You have a Trek Team Time Trial bike (2003).
It’s equipped with Ultegra 9 speed components, a Hed3 in front, a Hed standard disc at the back and a Bontrager bullhorn base bar with HED cliplite s-bends.
You want to upgrade the bike to make it a tiny bit faster, but can only afford to replace one of the above mentioned parts. What would you choose to replace and why?
Any thoughts are welcome.
Kind regards, Maverick, long time lurker.
Assuming the bike fits, you are going to get very little return for your $$$s. Do you have an aero helmet?
Yes, Louis Garneau Rocket.
I know, but I did say tiny. 
OK then, rear race wheel with a powertap (or one of the other power meters if we don’t have to change one of the things you listed). Again, assuming the fit is good, you’ve got the gear so will gain more from smarter or better training hence the powermeter.
Unless you race hilly, twisty courses, then going to 10 speed or lighter wheels might help.
Thanks for your answer, and no, it’s mainly longer time trials, 30-50 km.
I would get a new fork. that Trek painted Time fork (or maybe it’s a look) is pretty heavy. you can get a good Easton 1" fork pretty cheap.
2nd choice would be an upgrade to 10-speed. You don’t need to buy new cranks so the upgrade is pretty cheap with just bar-end shifters.
How about addressing rotating weight? Look at your shoe/pedal combination and see if by going to new pedals/shoes you can drop any weight. There was a thread on it a while ago and while I don’t recall it verbatim, going to lighter pedals really seemed to help.
How is your fit on the bike? The team time trial is fairly slack… perhaps riding steep will put you in a better position. Its not the cheapest option, but have you considered a different frame?
“2nd choice would be an upgrade to 10-speed. You don’t need to buy new cranks so the upgrade is pretty cheap with just bar-end shifters.”
Why would he not need 10 speed cranks?
Do the Ultegra 9 speed cranks work for 10 speed? Something tells me that I’ve heard this works.
You want to upgrade the bike to make it a tiny bit faster
Honestly and not meant as a criticism but the biggest increase in speed will come from your efforts, not spending more money. Instead of spending more money, work on your own fitness. The bike you have is far better than most bikes from 10 years ago.
Those parts are all just fine.
Buy yourself a training vacation, or coaching, or do one more cool race this season.
I have one of these and love it…
You are pretty much there in terms of aerodynamics (unless your position sucks - wanna post pics?)
but short of reducing weight (if you race hilly/climbing courses) the next investment really is a powermeter.
hth,
g
the biggest increase in speed will come from your efforts, not spending more money
Blasphemy!
I can’t believe you said that here.
Warning: This post may contain sarcasm. Do not disturb surface without proper precautions.
Agree with position/coaching.
If it is for TT, however, shoecovers and better water bottle setup are an option are an option. Both are down in the single second savings though.
Have you tried intervals?
You could always replace the rider with a faster one!!!
Agree with the training vacation - head to Arizona for a long weekend!
But if you want stuff, I’d go for a dura-ace ten-speed crankset. Is your Ultegra crankset even a two-piece? The crankset will work with your 9-speed drivetrain - and the weight savings and improved stiffness are nice.
Throw in a dura-ace cassette while your at it.
How about wind tunnel testing instead of an upgrade? That would be fun…
I would replace the frame.
Do drugs.