Upgrading bike parts

[Rustybucket]

I currently have a Boardman Carbon 2013 Ltd Edition:

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_918505_langId_-1_categoryId_289005

Hypothetically what would be the first thing I should look to upgrade? What would make the biggest difference? Budget of around £500

Thanks

 

[L14M]

I would personally upgrade the tekro brakes to 105's or something..

 

[uclown2002]

Wheels and tyres

 

[Cyclist33]

handbuilt wheels.

 

[simon.r]

What are you trying to achieve by upgrading? Is there anything you don't like about the bike? Anything on it's way out? If you're trying to make it 'better', what does 'better' mean to you?

 

[Rustybucket]

What are you trying to achieve by upgrading? Is there anything you don't like about the bike? Anything on it's way out? If you're trying to make it 'better', what does 'better' mean to you?

Just wondered what the first thing I should be looking to upgrade to improve the ride. I have already put on better tyres & pedals & also Stem & seatpost. Overall I am happy with the bike, but see it as a long term project and want to make it better.
Its currently hibernating for the winter, so I’m saving up some money to spend on it.

 

[stumpy66]

Wheels give the biggest noticeable upgrade imo, the rest of the bits i,d replace as they
wear out

 

[fossyant]

Wheels and tyres first call - some nice and light ones.

Quick weight saving ideas. Saddle, bars (Ritchey WCS alloy are about 100g at least lighter than the lower end stuff) and stem - you'll notice these less, but there can be some big weight savings (if you are that bothered).

Wheels and tyres are the biggest upgrade.

 

[Rustybucket]

Wheels give the biggest noticeable upgrade imo, the rest of the bits i,d replace as they
wear out

Thanks - I have no idea about wheels. Would spending £500 be an upgrade to what ive currently got, or is it worth spending more?

 

[fossyant]

Some quick choices:-

Shimano Dura Ace C24 or RS80 C24, Fulcrum Racing 1 of Zero, Mavic Ksyrium SL. For general riding, don't bother with deep section carbon. Also save the stock wheels for crappy weather.

Other choice is handbuilt wheels - Ultegra/Dura Ace hubs on Maxic CXP 33/Open Pro, Ambrosio Excellight, Velocity A23 or DT swiss rims.

Tyres, then Mich Pro Race, Schwalbe Ultremo, Conti GP4000 etc. Nice and light at around 200g each.

 

[Rustybucket]

Thanks fossyant - I like the look of the Shimano Dura Ace - would they make a noticible difference to the original wheels?

 

[stumpy66]

Thanks fossyant - I like the look of the Shimano Dura Ace - would they make a noticible difference to the original wheels?

Yeah, i would say you will notice a big difference over the stock wheels. I have the dura ace c24 and like them, light, tight with no flex, pick up really quickly. Planet x were doing them for £600

 

[stumpy66]

And the conti gp4000s tyres are really good choice with them

 

[Nick Stone]

And the conti gp4000s tyres are really good choice with them

Agree with that, I'm running 23's and 25's love them both at the moment

 

[Rustybucket]

Cycling weekly had a good buyers guide in it this week - they also said upgrading wheels would make the biggest difference. So will look to get some of them first!