Upgrading bike question

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2009-08-30 3:55 PM

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Subject: Upgrading bike question
I just did my first tri a few weeks ago and already planning on several more next year, so I am adding a few things to my Raleigh Grand Prix.  I can't afford to buy a new tri bike or even a new road bike right now and since my goals are finish and get more comfortable in competition, I don't really NEED a super fast, super light carbon bike right now.  I have about a $120 to spend, a friend is selling me his aero bars that he no longer uses for $25.  I have read that a forward seat post is something that I should consider, but my current seat is really getting to the end of its useful life, so would a seat post or seat be a better investment?

Also with the seat post, can I use a forward angle seat post for regular road riding as well or will I need to change out seat posts all the time?

Any other suggestions, other than wheels, that I should be considering give the above budget?


Thanks.

2009-08-30 4:02 PM
in reply to: #2379039

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Subject: RE: Upgrading bike question
Do you have clipless pedals and cycling shoes?  If not, I would recommend that even before the aerobars. Though $25 is cheap enough.
2009-08-30 4:15 PM
in reply to: #2379039

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Subject: RE: Upgrading bike question
I have been cycling for a year or so, so I do have cyling shoes and speedplay pedals. I guess the only thing I could consider would be tri specific shoes, but at this point, with goals of finishing and becoming more comfortable, tri shoes seem unnecessary at this time.
2009-08-30 4:22 PM
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Subject: RE: Upgrading bike question

IMHusker - 2009-08-30 5:15 PM I have been cycling for a year or so, so I do have cyling shoes and speedplay pedals. I guess the only thing I could consider would be tri specific shoes, but at this point, with goals of finishing and becoming more comfortable, tri shoes seem unnecessary at this time.

 

I would go with the aero bars for the next upgrade.  But continue to ride like crazy!

2009-08-30 4:35 PM
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Subject: RE: Upgrading bike question
The aero bars are a given, I guess I am wondering if a forward angle seat post or a new seat should be the next purchase.
2009-08-30 4:41 PM
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Subject: RE: Upgrading bike question
IMHusker - 2009-08-30 4:35 PM The aero bars are a given, I guess I am wondering if a forward angle seat post or a new seat should be the next purchase.


Try the aerobars without the FF seatpost. Some folks (me included) are OK with the roadbike/aerobar conversion with a standard seatpost.

2009-08-30 4:51 PM
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Subject: RE: Upgrading bike question

the bear - 2009-08-30 2:41 PM
IMHusker - 2009-08-30 4:35 PM The aero bars are a given, I guess I am wondering if a forward angle seat post or a new seat should be the next purchase.


Try the aerobars without the FF seatpost. Some folks (me included) are OK with the roadbike/aerobar conversion with a standard seatpost.

x2. It really depends on how your body position is once the bars are installed. If you slide your current saddle all the way forward on the rails and you still feel too stretched out on the aerobars, a FF seatpost may be the answer.

2009-08-30 5:36 PM
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Subject: RE: Upgrading bike question
i would also sudgest waiting on the FF seatpost.

i used my g/fs road bike for 3 races while i was waiting for a new frame last summer and actually a very solid position for me on with without the seatpost, just dropped the bars a bit/new stem.
2009-08-30 5:46 PM
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Subject: RE: Upgrading bike question
Cool. I will wait and try the aerobars by themselves first and then decide. On a similar note, has anyone used the ISM seats, the ones without the tip on the front? I am interested in if they are a good option for both road and tri riding.
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