So got a TT bike that I love built with SRAM Rival and profile design Ozero bars and and alloy clip-ons. I was wanted to make a list of possible upgrades and prioritise them considering Christmas is rapidly approaching so my better half might be able to contribute!
What woud be your priority
Last year I got Aero lid and SRAM S80 wheels also own a powertap and an aero-disc cover.
List of possible upgrades: (feel free to add this all I could think of)
Garmin 910XT as bike and run computer
Rotor Q ring TT chain rings: do they work sounds like a good idea. if so what ratio?
Carbon integrated aerobar are they better?
aerodynamic brakes
sRAM Red front and rear derailleur upgrade (dont know if it makes much difference in a TT set up
Aero Chain rings FSA or the like?
SRAM R2C shifters
Any other suggestions? need to capitalise on the upcoming christmas
Christmas…? It’s halfway through October. Don’t depress me.
Having said that they were playing Good King Wenceslas in Woolworths here on September 6th.
To the OP - a set of Simkins brakes should be on your list, not that I really care with all the bloody goodies you have already. And yes that is the annoyed ring of jealousy right there.
A new frame.
CompuTrainer.
Bike Coaching.
Bike Fitting Session (if you need it).
Those are the things I can think of that will make you faster. Everything else is just excess bling.
Out of curiousity - why would a CompuTrainer make someone faster? He already has power, if he has a trainer he’s 90% to a computrainer. Add in well thought out trainer sessions and the money for a CompuTrainer would be better spent elsewhere, no?
To the OP: all the bling, as Nick called it, probably isn’t necessary/worthwhile/won’t make you faster. Depending on what watch you use now I might get a 910XT (or buy a 310XT, which has everything you need minus some swimming lap functionality) then invest in a good coach. Nothing will make you faster than a good training plan.
Did not mention but the bike was bought and setup with a professional fitter. Must say the best money spent.
I would also like to clarify that its not about money to burn I am just expecting a couple of Christmas presents and thought I could give the family some guidance as to what they can get!!
The engine… well I am working on that too. probably the worst part of the setup!!!
As somebody that already has zipp return2center shifters, I would tell you not to waste your time or money. They are way too finicky.
Anything else on your list looks good though
My Zipp R2C shifter work almost perfectly and can make 3 cog changes with one shift if needed. I hate the standard shimano bar end shifters with the weird position angles.
Everyone is right. Riding makes you faster. But you can prioritize what you WANT on your bike. You don’t have to have a reason other than wanting it and having the money. For me, I like a good drivetrain. As someone that’s had lots of stuff, red is close to force. If your on a budget, do force. Do red just to have it.
What are you doing for hydration and storage? I’d get a cage for a between-the-forearms standard bottle, and maybe DarkSpeedWorks’ top tube aero bento bag.
Also low-Crr tires, latex tubes. Good home pump. Good fan if you ride a trainer. Aero skewers?
Want something more spendy? I read ST on an iPad sometimes when I’m on the trainer in the garage; have a little shelf set up for it or a laptop. If you’re a Mac house, then an Airport Express for powered speakers with remote control is very nice…
I have heard complaints about the Red FDs. It is a little flexy. I would use force for the front fd red is fine for the rd. Even the pros run force. I just bult a road bike with SRAM and love it. I then converted my tt bike to SRAM and I am equally as happy.
From the list I would go with the Q rings and if you have money to burn get them with the 3D cranks. I went with compact 170’s for long course training. Road bike has 175’s standard.
The best use of your money after that would be a good coach that will push you to/beyond your limits on the road. You could also find a good hill and do a repeat for every dollar that you spend on the rest of the aero gear.