Upgrade to Dura-Ace?

gazookas said:

I have a 2004 Motebecane Century Pro. This is a fairly light road bike outfitted with Ultegra triple components, Ritchey Pro handlebars, seat post, and Richey OCR Pro wheelset.

I have an opportunity to upgreade the bike with new Dura Ace components (front and rear deraileurs, triple STI brake lever/shifter, bottom bracket, and crankset), everything except the chain, cassette, and the brakes, for about $500. I think that this is a good deal, but I wanted to get some feedback from people.

Do you think that I would get more bang for my buck with other improvements?

Also, does anybody have an opinion on the Dura Ace chain and/or cassette (which I was also considering?)

Thanks!
Matt

Go Lance!

What's the point? I personally would not want a DA trile crank due to the proprietary middle and granny ring setup. An ultegra triple works just as well and you could change the middle 42 ring to a 39 if that ws your prefeence.

boudreaux said:

What's the point? I personally would not want a DA trile crank due to the proprietary middle and granny ring setup. An ultegra triple works just as well and you could change the middle 42 ring to a 39 if that ws your prefeence.

What do you think would be a better use for the money? (I'm just itching to do something!) Compulsive, irresponsible--I know! But I've been bitten by the upgrade bug!

gazookas said:

What do you think would be a better use for the money?

Fund your IRA.

How bouts a set of deep section wheels, like Zipp 404 or Cosmic Carbone. They would prolly set you back closer to $950, but at least you would notice a performance difference (2-3% less total force on the rider). However, I have not ridden a bike with the new 10 speed rear cassette, so I can't speak for how schaweet it is.

boudreaux said:

Fund your IRA.

Cute! But I was thinking in terms of bike upgrade!

WINGNUTT said:

How bouts a set of deep section wheels, like Zipp 404 or Cosmic Carbone. They would prolly set you back closer to $950, but at least you would notice a performance difference (2-3% less total force on the rider). However, I have not ridden a bike with the new 10 speed rear cassette, so I can't speak for how schaweet it is.

Really, the most that I could possibly afford to spend would be about $700. Any thoughts given that budget?

FYI, the $500 upgrade would be going from Ultegra triple to DA triple in the crank, front/rear derail, shifters, and bottom bracket.

gazookas said:

FYI, the $500 upgrade would be going from Ultegra triple to DA triple in the crank, front/rear derail, shifters, and bottom bracket.

A high price for poseur points. Maybe reasonable if it gets you on the podium.

boudreaux said:

A high price for poseur points. Maybe reasonable if it gets you on the podium.

As bourdreaux points out, do it if you have cash burning a hole in your pocket. Will not make a difference to your riding or bike reliability.

If you feel like it and it makes you happier about your bike, then you will ride more, so just do it (that's my logic, I had absolutely no need for Campagnolo Chorus on the bike I purchased last year, but could not resist 😉 ).

Boudreaux, apologies about the typo in the previous post! :o

gazookas said:

Really, the most that I could possibly afford to spend would be about $700. Any thoughts given that budget?

FYI, the $500 upgrade would be going from Ultegra triple to DA triple in the crank, front/rear derail, shifters, and bottom bracket.

Let's put it this way, I also have Ultegra on my bike and I just did a $350 upgrade. I invested my $$ in a Hac 4 cyclocomputer because I figure the additional data I get will actually be useful in training and helping me improve. So I guess I'd recommend getting a good computer with GOOD heart rate functions, altimeter, and cadence - IMO, there are very few other items that will make any real difference, but you can use a good computer to plan a training program and monitor your progress. If you combine this item with a bunch of research around the internet on aerobic/anaerobic training, lactate threshholds, training zones, etc., you will soon see how valuable this tool can be, unlike a DA upgrade which won't do anything.

There are any number of improvements you can add for $500-600, or even less. Some of my favorites:

Aero wheels - Bontrager X-Lite, Campy Eurus, RolfPrima, something like that.

