I have a Cannondale Slice 5 2014 which has served me well through various short distance races and my first 70.3 this month. I have pretty much decided that a new bike is not necessary, and that some upgrades to this one are the most economical way to improve my ride times. (Combined with a bunch more training of course)
I already upgraded the aerobars and now I seem to have concluded that these would be the most useful additions to add speed and comfort. (Aero position and clothing etc already noted for speed increases)
Race wheels
Saddle
Crankset and Cassette
So, budget is not a major problem(but obviously aiming to spend less than buying a fancy new bike with all the bells and whistles). However location is. I live in the Philippines, where although they love multisports, the available supplies are limited and expensive. I have ability to get get stuff shipped form the US - although not sure about the wheels!
My major concern when looking at new stuff is ensuring everything is compatible with the frame, as if I ship it here from the US and then something doesn’t fit, I’m kind of stuck. So how do I know which wheels will fit, and what are recommendations of good value combination of speed and solid as some of the roads here are kind of “rocky”
And if I am considering SRAM etap, is it worth just getting one of their packages with crankset and cassette, and maybe power meter all in one? Or better choice/value to pick and mix from different manufacturers, especially for the power meter?
Appreciate any input, and if there’s anything that I’ve missed that will make my ride smoother, more comfortable and faster then please shout.
I don’t know what race wheel/tire combo you use but a 25mm tire on a wider rim with lower psi is going to enhance comfort and maybe speed. Heck, a 23mm tire on a wider rim might even be faster and maybe more comfortable depending upon a variety of factors. This is going to be your biggest bang for buck in the area of comfort and maybe speed. I have a 2010 Slice that works fine with a 25mm tire that balloons out to nearly 28mm when pumped up. Make sure your brake calipers adjust easily for wider tires.
Power meters? Don’t know what kind of local bicycle shops exist in your area. Might be best to purchase a power meter that is installed and ready for use.
I’m currently on an “ancient” Cannondale Slice 4 from 2010. Flo wheels (60/90, original model) with Conti GP4000s II 23c tires on them have no issues with clearance. I too am thinking about upgrading to SRAM Etap (which could then be transferred to a new frame when the appropriate time comes) primarily for base bar shifting options.
I have the same frame. My latest addition was Tririg Omega brakes - latest testing show these make a big difference.
Etap would be nice (won’t make you faster), but if I went that route I might be better off with a new frame/component combo - thinking Felt. But since I don’t have the money I’ll stick with what I have.
My suggestion is a comfortable saddle. I absolutely love my Dash saddle (picked up used on ST - couldn’t afford buying new).
I assume you have a skinsuit and aero helmet - if not, this is your first purchase.
Proper fit - have you been fitted?
Power meter for training.
Aero wheels. Most will fit the bike just fine. I have a Flo 60 front, and a Renn 555 rear disc.
I already upgraded the aerobars and now I seem to have concluded that these would be the most useful additions to add speed and comfort. (Aero position and clothing etc already noted for speed increases)
Race wheels
Saddle
Crankset and Cassette
…
Appreciate any input, and if there’s anything that I’ve missed that will make my ride smoother, more comfortable and faster then please shout.
What saddle are you on? What have you tried? And what do you like/dislike? I converted to the adamo PR2.0 from a cobb v-flow max and love it, but who knows if that’ll work for you.
Do you have ceegees pads for the armrests? That was a biggie for me. Cheap comfort.
Crankset and cassette–this jumps out at me. What’s wrong with your current ones? I think replacing chainrings can make a world of shifting difference (Wickwerks, praxis, duraace), but unless you’re changing crankarm length, I don’t really see the point for the crankset. And Cannondale’s hollowgram cranks are pretty solid, IIRC. Cassettes, just get what you need. I have a few from 11-23 to 12-27, but really you probably just need 2.
Hi I was in your same situation about a year ago, a had a 2010 Slice. I wanted to upgrade wheels/tires, front aero brake and seat with a rear bottleholder. In the end it was a better deal to sell my bike and get a new one as a local dealer had a great deal on the Quintana Roo PR5 Race. Less money, a better and newer bike.