Within the next year I will have the funds to do some bike upgrading. Once option I’m looking at is to keep my current frame and upgrade components. I have a 2006 Specialized Allez Sport Triple. I’ve upgraded my wheels to Mavic Aksium Race. Everything else is stock…
FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano Tiagra, 31.8mm clamp, bottom pull
REAR DERAILLEUR Shimano 105, 9-speed, long cage
SHIFT LEVERS Shimano Tiagra,9-speed, STI, flight deck compatible
CASSETTE Shimano HG50, 12-25t (I got a new one of these with the Mavics. Not sure of the model, but it is a 9 speed.)
CHAIN Shimano HG73, 9-speed
CRANKSET Sugino Comp, five arm, polished arms
CHAINRINGS 52x42x30T
I’m thinking of a budget around $1000-$1500. I know this is more than the bike cost 3 years ago, but it will let me buy a mountain bike as well. I’m not married to the triple up front. I’m not all about the lightest/newest stuff. I want to have quality stuff at a good price point. I’m in the process of doing research on what stuff is out there. I’m looking for some experienced folks who are willing to chime in.
If a “fast” setup on budget is what you’re after, I’d sell your Specialized complete.
For <<< $1,500, you could easily pick up a used (say 2001-2002) Cervelo P3 with Dura-Ace components. Heck, with that budget, you may be able to pick up a complete P3, a rear wheel cover, and a used Hed Jet front wheel which would be a great set-up.
Are you ok staying with 9-speed or do you want to go to 10speed?
I suppose if you were content to stay with 9-speed you could find the older Ultegra stuff on e-bay for quite a good price. You probably wouldn’t need to use your entire budget.
But even if you go 10-speed you could get the older Ultegra 6600 stuff from ebay. Going lightly used, you can get a great deal and save good cash for that mtn bike.
You could put some $$ into a spiffy cockpit. That would add some pizzazz as well as lighten up the bike a bit more.
If a “fast” setup on budget is what you’re after, I’d sell your Specialized complete.
For <<< $1,500, you could easily pick up a used (say 2001-2002) Cervelo P3 with Dura-Ace components. Heck, with that budget, you may be able to pick up a complete P3, a rear wheel cover, and a used Hed Jet front wheel which would be a great set-up.
-Scott
I have never met anyone except the old school steel freaks in the road bike world who have ever been happy upgrading components. Wheels are exempt, because you can move great wheels from bike to bike. But upgrading a group set is generally expensive and more economical to get the entire bike. I guess if you get a used group set on EBay and turn your own wrenches, it can be OK.
I’m on the fence with getting a tri bike. If I get one, I would still like to have a road bike as well, so getting rid of this one is not an option… for now. I also want a mountain bike. It will be a few months before I can pull the trigger. A used tri bike could be an option. It would allow me to have all three.
This is the first bike I’ve owned as an adult. I’m not really sure how much difference a 9 speed vs. 10 speed would make. I feel the same way about the triple up front. I use the small chain-ring on occasion, but I sometimes feel it is a crutch as well.
At what point will these components just wear out? I don’t ride a whole lot, but i’m sure they have a limited life span.
These parts will never wear out. You will have to replace brake pads and chain. If you don’t do good maintenance or change chains when you should you could wear out the cassette. But it will take years and years to wear out the cassette and chainrings normally. Unless the bearings get the grease flushed out by riding a lot in the rain and not being re-lubed they would go decades.
It’s entirely cool to have a road bike for training AND racing triathlons. If you do that, then you could get a nice carbon road bike with ultegra level stuff that’s a couple of years old for under your budget and be very happy (assuming it fits well).