capable of high performance - just needs to be ridden

 

[cashy293]

I'd agree with Citius. Not sure replacing the bars will make any difference. As an Allez owner myself, I kept it pretty standard with regards the groupset and just bought some new Fulcrum Quattro wheels and put some Michelin Pro 4's on.

Rode that for 2 years and then upgraded my bike and kept the Allez as a winter bike when I had saved up some money.

 

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

You've just bought this bike, why upgrade it instead of buying something better in the first place?

 

[Drago]

Upgrading bars is a waste of time - it's a lot of faff for no discernible benefit.

That's a bit of a sweeping statement. It depends very much on the gents size and shape. If by chance he's fit, healthy and flexible and not overly large, then the typical 42cm bar will do. I'm well above average size wise and have limited range of movement on my right arm, so prefer one particular manufacturers 44cm bar.

To just say there will be no gain is preposterous and dangerously overarching statement. All the contact points require examination and thought.

 

[Citius]

That's a bit of a sweeping statement. It depends very much on the gents size and shape. If by chance he's fit, healthy and flexible and not overly large, then the typical 42cm bar will do. I'm well above average size wise and have limited range of movement on my right arm, so prefer one particular manufacturers 44cm bar.

To just say there will be no gain is preposterous and dangerously overarching statement. All the contact points require examination and thought.

Moving the goalposts again? The thread is about 'upgrades' - not bike fitting.

 

[Drago]

And making your bike function to its optimum is not an upgrade? Please explain.

 

[Citius]

And making your bike function to its optimum is not an upgrade? Please explain.

Don't be obtuse. You know perfectly well this is a thread about the generally pointless pursuit of swapping out components for more expensive replacements. Odd that you hadn't mentioned anything about bike fits until I raised it.

 

[cashy293]

Cleaning your bike after a ride could be considered making it "function to its optimum" but I doubt there would be many people calling it an upgrade!