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Upgrade, or new bike
trisi
Posts: 13
in General Chat
20 years ago I cycled competitively at a junior level, but I've decided to settle in to triathlons to keep me fit from here on in. I'm no Tim Don, but am loving the diversity of training.
For my first triathlon season (last year) I trained and raced on a Dawes Giro 400. It only cost me £350 wholesale, but it isn’t too slick on gear changes (Xenon groupset), and it could do with a decent set of wheels. Can I simply upgrade the front and/or rear mech to improve shifting?
If I need a new drivetrain and wheels, it may be more cost effective to sell the Dawes and buy a better quality bike. If that’s the case, then I’d also like a carbon fibre frame (I think), so I’ve short listed the Claude Butler Strada or Torino, and the Focus Cayo. Are these sensible options or should I stick with Alu frame?
As I said, I've been out of the cycling scene for a long time but appreciate quality kit, so any advice will be greatly appreciated.
For my first triathlon season (last year) I trained and raced on a Dawes Giro 400. It only cost me £350 wholesale, but it isn’t too slick on gear changes (Xenon groupset), and it could do with a decent set of wheels. Can I simply upgrade the front and/or rear mech to improve shifting?
If I need a new drivetrain and wheels, it may be more cost effective to sell the Dawes and buy a better quality bike. If that’s the case, then I’d also like a carbon fibre frame (I think), so I’ve short listed the Claude Butler Strada or Torino, and the Focus Cayo. Are these sensible options or should I stick with Alu frame?
As I said, I've been out of the cycling scene for a long time but appreciate quality kit, so any advice will be greatly appreciated.
0
Comments
You are in much the same situation as me, i raced late 70's then got inebriated & found women.[:D]
Returning to cycling is fun and my first love although with a young family i found running easier to manage.
Now i am on it with a vengence and working hard on my swimming as well. I think, answering your question eventually, that you can upgrade front and rear mechs but only if they are designed for the same cassette or chainset option. I have a Sora triple on my Giant and would love to change it to an Ultegra double but it would mean the brake levers and chainset as well as the gear mechs. There are so many more options now.
You won't necessarily have to change the wheels just the cassette.
But wouldn't a brand new Tri bike be just soooo good.
David
or more importantly workout how much you have to spend and work out if by buying new bits the frame is gonna be left behind.
i dare you to mention 0% credit cards .. go on i feckin dare you !!!!!!! [:D]
I remember when Peugeot launched the 'Fibre de Carbone' (he reminisces, hunched over wobbling walking stick), so I'd dearly love a CF frame now I'm cycling regularly & can 'afford' one. I too have baby on the way, so possibly last chance to upgrade before all money goes on nappies.... and kid's bikes!
Appreciate the subliminal 0% advice too - Wiggle & JE James offer this so I think that could be the way forward.
summing up, I think there's an appropriate Essex expression - "You can't polish a turd" !!