Heart rate monitor. Very handy to have, and you can watch it drop to zero when you get the visa bill for all that cycling gear.

You could put on a set of those beautiful Cinelli Ram handlebars. Won't do much for performance, but just think of the poseur points...

Be kind to your behind with a Fizik Aliante saddle. A paltry $180.

While you're at it, get those snazzy Oakley M Frames you've always wanted. $140, but I think they were actually worth it.

A Phonak riding suit, to honor Tyler and confuse the local rednecks. Whuzzat say?

A pair of black socks. Draws more comments than an Ultegra to DA upgrade, affects performace about the same, and they're a whole lot cheaper. And just think how much they will irritate the poseurs.

JohnO said:

A pair of black socks. Draws more comments than an Ultegra to DA upgrade, affects performace about the same, and they're a whole lot cheaper. And just think how much they will irritate the poseurs.

Is there something wrong with wearing black socks?? I have both black and white socks and have never thought anything of the color difference. Have I been breaking some kind of protocol??

No, I wear them too, but when Lance sported a set recently, there were howls of impropriety from the poseur crowd. As if that was a detail that mattered...

Gadzookas: I wouldn't waste money on any bike parts until they wear out. Instead, I'd spend your $500 on a couple of out-of-town Century weekends....entry fees, room, meals, gas, and beers after the ride will take care of the extra cash easily.

JohnO said:

No, I wear them too, but when Lance sported a set recently, there were howls of impropriety from the poseur crowd. As if that was a detail that mattered...

Anyone who pays that much attention to Lance must be gay (Edit for PC - not that there is anything wrong with being gay). I thought it was bad when I saw people talking about pro jerseys and yellow jerseys, but jeeesus, seems like your bike should come with a manual as to how to dress so as not to get ragged on. 🙄 Whatever to those people - who cares what you wear. BTW, to clarify, is the "poseur crowd" the group of people that cry foul about these pathetic little details?? Even though I've been wearing black socks for years and would never notice what color Lance's socks are, am I now on the receiving end of someone's poseur jokes? HAHA these pathetic losers really need to get a life.

JohnO said:

No, I wear them too, but when Lance sported a set recently, there were howls of impropriety from the poseur crowd. As if that was a detail that mattered...

I don't have no stinking Nike sponsorship,so I don't wear no stinking socks. :p

JohnO said:

There are any number of improvements you can add for $500-600, or even less. Some of my favorites:

Aero wheels - Bontrager X-Lite, Campy Eurus, RolfPrima, something like that.

Heart rate monitor. Very handy to have, and you can watch it drop to zero when you get the visa bill for all that cycling gear.

You could put on a set of those beautiful Cinelli Ram handlebars. Won't do much for performance, but just think of the poseur points...

Be kind to your behind with a Fizik Aliante saddle. A paltry $180.

While you're at it, get those snazzy Oakley M Frames you've always wanted. $140, but I think they were actually worth it.

A Phonak riding suit, to honor Tyler and confuse the local rednecks. Whuzzat say?

A pair of black socks. Draws more comments than an Ultegra to DA upgrade, affects performace about the same, and they're a whole lot cheaper. And just think how much they will irritate the poseurs.

Pretty funny!

But seriously, leaning towards some wheels. In particular Velomax Ascent II or Orion II. If I can get them for $600, I think that is the way I'll go!

dhk said:

Gadzookas: I wouldn't waste money on any bike parts until they wear out. Instead, I'd spend your $500 on a couple of out-of-town Century weekends....entry fees, room, meals, gas, and beers after the ride will take care of the extra cash easily.

Hmmm, but after all the beers, would I remember anything?

Nope, I think I want the equipment!

boudreaux said:

I don't have no stinking Nike sponsorship,so I don't wear no stinking socks. :p

Better stinking socks than stinking shoes... I've had both at one time or another...