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Recommended road bike upgrades for "cheap" bike
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 2013-05-21 7:07 PM |
 239  |  Subject: Recommended road bike upgrades for "cheap" bikeHello all. I decided in the last couple weeks to try a tri or 2 this summer. My bike was a $50 Target brand Magna MTB which I sold for $35 at a garage sale (not bad depreciation for 6yrs!). I have no one to borrow a bike from. Not knowing if I was going to like this endeavor, I did not want to spend even the minimum $600 on a new road bike nor $300-400 on a used one since I don't have enough knowledge to know what I would be purchasing. Because of this I purchased a "cheap" bike on Amazon for $345. Below is a picture and a link. It is currently at the LBS right now getting put together. I plan to leave it stock for some time (again, trying to pinch the pennies). My main question is: what components would I look to upgrade if I decide to spend a couple dollars? I'm assuming pedals, but not knowing if I want to do this longer term, is it possible to upgrade them at all without getting into also purchasing biking shoes? Also, if I decided on some aero bars, would cheap (again) ones be adequate for this bike and a beginner? I realize I sound like a super cheap bastard, but I don't want to spend money on what can be a very expensive hobby if I haven't even really tried it yet. Should I enjoy it and want to move forward, I do have to funds to do it "right". Thank you all for your help. Duane (Giordano Libero.JPG) Attachments ---------------- Giordano Libero.JPG (64KB - 11 downloads) |
| 2013-05-21 7:46 PM in reply to: dbrook1 |
Veteran 348 Houston, TX | Subject: RE: Recommended road bike upgrades for "cheap" bike How much does it cost for the LBS to put it together? After that fee you probably could have gotten a used bike from a LBS. You would need bike shoes to have clipless pedal, so you would be looking at $250 for both.. However, you can get toe clips for a few dollars. They will help performance, but they have their disadvantages over clipless pedals. You probably can upgrade tires at some point. The product description is a no name brand |
| 2013-05-21 8:01 PM in reply to: chris00nj |
| 239 | Subject: RE: Recommended road bike upgrades for "cheap" bike Thanks for your quick reply! The LBS is charging $50 to put it together. I checked 4 LBSs (2 major, 2 local) and no one had anything used for less than $450 and they were all fairly old, steel road bikes. I completely get that mine is a cheapo, but if I don't like triathlons I'm OK swallowing the amount I will have spent. If I do like it, I plan on upgrading next year. Thanks again. Duane |
| 2013-05-21 8:09 PM in reply to: dbrook1 |
Member 251 Phoenix AZ | Subject: RE: Recommended road bike upgrades for "cheap" bike none. that bike isn't worth upgrading. especially if you are pinching pennies and aren't sure whether you want to do this long term. you might pick up some toe clips, but flat pedals are fine for beginners. really no need for aero bars either. just go to the drops. |
| 2013-05-21 8:11 PM in reply to: Bunsbert Montcroff |
Champion 19812   MA | Subject: RE: Recommended road bike upgrades for "cheap" bike Originally posted by Bunsbert Montcroff none. that bike isn't worth upgrading. especially if you are pinching pennies and aren't sure whether you want to do this long term. you might pick up some toe clips, but flat pedals are fine for beginners. really no need for aero bars either. just go to the drops. 2x Just ride it and enjoy it. Don't spend money in that bike. If you like tris and want to ride a better buy save your money towards a better bike. |
| 2013-05-21 8:16 PM in reply to: KathyG |
| Member 326 | Subject: RE: Recommended road bike upgrades for "cheap" bike Anything that you decide to upgrade, be sure its transferrable to another bike. Personally, I think shoes/pedals are a no brainer. Get some used stuff on eBay just to see if you like it. I'm still rocking $20 used TR31s that I bought off eBay a year ago. I was in the same boat, wanted a minimal investment before I knew I was going to stick with it. Got a ten year old Trek Equinox off craigslist for $300, couple of tiny upgrades (tires, cages, little nonsense), and now I've got a decent little bike. I've got a lot more work to do on my engine before I need to upgrade the bike. |
| 2013-05-21 8:52 PM in reply to: Bunsbert Montcroff |
Regular 140 Raleigh | Subject: RE: Recommended road bike upgrades for "cheap" bike Originally posted by Bunsbert Montcroff none. that bike isn't worth upgrading. especially if you are pinching pennies and aren't sure whether you want to do this long term. you might pick up some toe clips, but flat pedals are fine for beginners. really no need for aero bars either. just go to the drops. X3 I went with a cheap road bike when I started. I upgraded bought a new seat post and aero bars on mine. Then decided I was hooked and wished I had just saved my money to use on my first tri bike. Use it as is. No need to upgrade. |
| 2013-05-21 8:57 PM in reply to: dbrook1 |
Regular 140 Raleigh | Subject: RE: Recommended road bike upgrades for "cheap" bike ...also I should mention that's a slick looking road bike you've picked up. Keep it looking clean, don't overload it with crap as we triathletes are prone to doing.  But I suppose that's another thread altogether. |
