upgrade?

If you like the frame(i.e. is it comfortable and does it fit you well?) then by all means upgrade it. If you could not care less about this particular frame, then don't bother.

Back in the 1990's, I took all of the Dura Ace components off of an almost new but damaged Masi and put them on an old steel Raliegh Grand Prix Frame that fit me better than any other bike frame did and has since. It is still one of my favorite rides. It is comfortable and just feels right to me. So think about basing your decision on how well you like that particular frame rather than if it is good enough for the components that you want to put on it.

You could probably get a better frame equipped with 10 speed for cheaper than the cost of upgrading the component group.

Also, you're never going to be able to use all your gear combinations noisefree. That's not a problem, it's a feature. Cross chaining is a no-no (big/big, small/small).

The bike is comfortable except that it sometimes hurts my backside in the soft spot between my #*%hole and my and my stones.
I have fiddled with the front derailer over time so that it does not keep as much noise in the gears I use most.
Am I understanding correctly if I assume a bike costs less then the sum of its parts?
Thanks for input
rob

staplemachine said:

The bike is comfortable except that it sometimes hurts my backside in the soft spot between my #*%hole and my and my stones.
I have fiddled with the front derailer over time so that it does not keep as much noise in the gears I use most.
Am I understanding correctly if I assume a bike costs less then the sum of its parts?
Thanks for input
rob

My LBS would certainly upgrade my 1000 to 105 for less than the cost of a new 10 speed bike. But, in principal yes, to build a bike from parts would usually cost more than a good price for a new bike from a major company as you get some discounting passed on in the form of a lower price.

The Trek 1000 is an extremely nice frame and my own one rides very, very well. I wouldn't hesitate to upgrade it if you are happy with it. You could buy any number of bikes that wouldn't feel any better to ride, or quicker.

A sore saddle isn't unusual. It's a personal anatomy thing trying to find a make of saddle that is comfortable. Often, it isn't easy, or quick. I have found the Selle Italia saddles to be best for me by miles.

staplemachine said:

The bike is comfortable except that it sometimes hurts my backside in the soft spot between my #*%hole and my and my stones.
I have fiddled with the front derailer over time so that it does not keep as much noise in the gears I use most.
Am I understanding correctly if I assume a bike costs less then the sum of its parts?
Thanks for input
rob

For the backside pain try tilting the front of the saddle down a little to take pressure off of the tender area. Don't tilt it so far that you are sliding forward though. If this does not work, talk to your lbs about a different saddle.

Yes, a new assembled bike costs less than the sum of its parts. When the manufacturer buys new parts to build bikes, he buys them wholesale and in bulk so they cost him less. Since he is a manufacturer, he also gets an additional discount from his supplier. He also usually has an established supply line so the logistics cost less. The lbs buys the bike wholesale and then adds their expenses plus profit to their cost.

Your lbs buys parts through a broker. The broker may buy the same parts through another broker or directly from the parts manufacturer. Anyway, there are more levels of profit being taken on each individual part. Also, your lbs is not going to buy a couple hundred rear Dura-ace derailers, etc., therefore, they do not get any kind of quantity discount. Also, your lbs wants to sell complete bikes more than they want to sell the parts, therefore, they usually do not take as much profit on the bike.

All in all, complete bike is less than the sum of the parts, but I doubt if you are going to change ALL of the parts on the frame. It seems to me that you are probably only going to need a new rear derailer, maybe a new rear hub for the 10speed cassette, chain, and new shifters or at least a new one for the rear. You'll be able to reuse most of the bike if you want to.