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2011-12-15 11:17 AM

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Subject: Suggestions on quick upgrades to improve bike

I have been battling back and fourth whether to upgrade my entire bike and spend the $3K or just look to upgrade some of my bikes make-up and improve it?  I am currently riding a stock 2005 Cervelo P2K w/ Carbon fork and seat post.  It is an older aluminum frame but is still very aero and failry light.  I have learned that the bike makes a difference but the real difference is who is in the cock pit so I am not sure that a new bike is worth a few seconds? 

I am looking for suggestions on some areas where I might be able to improve my current bike without spending the cash for a new carbon bike (carbon aero bars, better components, etc)? What have you guys found the most helpful on improving an older model bike?

I just do not ride enough and only plan to do mostly sprint and olympic distances throughout the season.  Possibly one 70.3 a year but I am not looking to "compete" quit yet. I actually just did Kona (through lottery) on my Cervelo so it kind of has a special mark on my triathlon experience and that is about as big of a race that I'll ever do.  I'd like to one day start competing but I am young and have a family with small kids so the time is not there to "compete" quite yet?

Sorry for the novel and thanks for your advice in advance!

Tommy



2011-12-15 11:23 AM
in reply to: #3939779

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Pro
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Subject: RE: Suggestions on quick upgrades to improve bike

I think the reason to get a cool new bike is to have a cool new bike.  Reward yourself for Kona.  It has little to do with performance differences and everything to do with pride of ownership and just buying yourself a cool new bike.

I assume you already have an aero helmet, and aero wheels.

depending on what you've got on there now, you could get a more aero cockpit, and some aren't very expensive.

 

And, if your avatar represents your body position... perhaps a fitting?



Edited by morey000 2011-12-15 11:24 AM
2011-12-15 11:31 AM
in reply to: #3939779

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Subject: RE: Suggestions on quick upgrades to improve bike

Thanks for the advice.  Yes, I do have the aero wheels and helmet.

As for a fit, yes, I have been fit. You might notice I have a 5-day old baby girl I am holding between my aero bars, so that really does not represent my bike position, lol.

2011-12-15 11:37 AM
in reply to: #3939779

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Suggestions on quick upgrades to improve bike
Disc cover if you don't have one.

Latex tubes and really good tires for racing.

After that, I wouldn't worry at all about the bike you have.

Shane
2011-12-15 11:57 AM
in reply to: #3939779

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Subject: RE: Suggestions on quick upgrades to improve bike

You have a great bike, but it's not a NEW bike. If you want a NEW bike, get one. It won't be better per se, but it will be new.

Newborns are awesome. Much cooler than bikes. But the make a lot of noise, which you can still hear on the trainer...my suggestion is to take an hour or so a day and get underwater!

2011-12-15 12:15 PM
in reply to: #3939880

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Subject: RE: Suggestions on quick upgrades to improve bike

Unsolicited advice on other topics is annoying, for sure, but I have to say this.  If you were my real life friend I would tell you to put the money in your kids college fund and ride the bike you have.    While yes, you should spend the money if you want/have it, you even admitted you're not riding a lot.  

Buy the new bike when you find yourself with more time to train more.  When the kids are older you'll want a new bike then anyway.

And where is your Kona race report?



2011-12-15 12:20 PM
in reply to: #3939835

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Subject: RE: Suggestions on quick upgrades to improve bike

gsmacleod - 2011-12-15 11:37 AM Disc cover if you don't have one. Latex tubes and really good tires for racing. After that, I wouldn't worry at all about the bike you have. Shane

 

I kind of went through this with my 2000 Klien Attitude a few years ago as it kind of lost its luster. It started with a new rear derailer but "while I was in there" I ordered new wheels, tires, tubes, chain, cassette, cables, brake pads, grips and bottle cages. I inspected and re greased all the bearings, headset, BB (you could do the hubs too)  I also went a little OCD on all the components completely cleaning (think qtips, dental picks, lots of rags and degreaser) and waxed the frame (okay it was really McQuires 3 step, clean, polish, wax)

 

The bike took on a new life, it felt and worked like new again for a fraction of the cost of a new one. I did the work over the winter so I took my time and learned a few things as well.


2011-12-15 12:22 PM
in reply to: #3939779

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Subject: RE: Suggestions on quick upgrades to improve bike

I am going to give you the advise I tell my kids all the time.

You are in the need vs. want internal debate right now.  You do not need anything, but you do want something.  It is your money and if you can justify the want then get whatever you want.

For ideas to fill that "want" I would suggest, besides trying to ride more (I know tought with kids I have three), get some high quality, low rolling resistance tires to use on race day only.  What is your current wheelset?  Tubular or clincher?

2011-12-15 12:22 PM
in reply to: #3939835

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Not a Coach
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Subject: RE: Suggestions on quick upgrades to improve bike

gsmacleod - 2011-12-15 12:37 PM Disc cover if you don't have one. Latex tubes and really good tires for racing. After that, I wouldn't worry at all about the bike you have. Shane

x2

That bike can take you far, as is.



Edited by JohnnyKay 2011-12-15 12:23 PM
2011-12-15 3:16 PM
in reply to: #3939917

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Subject: RE: Suggestions on quick upgrades to improve bike
BikerGrrrl - 2011-12-15 12:15 PM

Unsolicited advice on other topics is annoying, for sure, but I have to say this.  If you were my real life friend I would tell you to put the money in your kids college fund and ride the bike you have.    While yes, you should spend the money if you want/have it, you even admitted you're not riding a lot.  

Buy the new bike when you find yourself with more time to train more.  When the kids are older you'll want a new bike then anyway.

And where is your Kona race report?

 

Agreed!  That is my plan.

If you want to read my race report just click on my blog link in my signature. Since it was Kona I incoporated the entire weekends events but the last posting is the race only.  Lots of family stuff in there as well but I still give a good discription of the course and race.

 

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