This is my first post here. I’d like to ask for your opinion on upgrading my bike. I have a 2018 Shiv Elite with Shimano 105, Praxis Zayante crankset, original brakes and the original cockpit. (The wheels are already upgraded to Swiss Side Hadron 800).
In your opinion, what should I upgrade next, and in what order? I’m assuming the cockpit would come first, then the front brake? What about the derailleurs? Is it worth moving to Di2 or SRAM eTap? If so, what would be the simplest and most cost-effective solution, having in mind the construction of this bike?
Also, should I consider changing the crank set? Would it be worth replacing the Praxis Zayante crankset with something better/lighter?
For context, I’m a 55+ age grouper who fights for the podium in nearly every race I do (mostly 70.3 and 140.6), and I’m the national champion in my country. Therefore, I’m more/less fine with my current bike, but it somehow feels like it is time for the upgrade (not spending the fortune).
I think you’ve got the right priorities (for reference, I have a 2012 Shiv).
I’d move to electronic shifting first. Either Di2 or SRAM would work, but avoiding all the Di2 wiring is probably preferable given any subsequent cockpit upgrades.
Second would be the cockpit; something with more arm support and tilt capability. There are lots of options.
Third would be the front brake. Go with a TriRig Omega.
[color=hotpink]Since you are in my AG, also make sure to run gatorskins with thornproof butyl tubes. 140psi is probably about right.[/color]
For others’ reference, here’s the current bike at factory spec:
Going to start getting tricky soon with options for electronic shifting and cable rim brakes dropping away. That said, the same goes for bars that work with mechanical…
Thank you. As I understand it, it might be better to go with SRAM and change the cockpit at the same time. Would you agree?
What about the crankset — are there any meaningful upgrades worth considering?
If you’re prioritizing upgrades that will make you faster and not break the bank, then going to a 12 speed electronic shifting fits neither criteria. All of the things required for that will easily exceed $2k and it will not make you more than a few watts faster. For reference i have a 2013 Shiv myself and I average 28-30 mph in my triathlons
Agree on the cockpit upgrade (I have a tririg alpha one) and front brake (also tririg). Wheels and tires. Waxed chain, latex tubes (or tubeless). I have a sram red crankset. For your level I’d advise you to get at least a sram force level crankset - carbon, lightweight. Consider switching to a 1x drive train - faster, lighter, less expensive. That’s what I do. SRAM is better for 1x.
Of course there’s wind tunnel testing, trisuit, aero helmet, etc above and beyond the bike equipment but generally makes a bigger difference
Currently have a 2019 Shiv Expert that I bought as a frameset and built up.
Personally I’d make sure the fit is dialed in first, so crank length, cockpit, saddle would be the first thing I’d look at for upgrades.
When I built this bike up I was able to bring over the Profile Design cockpit and I had the Tri Rig Omega brakes already and if I hadn’t I would have upgraded the standard Shiv brakes because I’ve heard nothing good about them.
Next up as others have said tires and waxed chains are going to give you a big return on a limited investment. Then I’d go wheels.
I JUST made the switchover to electronic shifting with SRAM and to be honest, it’s nice, but not as big a performance upgrade over doing tires/wheels/helmet and its WAY behind getting a good position. Another nice little touch is the outrider pressure sensors, its like having TPS for your bike and for very little spend its been ENORMOUSLY helpful in dialing in the right pressure because you can see it live.
As I said I just finished the upgrade to E-tap and am running big front with big rear cassette(11-44) I’m limited because my rear hub can’t be upgraded to XDR to take a 10 tooth cog. I was running mechanical 2x with a 53/39 and a 11-25 or 11-28 and most of the time I was in the 14/15/16 gear. So with the 11-44 and a 56 front I can stay most of the time in the 15/17/19 gears which are a similar ratio but more efficient. I might play around with going to a 11-36 Shimano over the winter just to see if I can get it to work with SRAM but I’m not that worked up about it. I’m also toying with the idea of losing some weight on the front end and upgrading to a Tri Rig Alpha One cockpit but that’s a ways down the line.
The Shiv’s a REALLY quick bike that’s fairly easy to work on and travel with, and I think it still holds it’s own against some of the newer disc brake models.
2019 Specialized Shiv
Size Medium
AliExpress 130mm Stem with Profile Design Cockpit 60mm Risers and 45/25 Aluminum Extensions and Profile Design Base Bar
Front: Ali Express Tri Spoke with Conti GP5000 TRs 25mm
Rear: Lightbicycle Falcon Disc Wheel with Conti GP5000 TRs 25mm
Fizik Trasiro Aeris Long Distance
Magene P505 powermeter crankset 165mm Shimano Ultegra pedals
Alugear 56 Tooth Narrow wide Front w/ Sram Rival AXS XPLR with SRAM Rival 11/44 Cassette
Sram Force Chain waxed with Silca Super Secret
Thank you for your detailed answer. Regarding the bike fit — you said I should do that first, but is it really optimal to do it before buying and installing the new cockpit?
I really like the idea about going 1x and SRAM, mentioned by Greg17815. I’ll probably go for it.