| 2013-05-21 9:22 PM in reply to: herkimer81 |
| 239 | Subject: RE: Recommended road bike upgrades for "cheap" bike Thanks everyone. I see the wisdom in not putting money into it. I think I'll follow the general consensus and save that money for a "real" bike if I continue on. More questions will surely come. Thanks again. Duane |
| 2013-05-21 9:23 PM in reply to: herkimer81 |
| 239 | Subject: RE: Recommended road bike upgrades for "cheap" bike Thanks everyone. I see the wisdom in not putting money into it. I think I'll follow the general consensus and save that money for a "real" bike if I continue on. More questions will surely come. Thanks again. Duane |
| 2013-05-21 9:33 PM in reply to: dbrook1 |
Veteran 622 Roll Tide!! | Subject: RE: Recommended road bike upgrades for "cheap" bike I am certainly NOT an expert, BUT I think if you invest in bike shoes and clip-less pedals you will enjoy biking in general and triathlon much more AND I think most pedals can be transferred to your new bike if you decide to upgrade later. Hopefully someone will chime in and correct me if I am wrong. |
| 2013-05-21 9:36 PM in reply to: dbrook1 |
Regular 140 Raleigh | Subject: RE: Recommended road bike upgrades for "cheap" bike Originally posted by dbrook1 Thanks everyone. I see the wisdom in not putting money into it. I think I'll follow the general consensus and save that money for a "real" bike if I continue on. More questions will surely come. Thanks again. Duane Be proud of your steed, it shall take you to majestic places |
| 2013-05-22 8:19 AM in reply to: Meljoypip |
Veteran 228 Knoxville, TN | Subject: RE: Recommended road bike upgrades for "cheap" bike Originally posted by Meljoypip I am certainly NOT an expert, BUT I think if you invest in bike shoes and clip-less pedals you will enjoy biking in general and triathlon much more AND I think most pedals can be transferred to your new bike if you decide to upgrade later. Hopefully someone will chime in and correct me if I am wrong. That bike is fine for a beginner and I agree with the above comment. You are likely to enjoy biking (and triathlon) more if you are using clipless pedals. You can buy brand new Shimano R540's for about $40 and find you some used shoes on ebay or CL. Should be able to get clipped in for around $75. I don't consider that an "upgrade" to that particular bike because they will be completely transferrable to any other bike you decide to purchase later. |
| 2013-05-22 9:37 AM in reply to: tenninstr |
| New user 87 | Subject: RE: Recommended road bike upgrades for "cheap" bike My first bike is very similar in price point and components. I put pedals, a cheap computer, and aero bars on it and left it at that. I did by it used so I put some money in a tune up and tires though. I road it like this for a few years before I got a tri bike, but I kept it for regular road biking. It has never failed me, I'm sure yours won't either as long as you take care of it. P.S. don't worry about being a cheap bastard. My first two years I did six tris and my total equipment list (bike+add ons, trishorts, goggles, two pairs of shoes) was less than $500.00. I'm sure I wasn't as cool as the big spenders but I didn't notice, I was just having fun. |
| 2013-05-22 10:05 AM in reply to: tenninstr |
Extreme Veteran 933 Connecticut | Subject: RE: Recommended road bike upgrades for "cheap" bike Don't agree. If you like riding, you like riding. Upgrades can be seen as either the pursuit of speed or comfort, but the enjoyment factor doesn't necessarily have anything to do with speed (obviously it CAN, but they aren't pari passu), and I wouldn't say clipless pedals make things significantly more comfortable. Cycling and triathlon can appear like a giant money pit to beginners, I try to make a point to remind people it's about swimming, biking and running, not gear. A few years ago at a very competitive local sprint a woman tried it for the first time with no wetsuit and a cheap road bike, but an engine built from her youth in swimming and running competitively. She came in second overall female and won her age group. Same year on a lark she entered a HIM while on vacation and did well enough for an invite to Clearwater. She fell in love with the sport, upgraded her gear, came back the next year and won top overall female and FIFTH PLACE OVERALL in that original sprint. She's a monster athlete, of course, but the anecdote is apt. Love for this has very little to do with gear. Well, I guess for some that's not true, but whatever. |
| 2013-05-22 10:05 AM in reply to: 0 |
Extreme Veteran 933 Connecticut | Subject: RE: Recommended road bike upgrades for "cheap" bike |
| 2013-05-22 10:05 AM in reply to: 0 |
Extreme Veteran 933 Connecticut | Subject: RE: Recommended road bike upgrades for "cheap" bike |
| 2013-05-22 10:05 AM in reply to: 0 |
Extreme Veteran 933 Connecticut | Subject: RE: Recommended road bike upgrades for "cheap" bike |
| 2013-05-22 10:05 AM in reply to: 0 |
Extreme Veteran 933 Connecticut | Subject: RE: Recommended road bike upgrades for "cheap" bike |
| 2013-05-22 10:16 AM in reply to: fisherman76 |
Member 5452 NC | Subject: RE: Recommended road bike upgrades for "cheap" bike Originally posted by fisherman76 Don't agree. What is it that you don't agree with? |
| 2013-05-22 10:22 AM in reply to: dbrook1 |
