So just wanted to see if I could get some free advice from the forum. I ride a Felt S32 (entry level tri bike) which I have upgraded some of the components. I have Dura Ace cranks w/ceramic bottom bracket and Ultegra rear/front derailleurs.
My question is if I only have around $1400 to spend, should I buy a used carbon frame (I have seen some 2009 specialized transition and equivalent for around this price) or should I buy some TT wheels (Easton EC90 Aero or TT or something like used Zipp 404s). Can I get some advice of what you guys think would be more beneficial - the new frame or new aero wheels. Thanks in advance for the advice.
While there’s definitely room for some time improvement from a S32 frame, it’s really not worthwhile unless you’re making a big jump up. Don’t spend the money going from a good entry-level frame to a mid range - either keep it, or go for a top end. It’s not a slow frame at all.
With that said, there is no frame upgrade that will give you even half the benefit of upgrading the wheels (especially if you still have the stock wheels). My advice (as a fast S32 rider) - get a nice front wheel, a disc cover rear, and put the other $600+ in the bank for a nice frame down the road. Cheaper and faster.
What year is that bike? If you still have the stock PD aerolite aerobars, you can get a significant speed increase by switching to better extensions like the T2+ for ~$100, if lowering your front end won’t be a fit problem. You can even use the bolts/spacer from the other bars if you want. Those stock aerobars were terrible. Upgrading the base bar is also not a terrible idea.
While a high end frame is nice to have and definitely makes you faster, it’s really one of the least cost effective ways to get speed.
This is sort of off topic in regards to the OPs questions, but is it not true that wheels provide the least benefit per dollar? Doesnt simply wearing an aero helmet provide a much larger benefit than switching to an aero wheelset?
This is sort of off topic in regards to the OPs questions, but is it not true that wheels provide the least benefit per dollar? Doesnt simply wearing an aero helmet provide a much larger benefit than switching to an aero wheelset?
The question was wheels vs frame, and at least as I posed it (decent value front, cover rear), they’re the best bet. I then listed a few other components on the specific build that I knew were decent value upgrades.
As for overall best benefit per dollar, good clothing, an aero helmet, and fit all trump anything listed here by a fair margin. I assumed that, since we’re talking 4 figure items, that the OP had the obvious ones squared away.