General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Best bike upgrade Rss Feed  
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2006-04-24 2:41 PM

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Expert
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Charlottesville, VA
Subject: Best bike upgrade
I can't afford to invest in a new bike, but I'm starting to think ahead towards improving my current ride. What's the single best investment I could make to improve the performance of my ride?

I'm working on the obvious issues, like riding as much as possible (sidelined with knee injury currently) and lightening the engine (lost 10 pounds since February), so let's look at the mechanical side of things.

Here's what I've got now:

Lemond Reno (link below, but with a spiffy black and RED paint job)
http://www.lemondbikes.com/2006_bikes/reno.shtml

clipless pedals
clip on aero bars

Thanks for your input!


2006-04-24 2:49 PM
in reply to: #405094

Master
1315
1000100100100
Shreveport, LA
Subject: RE: Best bike upgrade
Getting Fit (saddle height, cleat positioning, etc).

This will help to ensure you are comfortable and getting as much of the power you are using into the bike.

Edited by mnewton 2006-04-24 2:50 PM
2006-04-24 2:55 PM
in reply to: #405094

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Resident Curmudgeon
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The Road Back
Gold member
Subject: RE: Best bike upgrade

Got to agree with Michael.

After that, aerodynamic wheels.

But, the old saying is "don't buy upgrades, ride up grades." As soon as you are able, get out there and ride, as a matter of fact, ride lots!



Edited by the bear 2006-04-24 2:57 PM
2006-04-24 3:04 PM
in reply to: #405094

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Master
2033
200025
Subject: RE: Best bike upgrade
What they said... You have a nice brand new bike. Fit is the MOST important thing, after that just get out and ride lots. The bike you got is set up pretty good and carbon bottle cages are not going to help. Wear out the parts you have and then upgrade.
2006-04-24 6:47 PM
in reply to: #405094

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Elite
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Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Subject: RE: Best bike upgrade
I would say shoes and clipless pedals.
2006-04-24 6:56 PM
in reply to: #405315

Master
1534
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Subject: RE: Best bike upgrade

parrj - 2006-04-24 7:47 PMI would say shoes and clipless pedals.

I was about to say, didn't bear recently describe that a shoe/pedal combo is basically speed that you can buy?



Edited by jknapman 2006-04-24 6:57 PM


2006-04-24 6:58 PM
in reply to: #405108

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Coach
9167
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Stairway to Seven
Subject: RE: Best bike upgrade
the bear - 2006-04-24 3:55 PM

Got to agree with Michael.

After that, aerodynamic wheels.

But, the old saying is "don't buy upgrades, ride up grades." As soon as you are able, get out there and ride, as a matter of fact, ride lots!



Bear always has a saying that fits!
2006-04-24 7:22 PM
in reply to: #405094

Member
120
100
Subject: RE: Best bike upgrade
After working the engine, my opinion is:

- clipless pedal system (a must have)
- skip the clip on and get an integrated aero bar system (lighter and better aero positions. Since your body is the number one drag element this is the most important part of your bike - 4-6 minutes over 40k)
- aero wheels (solid time savings for the $ - 2-4 minutes over 40k)

2006-04-24 7:30 PM
in reply to: #405094

Master
1315
1000100100100
Shreveport, LA
Subject: RE: Best bike upgrade
He said that he already has clipless pedals and aerobars.
2006-04-25 12:04 PM
in reply to: #405094

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Expert
1169
10001002525
Charlottesville, VA
Subject: RE: Best bike upgrade
Yup. I've had clipless for years, even on my old bike, and just added aerobars this year (love 'em).
2006-04-25 1:50 PM
in reply to: #405094

Master
1728
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portland, or
Subject: RE: Best bike upgrade
To improve your bike's performance: aero wheels

To improve your performance on the bike: power measurement & focused training. Power measurement = Power Tap, SRM, Ergomo, or Computrainer


scott


2006-04-25 1:50 PM
in reply to: #405094

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Champion
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Two seat rocket plane
Subject: RE: Best bike upgrade

Lets see....You're in VA, we're doing some of the same races......Hmmmm

I think you need carbon water bottle cages, that'll save a bunch of weight. After that some stupid-light handlebars.........definately an aero seatpost........oh and brakes, can't skimp on the brakes..........maybe a rack and some panniers, blinky lights lots and lots of blinky lights.......powered by a little wheel-driven generator..........an inclinometer  .......compass.........a kick stand would rock

Just being helpful. ;-)

After clipless pedals, aerobars, and a good fit, I'd say wheels, an aero helmet, coaching, a powermeter maybe. 

 

2006-04-25 1:55 PM
in reply to: #405094

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Expert
1169
10001002525
Charlottesville, VA
Subject: RE: Best bike upgrade
You forgot the GPS navigation system with 6.5" LCD screen ;-)
2006-04-25 2:48 PM
in reply to: #406116

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Champion
6786
50001000500100100252525
Two seat rocket plane
Subject: RE: Best bike upgrade

How about.....

ThunderBolt
The answer to a cyclist's worst fear





(applicationbiking01.jpg)



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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Best bike upgrade Rss Feed