Subject: Do I need a new frame? About four years ago I decided to get back into cycling after a 15-year hiatus. I didn't want to spend too much at the time, so I got a Trek 2.1, which is basically an entry-level road bike. Well, the good news is that I've gotten REALLY back into being on the bike. I'm riding every chance I get and I've also done about 10 triathlons over the past few years -- including some Olympics and two HIMs.
Obviously I should have purchased more bike at the time, but what I've done instead is make various upgrades along the way: new wheels, Dura Ace brakes and derallieurs (replacing 105s ) and a new saddle. (See photo below. )
At this point I'm wondering if I should go all the way and get a better frameset. I absolutely love this bike (I've gotten a professional fit ) but it's an aluminum frame and I have to believe that going to carbon fiber will give me better power transfer and a lighter bike.
Any wisdom here? If I had the cash I'd just go and get a higher-end road bike or even a TT bike, but that's not realistic right now. I have seen some nice framesets on Competitive Cyclist (Ridley Noah, for example ) for about $1,400.
(Trek 2.1 upgraded.JPG) Attachments ---------------- Trek 2.1 upgraded.JPG (163KB - 7 downloads) |