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2008-01-18 11:03 AM

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Subject: What to upgrade on bike
I have a 2004 Trek 1200 that fits me well and serves it's purpose.

If I was interested in upgrading a componet on this bike (resonably priced $ 200-$500-- I can't afford $3-4 K for a tri bike -- maybe in a few years).

What would be the first item to swap out. I've been told race wheels.

Any ideas or comments would be appreciated.

Thanks.


2008-01-18 11:09 AM
in reply to: #1163929

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Subject: RE: What to upgrade on bike
Do you have Aero-bars? If not, I would get a set of shorty aerobars.. like Profile Design Jammer GT.

You could also get an aero-helmet. Good bang for the buck.

Race wheels... good luck finding a complete set for $500, but you might. They offer a lot of bling, but less performance than the aerobars or helmet (can of worms.. opened)

Used powertap?
2008-01-18 11:10 AM
in reply to: #1163929

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Subject: RE: What to upgrade on bike
what is your current setup??  do you have aero bars??   the best thing to upgrade for time is anything to get more aero....  bars or wheels....   pedals and shoes maybe  some place you could gain a lot more power depending on what you have now
2008-01-18 11:18 AM
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Subject: RE: What to upgrade on bike
I have:

Clip on Aero bars, Zero pedals, non-tri shoes, otherwise that's it.
2008-01-18 11:23 AM
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Subject: RE: What to upgrade on bike

 

Engine

Cool

2008-01-18 11:27 AM
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Subject: RE: What to upgrade on bike


If you have ideas on how a 48 year old 6'2", 185 man can make his engine better, I'm all ears.

I will say that this will be only my 3rd year of cycling and I have made about a 2 mph increase from my first year to second year average 19 during most of sprint tri's last year). I hope with additional riding time this year I can raise that again.



2008-01-18 11:28 AM
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Subject: RE: What to upgrade on bike

rjd04 - 2008-01-18 11:27 AM If you have ideas on how a 48 year old 6'2", 185 man can make his engine better, I'm all ears.

Ride Lots! is usually the first step.

From a 52-yo 5'9" 200-lb. man.



Edited by the bear 2008-01-18 11:29 AM
2008-01-18 11:30 AM
in reply to: #1164017

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Subject: RE: What to upgrade on bike
Last year 3 times a week. One long ride. Others were 1-1/5 hours of hard riding with hills.

Family and job came first last year.

This year I hope to put tri workouts before job! At least 4 rides a week, one day of swim and one run and or brick.

Any other ideas?

2008-01-18 11:36 AM
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Subject: RE: What to upgrade on bike

How many total miles last year? "Long ride" is relative, not sure what 1-1/5 hour could be, other than 70 minutes.

Regardless, keep it up, build to 100-150 per week if you're not there. Eventually you can entertain the idea of tempo rides and intervals.

If you're asking for training advice, you might want to put your logs out there for public view.



Edited by the bear 2008-01-18 11:46 AM
2008-01-18 11:44 AM
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Subject: RE: What to upgrade on bike
Long rides usually 35 miles. Others 20-25. But that is from april through Oct. I live in MN.

So no where near ~150/week.

That's good advice -- thanks.

Right now mostly swim and run with rides on Expresso bike at the gym. No trainer at home.

I have "seasoned" triathletes tell me that I should spend most of my training on the bike since it is where the most time is spent during the race.

Do you agree?
2008-01-18 11:47 AM
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Subject: RE: What to upgrade on bike
Sure, but I'm decidedly biased. Most would say to train your weakness and race your strength.


2008-01-18 11:52 AM
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Subject: RE: What to upgrade on bike
It is what I hear most often.

My first year I swam a little, bike a bit more and ran the most. I am most comfortable running since I've been doing it all my life.

Last year I spent more time in the water and saw a huge increase in my performance. I got over the uncomfortable OWS feeling I had my first year.

I'll make my goal to ride 150/week.

Two last questions.

What is a long ride for you, in time and distance? And what do you avg for the distance?

I appreciate your feedback.
2008-01-18 12:19 PM
in reply to: #1164102

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Subject: RE: What to upgrade on bike

Long rides usually 35 miles. Others 20-25. But that is from april through Oct. I live in MN.

Maybe a bike trainer would be a good investment for you.

2008-01-18 12:25 PM
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Subject: RE: What to upgrade on bike
cathyd - 2008-01-18 12:19 PM

Long rides usually 35 miles. Others 20-25. But that is from april through Oct. I live in MN.

