If you could change one thing on an entry level bike

The saddle.

Group set - no question.

Comfort - saddle
performance - wheelset

I am going to assume you mean entry level tri bike ootherwise I would say get aerobars.

I personally don't think you will see huge difference between 105 and Ultegra or ultegra to dura ace. If you are going to go from 105 to Dura ace you might see a difference, but that is a pretty pricey increase for the difference in performance.
Wheels. If you are talking about race wheels I would go with those.

Pedals/shoes

maybe i should clarify

i have pedals shoes and the group set is  shimano tiagra, i also have clip on aero bars

i was considering getting some reynolds assault wheels and by the reviews would have to change them over from traning or racing as they appear prettymuch indestuctable

The engine.  Mine needs to be upgraded.

Thanks for the advice, so just stick to training wheels and have your race wheels for race day Gotcha!

i was just fishing for some ideas... and will be seeing how much an ultegra groupie will set me back

oh and BTW I am looking into flights for you now! Lucky to stay here I am sponsored by a company and will be getting my PR very soon... (i am english born and bred! )

Finely tuning mine as we speak! making some adjustments to strip out non -essential parts

x2 on the saddle

If you want to upgrade the groupset, look for a complete bike with the groupset you want and sell your current bike as is.  You're far more likely to sell a used complete bike with tiagra for it's actual value than trying to sell a used tiagra groupset.  Not many people are interested in upgrading to a used tiagra groupset.  But lots of people are interested in getting a used entry level tiagra bike.

Wheels are entirely up to you.  The good thing is that they can easily be transferred to any other bike assuming you always get a frame that takes the same wheel size (650 or 700).


Edited by tri808 2010-08-30 8:38 PM

Group set.

x2

Entry level bike is just that..don't waste your money on upgrading it as it is throwing money away..save for future tri bike.

Get a saddle that is comfortable if yours isn't, if uncomfortable get a bike fit and get your reach and stack so you can determine what would be an ideal next bike.

THanks for all comments...

I have had a proper bimechanical fit with my bike so it fits well and the saddle is comfy no sore bum so to speak.

So ideally i upgrade to a new bike and get some new wheels..... now to win lotto!

x3

My first serious road bike was a Trek 2000 with Tiagra components; although I now have another road bike, I still have the Trek 2000 and use it as my commuter.  I didn't upgrade anything on the bike when it was my only road bike and it has seen lots of training and racing miles.  I have replaced components as they have worn out (few chains, a cassette and I need to replace the rear derailleur as it is just about shot) but otherwise everything is stock.

Shane

Assuming the saddle in comfortable, I'd say wheels.

saddle all the way...comfort is huge

not sure how "entry level" the bike is but it does seem a little odd to spend $12-1400 on wheels for a bike that may only be worth half that. maybe think about a rear disc cover and a light weight front wheel...just a thought

1. saddle
2. wheels

Did you buy your bike new or used?
If your bike is in good nick, put it up for sale for 70 - 90% of want you paid for it (new - used respectively) and add that to your 1K and buy a new bike.
That will get you a much better overall upgrade.

this...

I agree with the save your money for a new bike idea.

My first roadie was a Trek 1000 with the Tiagra groupset. I did upgrade the saddle cuz I couldn't go more than 20 miles on it, but I am keeping the new saddle and selling the bike with the original.

I just picked up a Trek 2300 on CraigsList for $650. Carbon fork, carbon seatstays, full Ultegra groupset, RaceLite wheels, etc. It is much lighter and all around just a much better bike. I just sld my old Trek 1000 for $500, I paid about $800 for it brand new.

So for $150 out of pocket I upgraded my frame, wheels, and groupset. Oh and it came with a computer and some speedplay pedals, and a box of powerbars and gels (guy selling it works for Powerbar). So if I were you I would just keep putting money into a bike fund and keep looking for a great deal, I have been looking for a while and my great deal finally came along.







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x2

Still riding my "entry level tri-bike" 3 years later with no upgrades other than replacement/worn parts and an inexpensive wheelset with a disc cover (due to wheel failure).  And I fair ok for my abilities. 

Time in the saddle, so find one that does not annoy you.