Veteran 326 Newport, North Carolina | Subject: RE: Recommended road bike upgrades for "cheap" bike Can I offer some advice.....do not...I repeat do not spend money to upgrade a cheap bike. I started last year with a Schwinn Katana and while it did get me through my first couple races It was not worth the dollars I spent on clip on aero bars and other gizmos and gadgets that fit that bike. After upgrading to a more high end bike, I wish I would have saved my money to invest in my Pinarello instead of running Shimano 105 I could be running Dura Ace or Campy. Your bike is fine the way it is to complete a couple tris and if you decide to stick around then I would highly recommend investing in a new bike with better componets. If you do decide to upgrade your current bike I would upgrade the wheels. Those $50 Target/Walmart specials have some super heavy wheels and you can usually shed a couple pounds by buying some newer race wheels from your LBS. I run Mavic Aksiums and they ran me about $200 but you have to make sure the hub agrees with what ever cassette your running. The Aksiums are entry level good wheels and for the dollar you cant go wrong. On those bikes you are probably running a very basic low end shimano set up. Wheels are somewhat universal so that could be something you could keep if you decide to upgrade your bike down the road. |
| 2013-05-22 10:22 AM in reply to: dbrook1 |
Veteran 326 Newport, North Carolina | Subject: RE: Recommended road bike upgrades for "cheap" bike Can I offer some advice.....do not...I repeat do not spend money to upgrade a cheap bike. I started last year with a Schwinn Katana and while it did get me through my first couple races It was not worth the dollars I spent on clip on aero bars and other gizmos and gadgets that fit that bike. After upgrading to a more high end bike, I wish I would have saved my money to invest in my Pinarello instead of running Shimano 105 I could be running Dura Ace or Campy. Your bike is fine the way it is to complete a couple tris and if you decide to stick around then I would highly recommend investing in a new bike with better componets. If you do decide to upgrade your current bike I would upgrade the wheels. Those $50 Target/Walmart specials have some super heavy wheels and you can usually shed a couple pounds by buying some newer race wheels from your LBS. I run Mavic Aksiums and they ran me about $200 but you have to make sure the hub agrees with what ever cassette your running. The Aksiums are entry level good wheels and for the dollar you cant go wrong. On those bikes you are probably running a very basic low end shimano set up. Wheels are somewhat universal so that could be something you could keep if you decide to upgrade your bike down the road. |
| 2013-05-22 10:22 AM in reply to: dbrook1 |
Veteran 326 Newport, North Carolina | Subject: RE: Recommended road bike upgrades for "cheap" bike Can I offer some advice.....do not...I repeat do not spend money to upgrade a cheap bike. I started last year with a Schwinn Katana and while it did get me through my first couple races It was not worth the dollars I spent on clip on aero bars and other gizmos and gadgets that fit that bike. After upgrading to a more high end bike, I wish I would have saved my money to invest in my Pinarello instead of running Shimano 105 I could be running Dura Ace or Campy. Your bike is fine the way it is to complete a couple tris and if you decide to stick around then I would highly recommend investing in a new bike with better componets. If you do decide to upgrade your current bike I would upgrade the wheels. Those $50 Target/Walmart specials have some super heavy wheels and you can usually shed a couple pounds by buying some newer race wheels from your LBS. I run Mavic Aksiums and they ran me about $200 but you have to make sure the hub agrees with what ever cassette your running. The Aksiums are entry level good wheels and for the dollar you cant go wrong. On those bikes you are probably running a very basic low end shimano set up. Wheels are somewhat universal so that could be something you could keep if you decide to upgrade your bike down the road. |
| 2013-05-22 10:35 AM in reply to: tenninstr |
Veteran 348 Cincinnati | Subject: RE: Recommended road bike upgrades for "cheap" bike Originally posted by tenninstr Originally posted by Meljoypip I am certainly NOT an expert, BUT I think if you invest in bike shoes and clip-less pedals you will enjoy biking in general and triathlon much more AND I think most pedals can be transferred to your new bike if you decide to upgrade later. Hopefully someone will chime in and correct me if I am wrong. That bike is fine for a beginner and I agree with the above comment. You are likely to enjoy biking (and triathlon) more if you are using clipless pedals. You can buy brand new Shimano R540's for about $40 and find you some used shoes on ebay or CL. Should be able to get clipped in for around $75. I don't consider that an "upgrade" to that particular bike because they will be completely transferrable to any other bike you decide to purchase later. Check out www.nashbar.com. You can get set up with some cheap shoes and pedals for under 80 dollars.. |
| 2013-05-22 12:27 PM in reply to: dbrook1 |
Champion 7036 Sarasota, FL | Subject: RE: Recommended road bike upgrades for "cheap" bike x whatever on not spending any more money on the thing. Just get a good helmet, a pair of bike shorts and go ride the bike until you wear it out. Mark |
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