Upgrading Bike

mgkaplan said:

I have a Giant OCR Composite 3 which I would like to upgrade over a period of time. The componentry is currently Shimano 105 with Truvativ Elita Cranks and Xero XSR3 wheels. Which order of upgrade of components would give me the most bang (in performance and for the $$)?

Thanks

it's cheaper in the long run to buy a complete bike, so the most bang for your buck would be to sell the giant and buy and a new bike. otherwise, wheels are most important, and a second set is nice for special rides or races, if that's what you're in to. unless you've got a clunker you can hang your retired stuff on though to build up a rain-winter bike, just wait until something starts to wear out until replacing it, or until you happen upon a great deal, then jump on it. the biggest question is why do you want to upgrade: what's the shortcomings of current stuff and does that really justify switching. where did Giant save money to deliver the bike at that price point, etc. yes, a new dura ace derailleur will probably give snappier shifting, a new crank would be a tad lighter, but throw in a few more upgrades of expensive stuff like that and you've got money for a new bike. new tires and tubes on the other hand are always nice and give reasonable bang for buck, and as long as you plan on sticking with the same gearing (9 or 10 speed), a back-up wheelset (that you can move to your new bike) is nice, but not cheap, and definitely an upgrade you can feel (unlike a carbon seat post or a new crank--unless you jump on the compact sizing craze, which gets back to the "why do I need to upgrade" question: if it's lower gearing, go for it, but not to save 50 grams, the weight of a brownie).

mnr3 said:

it's cheaper in the long run to buy a complete bike, so the most bang for your buck would be to sell the giant and buy and a new bike. otherwise, wheels are most important, and a second set is nice for special rides or races, if that's what you're in to. unless you've got a clunker you can hang your retired stuff on though to build up a rain-winter bike, just wait until something starts to wear out until replacing it, or until you happen upon a great deal, then jump on it. the biggest question is why do you want to upgrade: what's the shortcomings of current stuff and does that really justify switching. where did Giant save money to deliver the bike at that price point, etc. yes, a new dura ace derailleur will probably give snappier shifting, a new crank would be a tad lighter, but throw in a few more upgrades of expensive stuff like that and you've got money for a new bike. new tires and tubes on the other hand are always nice and give reasonable bang for buck, and as long as you plan on sticking with the same gearing (9 or 10 speed), a back-up wheelset (that you can move to your new bike) is nice, but not cheap, and definitely an upgrade you can feel (unlike a carbon seat post or a new crank--unless you jump on the compact sizing craze, which gets back to the "why do I need to upgrade" question: if it's lower gearing, go for it, but not to save 50 grams, the weight of a brownie).

although, you didn't mention what shoes and pedals you are running; that's a place for an upgrade, and treat yourself to a new pair of pro-level shorts if you don't have any; anything that can dial in your fit or comfort should be at top of list, like a stem if it will give you a better position, or a seat if there's a problem with the old one.

I faced the same issues recently. LBS's suggest the new ride versus the upgrades, even when I tell them I love the frame and all it contributes. What they do not realize is the issue of spending $2500.00 now, or over a period of time, which "add on's" offer - upgrading over time. Keep in mind however that not everything is interchangeable, especially with a original lower end bike.

kettlewon2001 said:

I faced the same issues recently. LBS's suggest the new ride versus the upgrades, even when I tell them I love the frame and all it contributes. What they do not realize is the issue of spending $2500.00 now, or over a period of time, which "add on's" offer - upgrading over time. Keep in mind however that not everything is interchangeable, especially with a original lower end bike.

well if you love the frame, it's a little different, and it's definitely true that incremental upgrading is easier to manage from month to month, but the mark-up on individual components is much higher than when manufacturers buy thousands of them or if you buy a group or "gruppo"; it just doesn't make much sense to replace some of the main components that are not worn out just for an "upgrade" like change shimano 105 brakes for dura ace: you'll save less weight than a power bar and stop no faster. you will have a nicer finish on your brakes, and some of the best available, but if you put your $200 in the I'm savin for a new bike fund...then the one day you decide that maybe you need a new frame or bike (because the old one is "fatigued" rolleyes), you'll be ready.
it's a little easier to justify if you bought a bike that gave you a great frame and they saved on the parts to get it to a certain price point, and there is an obviously weak point, then go for it, but if it's the crank, the derailleurs, the shifters, the wheels, the handlebars... well do the math. seats and pedals are different since they usually suck or don't fit your body and will easily go on to a new bike, as will the wheels if you don't change shifting systems, but most other stuff, if you pay full retail, is a sign of upgraditus and the only hope for cure is a new bike (but then the cycle starts again, and hopefully your income is increasing and other obligations like mortgages are not increasing!)

mgkaplan said:

I have a Giant OCR Composite 3 which I would like to upgrade over a period of time. The componentry is currently Shimano 105 with Truvativ Elita Cranks and Xero XSR3 wheels. Which order of upgrade of components would give me the most bang (in performance and for the $$)?

Thanks

Dump the cranks and BB. Those things are heavy as lead!!! (I know, I used to have some!)

For less than $200 you can get a nice light crank.

L