Maybe a bike trainer would be a good investment for you.

x2

2008-01-18 12:42 PM
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Subject: RE: What to upgrade on bike
JohnnyKay - 2008-01-18 1:25 PM
cathyd - 2008-01-18 12:19 PM

Long rides usually 35 miles. Others 20-25. But that is from april through Oct. I live in MN.

Maybe a bike trainer would be a good investment for you.

x2

x3

2008-01-18 12:43 PM
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Subject: RE: What to upgrade on bike
rjd04 - 2008-01-18 12:30 PM
Family and job came first last year.

This year I hope to put tri workouts before job! At least 4 rides a week, one day of swim and one run and or brick.

Any other ideas?



Family and somewhat Job should come first at all times otherwise there will be no bike riding .... Well thats what my wife says to me...


2008-01-18 12:48 PM
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Subject: RE: What to upgrade on bike
Donto - 2008-01-18 12:42 PM
JohnnyKay - 2008-01-18 1:25 PM
cathyd - 2008-01-18 12:19 PM

Long rides usually 35 miles. Others 20-25. But that is from april through Oct. I live in MN.

Maybe a bike trainer would be a good investment for you.

x2

x3

x4

2008-01-18 1:12 PM
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Subject: RE: What to upgrade on bike

not trying to say what every one else thinks is bad, bike trainer great, yes ride more increase the engine.....   but i also think being happy with your equipment will make you want to ride more, feel more comfortable and more involved with the sport.  so if piecing your bike together keeps you motivated and enthused to go ride b/c you buy new aero bars i think the money is well spent.....    on the flip side if your someone who is self motivated then SUAT.....

just my two cents, i love my bike but i do tend to go buy gadgets that keep me excited and want to go train more....

2008-01-18 1:16 PM
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Subject: RE: What to upgrade on bike
I would look to upgrade wheels. lighter and more aero wheels will make a middle of the road bike feel crisp and nimble. Cane Creek Crono, aeroheads, are great wheels. Check ebay, you can score spinergy wheels under 500.00 they are light and strong. good race / training wheels.
2008-01-18 1:22 PM
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Subject: RE: What to upgrade on bike

rjd04 - 2008-01-18 11:52 AM  What is a long ride for you, in time and distance? And what do you avg for the distance? I appreciate your feedback.

Up to 100 miles, five, five-and-a-half hours (18-20mph), depending on goals, conditions, etc.

Most typically, unless I'm training for a longer event, my weekly long ride will be 60-70 miles @ 18-19mph.



Edited by the bear 2008-01-18 1:23 PM
2008-01-19 10:38 AM
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Subject: RE: What to upgrade on bike
Bike trainers are great... if you get yourself to use it regularly. Personally, I find it to be terribly boring. Granted, I end up riding my trainer about 2-3 hours per week.... and hating every single minute of it. That said... its a very effective training tool.



2008-01-19 10:57 AM
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Subject: RE: What to upgrade on bike
rjd04 - 2008-01-18 9:03 AM

I have a 2004 Trek 1200 that fits me well and serves it's purpose.

If I was interested in upgrading a componet on this bike (resonably priced $ 200-$500-- I can't afford $3-4 K for a tri bike -- maybe in a few years).

What would be the first item to swap out. I've been told race wheels.

Any ideas or comments would be appreciated.

Thanks.


Budget of 500, I'd get:
1. Like everyone said - Trainer
2. Computer with cadence.
3. Cassette (maybe a better one for you to eek out every bit, depends on terrain and individual style)
4. Forward seat post (if you need to improve position) ask LBS for help.
5. Behind seat water cage.

Might be over budget.... Oh well, it's not the first time, and it certainly won't be the last!
2008-01-19 1:08 PM
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Subject: RE: What to upgrade on bike

Broken record alert in 3..... 2..... 1......

I agree with the trainer and a computer.  This way you can check your output and power.  Also maybe looka t incorporating HR training - this could be benificial.

Good luck!

2008-01-19 3:47 PM
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Subject: RE: What to upgrade on bike

If my components were in good shape and I had $500 bucks to burn on upgrades, I'd go with, in this order:
1)  Power meter
2)  Wireless HR monitor/cyclometer
3)  Wheels
4)  Screw bike components, get $500 in singles and hit the "gentlemen's club"

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