Subject: RE: To buy, or not to buy...used parts? A few answers: 1. Weight matters very little in bike racing. Unless you are talking about 50 lb bikes and your race is in the Sierras or the Alps. What matters a lot is design, function, durability, and aerodynamics. If you replace parts, focus on those qualities. Weight ranks last, and by a big margin. 2. Used parts are great. But you really should only buy used parts if you (or someone who helps you out) knows at least a bit about bikes, components, compatibility, and how abused parts look like. If you have that expertise avail, then, yes, used parts will save you a lot of money. 3. Focus on safety and aerodynamics. In terms of aero performance, the accepted ranking, from biggest difference to least, is aerobars first, aero helmet, aero wheels, and then aero frame. ps. If you need a bento pack, of course get one that is designed well: ours ! |