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Discussion: Bike Accessory Upgrage Question
Subject: Bike Accessory Upgrage Question By: Dan W. Written on: 2006-06-14 13:55:50 Message: It looks like I will have about $150-$175 to spend on a bike upgrade at the end of the month. Which would be a better investment - and can I get anything decent for this price - clipless pedals or new wheels? I currently ride a heavier (30 lb) entry-level Dawes road bike with 14 gears (2 x 7). My current upgrades are straps on the pedals and aero bars. I can't really tell you about the wheels other than that they are the basic ones that came on the bike when I bought it (new on e-bay for $200). The straps are fairly tight so that I can pull on my pedal stroke, but likely not as well as with clipless. I don't know ANYTHING about wheels or pedals, but our LBS has a set of "better" wheels on sale at $130 (from $290). Any advice (to buy/not to buy...what to buy) is GREATLY appreciated - thanks!
Subject: RE: Bike Accessory Upgrage Question By: Patrick B. Written on: 2006-06-14 16:10:03 Message: My LBS told me that I would benefit, in order, the most from 1) clipless peddals 2) aeor bars 3) wheels. I trusted them, but this is just hearsay and I can't speak based on any knowledge that I personally have.
Subject: RE: Bike Accessory Upgrage Question By: Mike M. Written on: 2006-06-14 16:44:57 Message: Dan, I would get the pedals first I would wait to do wheels until you decide to upgrade the (assuming that you plan to do that at some point) :-) That is an upgrade that you can take with you when/if you plan to upgrade in the future! just my 2cents Mike
Subject: RE: Bike Accessory Upgrage Question By: Ronald F. Written on: 2006-06-14 18:09:08 Message: Stash the cash and get good wheels with a new bike next spring, is the way I would go. If you get new wheels for the bike you have now they won't fit a new bike in the future.(I'm pretty sure about this Jamie would know for sure). You won't get much of a wheel set for $175 anyway unless you find some used. If you buy pedals you won't have enough for a good pair of shoes to go with them.
Subject: RE: Bike Accessory Upgrage Question By: Jose G. Written on: 2006-06-14 18:17:40 Message: Go with the pedals. For the money, you will see better performance gains by going from straps to clipless than by upgrading the wheelsets. Pedals are also a much more personal decision based on fit, natural pedal position (like shoes for flat footed pronaters), comfort for elimination of hotspots.
Subject: RE: Bike Accessory Upgrage Question By: kristina b. Written on: 2006-06-17 03:00:34 Message: you should use my old bike ;-) I know you will love it!!
Subject: RE: Bike Accessory Upgrage Question By: Dan W. Written on: 2006-06-17 17:44:45 Message: Thanks guys for the advice. It sounds like pedals would be a better investment, if I had the cash for good ones. I have a good tri budget set for next year, so maybe I will get them with a new bike, and just ride this one out (so to speak) for the rest of this season. Thanks for the offer, Kris - if you're serious, I'd love to give it a shot! "What, Dan, me sarcastic?" We're finishing one-two at the scramble tomorrow, right? Thanks again for the great responses.
Subject: RE: Bike Accessory Upgrage Question By: Tom R. Written on: 2006-06-18 16:47:07 Message: Go with the pedals. When you buy your next bike it won't likely come with pedals so you will need them anyways.
Subject: RE: Bike Accessory Upgrage Question By: Sarah B. Written on: 2006-06-20 19:14:03 Message: Pedals!!! Then transfer them to your new bike next year. You won't get good wheels for that price.
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