Looking at upgrading an existing flat bar road bike

Forum guidelines BT super discount
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Looking at upgrading an existing flat bar road bike Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2014-06-30 10:09 AM


2

Subject: Looking at upgrading an existing flat bar road bike
My current ride - 2006 Schwinn Super Sport

I acquired this primarily for my first sprint and future races. It will not be used for much else. I'm still very much a beginner, but curious if there are any worthwhile basic modifications to make it more suited for tris; e.g. drop/aero bars, clipless pedals, possibly wheels (existing wheels are somewhat wide and max 80 psi).

Not quite committed enough as of yet to justify an all new bike, but figured I could make some minor investments in this one to get me through this season. Thanks in advance for any info!

2014-06-30 10:35 AM
in reply to: #5019348

User image


788
500100100252525
Across the river from Memphis, Tennessee
Subject: RE: Looking at upgrading an existing flat bar road bike
My $.02... Ride it as is. Upgrades that can be moved to another bike at a later date would be okay (clipless, etc). But anything that requires major changes, like drop bars (would require brake levers, hoods, tape) seems to be a bit much and pricey
2014-06-30 11:44 AM
in reply to: nwiii

User image

Champion
7547
5000200050025
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Looking at upgrading an existing flat bar road bike

You could *probably* add clip-on aerobars for some gain and clipless pedals can be moved to another bike in the future.  

Price an integrated brake/shifter...that'll pretty much take away any incentive to modify the bike.  

You might get some gains from new rims and tires, but thinner rims may require other modifications to the brake calipers to get them working properly.  

2014-06-30 12:41 PM
in reply to: McFuzz

Master
1946
100050010010010010025
Memphis, TN
Subject: RE: Looking at upgrading an existing flat bar road bike
Adding drop bars can cost serious $$$ because you need new shifter and possibly new deraillers to match. Shifters ain't cheap. I'd stick with it or save up for a regular road bike.
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Looking at upgrading an existing flat bar road bike Rss Feed  
RELATED POSTS

Looking to upgrade road bike

Started by csikes
Views: 1257 Posts: 11

2013-01-07 6:34 PM natethomas2000

Tri Bike or Upgrade Road Bike?

Started by highenuff
Views: 899 Posts: 4

2009-08-11 9:56 PM ranger5oh

Clip on aero bars for flat road bars

Started by zeroviz
Views: 1541 Posts: 3

2009-07-04 1:54 PM zeroviz

Switching road bars on road bike to tri bars

Started by kevmk81
Views: 1658 Posts: 9

2008-12-08 5:24 PM Freeswimmingfish

Road bike w/ cowhorn bars & bar-end shifters??

Started by mcole158
Views: 2379 Posts: 6

2006-07-11 8:34 AM weds19
RELATED ARTICLES
Your next bike: Tri bike? Or nicer road bike?
date : August 11, 2011
author : FitWerx
comments : 1
Dean from Fitwerx answers a BT member question about what kind of bike should be the "next bike."
 
Adding Aerobars to a Road Bike
date : March 24, 2011
author : FitWerx
comments : 1
What should I consider when adding aero bars? What are good brands? Are there pitfalls to be aware of? How can I adjust them to fit me?
Member Question: Mountain Bike Upgrades for Triathlon
date : May 25, 2009
author : FitWerx
comments : 0
I read somewhere about "bar ends" to put on your handle bars, do you recommend them? Is this similar to adding clip on aero bars?
 
VIDEO: Triathlon Bike or Road Bike?
date : December 27, 2008
author : FitWerx
comments : 9
Are you a beginner triathlete? This video will compare triathlon bikes and road bikes to help you figure out what is best for you as you begin your triathlon training.
VIDEO: How to Fix a Flat Tire and Learn how to Replace Your Tire. (Clinchers)
date : September 10, 2007
author : Ron
comments : 12
This video tutorial will show you how to fix a flat tire and also how to change the tire itself. Don't wait until you're out on the course at the races to learn how.
 
Money Can Make a Difference
date : March 6, 2007
author : sportfactory
comments : 0
Bike upgrades to gain speed: better wheelsets, a tri-bike, road bike with aerobars, even getting rid of those love handles before getting that lighter bike.
Member Case Study: Foot Pain with New Bike Shoes
date : July 30, 2006
author : AMSSM
comments : 0
I started riding this spring with the Carnac shoes on Look pedals (with plenty of float). About five minutes into a ride I get sharp pain on the outer edge of my feet, just behind the pedal.
 
Energy Bars: Costly but Convenient
date : January 29, 2006
author : Nancy Clark
comments : 2
You can spend a small fortune on these pre-wrapped bundles of energy, thinking they offer magic ingredients-not true. “Energy” simply means “provides calories” and not “will make you feel energetic."