Ultegra Crankset
Syntace C2’s
QRings
Adamo Saddle
Set of H3’s
HED Disc
Then today I was just about to order some Agilis cranks and a SAAB bottom bracket to go with my QRings when I backed away from the mouse and started to have second thoughts. With all of the money I am spending on upgrades, would I have been better off just buying a more expensive bike that had all the stuff I wanted in the first place including a much better frame? Plus, how much better can I really make the Dual with these upgrades? What are the frame’s limitations? I know this is a crude analogy, but am I trying to turn a Hyundai into a Ferrari?
tbro
Looks even better with my HED Disc on race day.
Plus, I need to save enough money to feed these two monkeys. They eat non-stop!!!
I was thinking of replacing the stock base bar and possibly the brakes and hopefully stop there. My concern is that after I invest all this money on upgrades, I will still lust after a better frame because of the “entry level” label that has been assigned to the Dual, and it’s limitations as an aluminum frame.
I am in the same boat, although I haven’t done as much “pimping” to my 2006 Dual.
What do you mean by “much better frame” than the Dual?
Assuming your Dual fits you, no other frame is going to make a significant difference in your bike split. The Dual is a pretty darn aerodynamic frame, regardless of it’s price. (The frame makes very little difference in overall aerodynamics anyway, though, so…)
Where you may be able to see some difference is in ride comfort. Then again, the Dual is no slouch in this area, either.
As far as “the frame’s limitations”… According to the Cervelo website, a stock Dual (with the exception of the rear wheel) was good enough for Tamara Kozulina to win the World Long Course Championships in 2004. So, I’m going to go out on a limb here and say the frame is not going to be holding you (or me) back anytime soon.
If I do make a change, it’ll likely be to a titanium frame for the durability. It’s tough, though, since deep down I know that just about any titanium frame out there is going to be less aerodynamic.
I was thinking of a custom Titanium as well. IMO, the Dual is a good long distance tri bike, but I race in Sprint and Olympic distance and
need something fast. When I have tried my friend’s bikes, both Carbon and TI, they just felt snappier. I am also on the heavier side at 200 lbs,
and would like something that is designed to be stiffer in the bottom bracket area as well. It just seems like I loose a lot of my power on the Dual.
What are the frame’s limitations? I dont understand that at all? Is the seat angle limited, is the head tube too tall… what are the limitations you speak of?
Personally, I think if the bike fits, you are going to be any faster on a different bike. The only thing it will do is satisfy that little bike buyingg devil tha sits on our shoulder constantly telling us to go buy something more expensive…although not necessarily meaning “better”
I understand what you are saying about the new bike devil, he speaks to me all the time. I appreciate your response and viewpoint that I should stay the course with what I have. My point is that this was not my dream bike. It was an entry level purchase to see if I really wanted to do this sport for the long term. Like a lot of us, I was hooked after my first race. You can argue all you want about the performance to dollar ratio of the Dual, but if money was not an issue, I certainly wouldn’t choose the Dual over a P2C or P3C. I doubt many others would either. You also brought up speed in your statement, and you may very well be right that a Dual is not any slower than other bike choices, but I don’t think that is the only consideration. What about longevity of the frame? Aluminum wears out much faster than carbon or titanium. What about rider comfort? Carbon and Titanium have aluminum beat as well. The last consideration I think is important is rider fatigue and how it impacts your run. These are the things I am struggling with as I have been upgrading my Dual.
That is a thinking man’s bike. Leave it. Ride it. Use the money for a Computrainer or coaching. Ultimately those things will make you faster- not a new bike. If the thing fits you then you have the toughest part done.
As far as the Aluminum wearing out goes… I’ be REALLLLLLLLLY surprised if you ever wore your frame out. It just doesn’t happen. Basically everyone buys new bikes before they ever wear out. I ride an Aluminum frame Cannondale now, if that thing doesnt last 20yrs, Id be surprised. I do however, plan on buying myself a nice new Carbon tri-bike very soon too…but its the bike devil speaking
As far as comfort goes…thats a possibility… but its triathlon damnit…its not supposed to be comfortable! J/k… if Carbon/Ti smooths out your ride, and you can afford it… by all means do it. Its fun buying new toys.
Sounds to me though, like you have some great components already. Are you just going to buy a new frame and transfer your components? Thats what I would do if I were you…if the devil gets his way
i think that gram for gram, there’s no way that Ti is going to be stiffer than aluminium. And, you will not find a Ti bike that is as light as your Dual. Carbon, maybe. At your weight, i guess stiffness really does come into it.
the only reason i think you may have a case for frame upgrade is that you’re riding with pretty small handlebar drop for such a big bike frame. So perhaps something with a higher headtube may be better for you.
If the Dual frame fits you and you are happy with what you have done to PIMP the Dual then I say pull the trigger on the cranks and BB. I have a Dual that is “VERY PIMPED” and I have never been happier. Yes I could get a new frame in carbon or Ti but honestly the Dual fits and is perfect for now. That being said, if I decided to upgrade to say a P2C then I will still have a “VERY PIMPED” bike. I know about a pimped Dual and you are not even close to being PIMPED enough. Take a look at this thread to understand what I am talking about and the 6th post down.
You are only at the beginning of what can be done.
I have an 06 Dual with the following upgrades:
EC90 Fork (to replace cracked Wolf TT)
Ultegra Brakes
Q-rings
S-bend aerobars
Specialized Toupe Tri Saddle
Hed Trispoke Front
Renn 575
I don’t think the frame is limiting me in any way. The only thing that can make me faster is more training.
I can not see your pictures tbro! It would be great to see what you have. I think this thread is crying out that you should start the CDM (Cervelo Dual Mafia). We know that we have a less expensive frame than others but we know that it is just as fast or faster and we have some extra money left over in our pocket. Well maybe not me.
