What to Upgrade First?

Felexicon

So I bought a bike for commuting about a year ago and it's perfectly fine for that. However I have started taking the bike out for longer spins at the weekend and want to start adding a few upgrades as most of the components are entry level.

What would people recommend as the first areas to look at upgrading?

magicbastarder

it depends is the unfortunate answer. stick up a spec maybe?
wheels are often a place to start.
also, is most of your cycling flat or hilly? do you find yourself running out of gears?

07Lapierre

This question can actually be answered best by suggesting a new bike!

Seriously... it’s the best upgrade if your current bike is entry level. Keep your existing bike for commuting/Winter spins and get a new bike for longer spins in the summer.

magicbastarder

true, but you'd often see things like decent wheelsets, better than stock ones that would be on the bike, being sold on here for €100 or €200.
whether the CTW scheme is open to Felexicon would make a difference too, were (s)he to go down the new bike route.

ridelikeaturtle

I'd tend to agree with the "new bike" idea (says guy with 4 road bikes and a mtb).

TGD

Surely it depends on what your starting point is - what bike have you and what are the 'entry level' components (wheels, tyres, groupset) - maybe they are fine for longer spins.
And, are you looking for speed and/or comfort out the upgrades.

07Lapierre

magicbastarder wrote: »

true, but you'd often see things like decent wheelsets, better than stock ones that would be on the bike, being sold on here for €100 or €200.
whether the CTW scheme is open to Felexicon would make a difference too, were (s)he to go down the new bike route.

In that case the next best option is wheels. What wheels to get depends on what use they will be put to. e.g light wheels for climbing, Aero wheels for speed or intermediate wheels (Not too light and not very deep section)if in doubt.

ednwireland

handlebars

Felexicon

I'll get back with specs ext. But a 6 month old in the house is putting the new bike option on hold for the moment.

I use the BTW for the bike last year.

nordicb

Depends on goals. For me, frame is what all components bolt on to, tie and work together. It starts here. Great parts on so so frame will not make much of a difference, but frame that fits your goals will. It may mean a new bike indeed.

Taxuser1

Felexicon wrote: »

I'll get back with specs ext. But a 6 month old in the house is putting the new bike option on hold for the moment.

I use the BTW for the bike last year.

that 6 month old will soon be 12 months, then 18 months, then 3, then starting school then college and then paying for a wedding. Don't ever let it stop you from buying a new bike.

iwillhtfu

Knowing what make/model of bike it is would be a good start to give you pointers.

Where do you find it lacking that you think it needs to be upgraded?

It's a slippery slope upgrading bikes and as 07Lapierre suggests a new bike is by far the easiest option. A carbon frame will feel a lot better than new wheels. If you do want to upgrade the wheels Zondas are the go to with regards bang for buck.

Borderfox

Bike fit, upgrade yourself

CramCycle

If you are not strugglign with the entry level stuff, then nothing. The wheels will most likely be the best to upgrade as if they are really entry level, they won't last for too much longer unless your lucky.