Shall I get a new bike?

[mustang1]

I have a Mares that was supposed to take over from my 2006 Allez for commuting duties. Out of the two, the Mares is more practical with wider tires, 45mm fenders, rack. But... I love the Allez (it's Sora'ish equipped); it's simply more fun.

The Allez needs:
1. A new front wheel PDQ as the rim is worn out (running Mavic Aksiums which I rather like).
2. A new rear wheel soon enough.
3. New chainrings soon enough (worn).
4. New headset soon enough.
5. New chain soon enough (I have this lying around).
6. New cassette soon enough (I have this lying around too).
7. New brake calipers front and rear, not important to replace, the problem is the quick release is jammed, otherwise they work fine.

Recently I installed new brake pads (lying around) and bottom bracket (at LBS). The left peddle is every so slightly wonky (dunno what it is, but took it to two LBSs who couldn't fix the problem even with a new BB installed). The Conti Gatorskin tires are a couple of months old.

Shall I:
1. get a new front wheel (Shimano R500 or something, £55), or even a wheelset (£120)?
2, get a new front wheel (Mavic Aksium £100), or even a wheelset (£150)?
3. get new wheelset and new chainset and a full service (£?)?
3. get a new bike, I've seen a 2013 CAAD8 2300 for £450 (not sure if my size available right now) and add any of the above wheelset to it, plus peddles, cost will be app £600?
4. install the gatorskins on Mares to make that bike more fun and accelerative?
5. other suggestions?

My preference is not to buy another bike as I like to keep my possessions to a minimum, but this is cycling, sometimes the heart gets in the way.

 

[400bhp]

Sora is really cheap to replace. All that lot (includind new wheels) can probably be had for < £150.

 

[Nick Stone]

As @400bhp said, there's some great group set deals out there now, throw in some wheel and the spesh could be a new bike, love my Allez frame just fits like a glove when you hop on

 

[Cyclist33]

Go here for wheels - Shimano RS10s can be had for under a ton incl P&P!

http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/wheels/road-wheels/factory-road-wheels/

 

[slowmotion]

Compared to buying spare components, whole new bikes are spectacularly good value. If you can get a 2013 model in the next few days or weeks, you won't be sorry.

I did, and I'm not.

 

[vickster]

Merlin often have good deals on groupsets. Quidco too

 

[HLaB]

I personally prefer a road bike so I'd fix the Allez up (without going to too much expense) use it through winter and in the meantime save up for N+1. FWIW IME and contrart to physics wider tyres have not proven to be more grippy, but I stick to road and ride pretty straight and lean little in winter.

 

[DiddlyDodds]

New Bike New Bike ,, it is the time of year for total indulgence and self induced debt after all.

 

[jowwy]

New bike - its in your head now and will stay there to new bike is purchased.

You know it makes sense really.