few component questions

From my experience the straight forks are stiffer than the curved ones.

Make sure the fork you get is carbon fiber.
I like Bontrager forks, the Race Lite or Race is probably the fork you would want.
You should probably replace the cables every six months and the housings every two years.

One of the best upgrades you can get on your bike is a new sealed housing that is already lubed on the inside, your shifts will be super fast and percise and your braking will be stronger. Also a pair of Koolstop brake pads is a good buy.

Cyclist14 said:

From my experience the straight forks are stiffer than the curved ones.

There is no reason that would be. It depends on how they are made.

Cyclist14 said:

You should probably replace the cables every six month............

total h 🙄 🙄 ey.

shming123 said:

on a road bike with a lot of racing and training, how often do the cables need to be replaced? What about the crank/bottom bracket? (do they even need to be?) My main question: I want to get a better and stiffer fork. What is the difference between the straight or curved ones, and what does rake have to do with it? Who makes a good, high-end one?

You replace things when they need it it,not acording to some formula,months or miles. There is no difference between straight or curved everything else being equal. Check Sheldon Browns glossary of bike terms at www.harriscyclery.com for the skinny on rake and trail .