As you all can see, I’m completely austere and unpretentious when it comes to my bike. Since purchasing it in 2018, I’ve been using it in its original state, changing only the wheelset. Yes, I’ve probably been generously spilling plenty of free watts and speed over the years (I don’t even use an aero helmet), but that was never important to me. As a lousy swimmer, it’s hard to describe the joy I feel getting on the bike after T1. My position is probably not quite ideal (aero-wise) or very comfortable, but it’s sustainable, and I can still run well after 180 km. At this stage of my “career”, I honestly don’t care whether I finish the race 1st, 5th, or 28th.
Therefore, when it comes to possible upgrades, comfort is the priority over chasing free watts or picking the low-hanging fruits. I’d like to make this bike as modern and comfortable as possible, keeping me happy for another 5–10 years.
I’m of the opinion if the bike doesn’t fit right it’s not gonna matter what kind of fancy parts you add.
So I’d make sure that whatever cockpit you want to buy is going to fit the coordinates you’re trying to hit. One of the big reasons I haven’t gone to a fully integrated cockpit is because I’m running a 130mm stem and most of the integrated cockpits seem to run stem lengths of 90-100mm. Which means I’d have to find some way to put those 30-40mm of reach back into the equation.
So if comfort is the main goal here I’d get my coordinates dialed in, making sure saddle is in the right place, crank length is dialed, and you’re in the correct window for stack and reach. Then I’d plug in the fancy cockpit or the 1x electronic update.
I’d also say that from a comfort standpoint changing to nice tires that can be run with low pressure and swapping the brakes to the Tri Rig Omni so you get better stopping power and modulation will also make an enormous difference in ride quality.
And this was the rationale I had for getting rid of my Argon E114 last year and swapping to the Speed Concept. Well technically not getting rid, and as the argon in now the trainer rig then it’s been ridden way more than the SC. But you get the point.
The electronic shifting, first for me on any of my 9 bikes. And umm, some things I like, still don’t 100% like full syncro-shift. As for the quality of shifts, I don’t know. I do my own spannering and always invested in dura ace cables (inner and outer) and with ultegra mechanical 9-11 speed then I don’t notice any difference in quality of shifting with Di2.
But the braking is just wonderful on the Speed Concept. The Argon was a bike for racing, ie closed roads, And it was fine for that. Very good indeed. But training? Oh my lord, lethal in the dry and in the wet I swear you accelerated if you grabbed the scream levers on the base bar….
I guess where I’m coming from is that after the wheels/helmet then you aren’t going to get a faster bike by putting money on either a new frame or a bling on the current bike. But if you go to a new bike then you can have more ‘comforts’. And the cost of standalone groupset vs the OEM electronic on a mid tier frame that has the discs and perhaps some frame storage is surprisingly similar.
So be really clear with yourself why you are spending money and what you want from it first. Otherwise in 3 months you may find you’ve spent your budget but still yearning for something different. And note that ‘because I want to’ and ‘I like bling’ are totally legit resaons - it’s a recreational hobby, doesn’t all need to be serious. Just be honest with yourself on that so you don’t get caught up in marketing twaddle you’ll regret.
“Just be honest with yourself on that so you don’t get caught up in marketing twaddle you’ll regret.”
Exactly. And this is why I don’t want to change my Shiv. It’s still a good an competitive bike, fast enough, and I love it. Apart from the disc brakes, there’s no real reason for me to change the frame/bike. Since I don’t use my brakes very often (I only race on that bike and occasionally use it on the trainer), I’m fine with the rim brakes.
While I upgraded my Shiv, the only thing that made a real difference was the tririg omega front brake. That’s only because the shiv TRP brakes were so bad. You’ll have to make the decision on how many more years of triathlon are you expecting, and will the Shiv satisfy you for that time. If you think you will eventually get a newer bike, then don’t put anything above maintenance into the Shiv. A newer bike gets you electronic shifting, hydraulic disk brakes, tubeless tires, 1x setup if desired, and possibly upgraded cockpit. My Shiv is now on the wahoo trainer, it’s still a great ride.
29.7 mph in one of them this year, and a couple more between 29-30. Has to be a pretty flat and fast course. A true strava-official 30.0 or faster avg is a big goal!
Of course, the key question is how many more years I plan to stay in the sport, and whether I actually want to change my bike anytime soon. I thought it was clear from my first post that I’ve decided not to fall for marketing stories and not to buy a new bike (since I love my current one and I’m still competitive on it).
That’s why I asked for the advice here — what I could eventually upgrade, and in what order. Based on suggestions here and my own calculations, it seems that for around €1,500 I could get a new cockpit, go 1x SRAM, and upgrade the front brake. I think that’s something worth investing in.
We are very like-minded - I also have no desire to part with my shiv anytime soon. I very much support your upgrade options. In case you haven’t already done so, consider a pre-conditioned wax chain (premier bike makes one that is super fast and will last for literally 5 years - it will prolong the life of all your drivetrain parts). Yes, it will make you faster, but it also ends up being more economical long term.
