Upgrade Advice

Anthony.C wrote:

You have clearly made your mind up anyway although the general consensus seems to be that there is little point in putting lipstick on a pig. I would urge you to reconsider and start with a decent frame, that is more likely to get her out on the bike.

I have not made up my mind totally yet.

I have heard a lot of people explain that it is not worth upgrading this frame but no-one has explained why. I suppose what I really need is someone to explain to me why this 6061-T6 frame is not as good as the Triban 6061-T6 that has been suggested several times as the alternative.

Also I do intend to eventually upgrade the frame but that is going to be a big job involving getting a custom Ti frame as I understand the improvements of a Ti frame over 6061-T6.

rjfrussell wrote:

"seat is already upgraded and perfect"

I haven't found "YAFEE YF Comfort Sports Saddle" online but such Yafee saddles as I can find seem to cost about US$10 and look very soft.

They look like the sort of thing that might be ok for 5-10 miles, but not much more than that.  An area to look at?

Also, what about SPDs and a pair of shoes? 

Can't help thinking that a properly fitting new bike from Decathlon may be the better option.

I agree with your point on the saddle but while it is a lot softer than mine it is a lot firmer than the gel beast she has on her vintage truimph. So I am trying to get her to a harder saddle by gradual steps and this is the first one.

I also thought about SPDs and shoes but she is very wary of them, might try with the shimano click'r pedals though as they sound like a great starter SPD pedal

jollygoodvelo wrote:

I've just done a big upgrade project on my CX - new TRP Spyre brakes, new brake and gear cables and housings, new BB, Tiagra cranks, new chain, new bar tape.  Cost about £220ish.  That's worthwhile on a bike that was £900 new (though I paid a lot less due to discounts).  Spending £400 on a £300 bike is lunacy.

 

I know not everyone is made of money but please look at the Decathlon range.  Either the Ultra 700AF at £750 or the Triban 540 at £650 are much better value in the long run. http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-540-road-bike-105-id_8350480.html

I was under the impression that sub £1k bikes all have pretty much the same quality of frame? Of course in this assumption I am comparing apples with apples (6061-T6 with 6061-T6) and ignoring the geometry differences as it isn't wrong currently.

Also all these upgrades should be transferable when I upgrade to a Ti frame further down the line as planned?

I've done a side by side with the bike you suggested and I do not seem to be getting more bang for my buck. I have included an image of my workings out so I can be corrected if I am going wrong (which I probably am and need guidance)

dottigirl wrote:

Btw, you mention that it's a good fit? I'm willing to bet that it'll turn out to be too big, and this a pointless exercise. If you're serious about her getting the miles in, you'll also need to change the bars. Probably shorten the stem. Then the steering will be shit. So you put the seat forward too, which depowers her pedalling...

Why do you assume this? She is all of 1.5cm shorter than I am and with a swimmers back so only the same difference in width of shoulders. The slight difference in leg length can be compensated slightly through crank length I think. Or am I completely misunderstanding something?

But if you still want to bet I will take your money

dottigirl wrote:

You can put the tyres on the wheels at home, so they're ready to go.

Good plan, is it also worth trying to put on the cassette at home?

dottigirl wrote:

Don't forget to buy new cables too.

I had not factored this in so thanks for the heads up. Having had a look at cables it seems to be a bit of a minefield! Any advice on the cables I should go for and if inline adjusters are something I need? All very confusing

dottigirl wrote:

Stripping the groupset off takes no time EXCEPT for the BB. Don't forget to mark where the old shifters are (trying to get new shifters level can be a nightmare). Making a note of where the front mech is and how straight it is may be worth doing too.

Good tip with the shifters, makes me glad that after measuring her shoulders the current bars are the right size and I don't have to start with a naked set.

dottigirl wrote:

I'd give yourself four hours or more, if you've never done this before. It could easily take all day if you have hiccups. It always takes longer than you think.

This is really useful advice as I have the option of a Wednesday evening session or an all day Saturday session. I will of course be chosing to do the all day Saturday session after this insight.

dottigirl wrote:

IMO, I think you could get something better with that money though. I've built two bikes for that amount.

Any help on how I could get more for my money would be gratefully recieved.