General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Bike upgrade Rss Feed  
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2008-10-28 3:13 PM

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Subject: Bike upgrade
I have been riding a Giant OCR 3 for the last two years. I am still a novice at all this and I don't ride fast (18 mph is flying for me). The only upgrade to the bike I have done is clipless pedals. My friend works in a bike shop and said that the only difference between a better groupset and my bottom of the line sora components is weight. I have thought about a new bike, but I can stand to lose " a lot" of weight from my 240 lb body before I spend $1,000 dollars to lose a few pounds in parts. What do more experienced bikers think. I enjoy riding the OCR, but I hear about people "buying speed" on the bike????


2008-10-28 3:22 PM
in reply to: #1771269

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Subject: RE: Bike upgrade
If you like your bike, I say keep it. A different bike isn't going to make you faster by itself. Your Sora group is plenty good!

If you want to get faster on your bike, get yourself a good trainer or rollers for winter riding.
2008-10-28 3:22 PM
in reply to: #1771269

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Subject: RE: Bike upgrade

Just ride more.

Consider some aerobars if it will help you get a more aero and/or comfortable position (position is the best "non-training" speed you can buy).

2008-10-28 3:23 PM
in reply to: #1771269

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Subject: RE: Bike upgrade

Difference between Sora and other components is more than weight, primarily you get a gain in shifting precision. That doesn't translate into speed unless you are racing in conditions that require a lot of precise shifting, and if you're not having problems with the Sora then you gain practically nothing.

Weight savings in general won't translate to speed unless you're racing very hilly courses.

What an upgrade can give you in terms of speed is a position that maximizes power, comfort and aerodynamics which will  translate into more speed at a given effort. An example of this would be if you upgrade to a tri bike.

2008-10-28 3:25 PM
in reply to: #1771269

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Subject: RE: Bike upgrade
The other consideration often brought up in these types of discussions is that a new upgraded bike will cause you to ride more, which is a sure way to increase speed. 
2008-10-28 3:27 PM
in reply to: #1771269

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Subject: RE: Bike upgrade
aero bars would be more benifical for ya. Will see bigger gains that groupo. But I found it important to work with someone on fit with clipons on a road bike, since geom. is very different than tri bike. If you can stand to loose wait, for now that is a cheaper way to lighten things up.. With buying speed it usually encompasses, deep race wheels, aerobars, aero helmet, TIGHT clothing and a solid (both aero and powerful) position. But I think aerobars if you dont have would be great, I have the Profile Sonix, love them!

Also in a tri, you gain more time saving from aero than weight. You can drop 5 G's to drop 5 ounds on the bike but only save half or less of what a set of race wheels or a great position with an aero helmet would save ya. aero trumps weight. There is a good thread about that on here, that I posted an articale on it.

good luck! trust me I understand what you feel.


2008-10-28 4:51 PM
in reply to: #1771309

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Subject: RE: Bike upgrade
Thanks for the feed back. I know I need to ride more and plan on it. The OCR has brakes where clip on aero bars would go, so they are not an option. I also had back surgery in 03 and that position is tough on me.
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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Bike upgrade Rss Feed