Will there be much of a change?

[Peter10]

Being the person that I am, I am looking to make a few upgrades on my bike, but only want to make them if they are worthwhile. Wheels are on the top of my list, which I have asked about before so I wont start that again... however...


How much change will there be by upgrading my alloy stem, aluminium seat-post and drop handlebars to carbon ones? I have asked around from friends who cycle more than I do and I got mixed answers. Some say that apart from the weight there will be fairly noticeable changes in other areas like comfort where some say it won't make much of a difference at all. My rucksack will pretty much negate any weight change for my commutes, but on a training ride where I only have cycle kit on, will there be any noticeable difference? (or maybe even on the commute?)

Any views on this one?

 

[Alien8]

Depends what you mean by worthwhile?

I'd say sweet fa in the general scheme of things - but there again I haven't got a carbon stem, seat-post or bars.

They might get you some extra bling points but nothing beats working that bit harder to improve performance.

 

[raindog]

but on a training ride where I only have cycle kit on, will there be any noticeable difference?

No there won't. You're talking about a few grammes difference. If your bike was going to be 1 or 2 kilos lighter, then yes, you'd feel the benefit when climbing, but not a few grammes.

 

[Globalti]

I'd say there will definitely be an increase in comfort. Carbon is the dogs' wotsits for shock absorbtion.

 

[lukesdad]

Scandium posts and stems are lighter than Carbon. So unless you re doing it for comfort I wouldnt bother.

 

[Genman]

I'd say there will definitely be an increase in comfort. Carbon is the dogs' wotsits for shock absorbtion.

+1

 

[Peter10]

Thanks for the replies. I have read (mostly on this forum) that carbon is good for shock absorption. I think I will hold off for a while and get some new wheels instead. I might treat myself to some Dura Ace WH7850 or something (purely from reviews being pretty good). I'm still kinda lost with what's best.

 

[raindog]

I think I will hold off for a while and get some new wheels instead.

Ah! Now you're talking! Invest money in a really good pair of wheels and you will feel a difference in performance.

 

[Peter10]

Ah! Now you're talking! Invest money in a really good pair of wheels and you will feel a difference in performance.

I'm kind of confused about what to get. The wheels I got with my bike aren't sold as how I have them in shops (not where I can find anyway). They are:

Rims: Mach 1 CFX 700C
Front Hub: Joytech Alloy
Rear Hub: Joytech Alloy

I have no idea how much they weigh together as I can't find them listed. Anyone have experience or these parts? They come as standard on my Bianchi Nirone. I have a feeling they are pretty ordinary, so anything will be an upgrade.

 

[PpPete]

Don't buy wheels on "bling" though.
A really good handbuilt will last much better on today's crappy road surfaces.

 

[Will1985]

Rims: Mach 1 CFX 700C = 460g per rim claimed
Front Hub: Joytech Alloy = 145g claimed w/o skewer
Rear Hub: Joytech Alloy = 395g claimed w/o skewer

Add in around 500g for plain gauge spokes and alloy nipples.

This gives a theoretical weight of 1.96kg for a wheelset which is possibly a bit low. I would have said just over 2kg as the older Ambrosio for Bianchi versions were.

Compared to a common handbuilt set, the extra weight is mostly in the hubs and the spokes. Consider that a Mavic Open Pro weighs 40g less per rim, which isn't that much, and a decent rear hub can weigh under 250g.
You'd have to find some 350g rims and decent hubs before you might start to notice a difference climbing. Then, all of that is negated if you stick on heavy tyres which are even further out in terms of rotational weight.

Personally I wouldn't upgrade any of the other components to carbon (ignore wrapped carbon) for weight saving or comfort - it's too expensive and IME isn't effective. Perhaps a more comfortable saddle or 25c tyres?

 

[fossyant]

Feel per buck, then it has to be quality wheels and good lightweight race tyres (about 200g) - huge difference to how the bike feels, and the weight is saved at the furthest 'rotating' point is key. No point having the most super light hub, and a heavy rim/tyre.

 

[Globalti]

For a comfortable ride look at Specialized Roubaix tyres. They're lightweight and have a slightly deeper profile for shock absorbtion.