Should I upgrade to a new bike or upgrade parts on my current bike!!!

I have a specialized allez triple 2011 bike.i loved the frame and feel so just upgraded wheels,tyres,seat and seatpost.i know go past clowns on their 2k carbon machines.remember bikes dont have engines,legs power the bikes.i go quicker on my single speed commuter than the club ride idiots

I have the Specialized Secteur 2011 and done about 15000 miles on it in 3 years with one cassette and chain change, due another one soon. I'd be the first to say the wheels are a bit heavy. The bike weighs about 9.5kg by itself and I have a rack for commuting and a bike lock holder but I've still got a few KOMS on it, at 56! I'd love a lighter bike and if I win the Giro I'll have one. Or if Uran wins I'll have some money, which along with some other money, I could buy some better wheels with. I go for the Conti 4000s level II tyres now but still got a puncture on the crappy riverside path. They are a bit quicker than the previous version I think.

Having a better, lighter, faster, sexier bike would be pure vanity really.

Why do you really need to improve your bike? Vanity? Necessity? ......?

A further tuppence worth: what kind of riding do you want to do? The Secteur has a pretty decent alu frame with a fairly relaxed / upright geometry. If you're into covering the miles in relative comfort it's probably a good frame to upgrade. However if you're looking for something snappier and racier you might want something a bit more aggressive (the Allez is Spesh's equivalent racier bike).

In terms of upgrades I'd echo what has been said about wheels. A good lighter pair of wheels can probably be got for under £300 and will make a huge difference. Also put some decent tyres on and the difference'll be even bigger - something like Michelin Pro Race 4s if you want really fast or (my favourites) Continental Four Seasons which are still quick but have better puncture resistance. Also with the Secteur you'll have no trouble fitting 25s (or even 28s if you want) which actually have lower rolling resistance and better puncture resistance albeit at a slight weight penalty.

I'd also echo the thoughts on a bike fit. Being comfortable and riding efficiently can make a huge difference to your cycling pleasure.

I think what we're all saying here is that basically it's up to you. To be honest it always was.

Think long and hard and be honest with yourself as to why you feel the need for change. The saying "Act in haste; repent at leisure" couldn't be more true. There is no point spending a lot of money and then three months down the line thinking "Why?"

Good luck!

I still think you should go for a bike fitting. Maybe something not feeling right is the reason behind your desire for change.

I'd say depends on you budget and state of you current kit. Also are you looking longer term or medium term?

Immediate bike upgrade will feel good but is costly to start. If there is nowt really wrong with you current bike could be a bit pointless.

If you are happy with the frame just look to upgrade the likes of gears and wheels to start. Other parts can come later. Also be mindful that in a few years you may have good kit but the frame needs replacing. In the short term could be cheaper leading upto more expensive kit later on.

If you are happy with the kit look to replace the frame, you'll probably have to replace the likes of bottom brackets and headsets as well. As above longer term view is then to replace kit as it wears or you get fed up. This allows you to max on the frame and spend less later on.

Mind you all of this advice is bull dropppings once electronic gears and disc brakes become normal as a whole new set of standards will be in force then.

The single most effective upgrade you can make is the wheels and they will transform your current ride plus they will be transferable to your next bike. ProLite Braccianos would be my suggestion but Shimano Ultegras are nice and you should be able to get some 10speed ones cheap. Don't be afraid of second hand.

Personally I don't see the point in upgrading the groupset on the bike you have unless bits are starting to break as you won't get much benefit for your cash.

Wait until the 2014 bikes are on sale and buy something a step or two up that's nicely reduced and then your current bike can be for commute / winter / shops / pub.

Thus begins the endless cycle...

There is nothing wrong with triples. If your happy with a triple there is no point changing to a compact just for the sake of changing (particularly if the reason for changing is other rider's snobbery).

If the frame geometry is comfortable all well and good, if it's not, go for a fitting. In fact go for a fitting anyway. This is probably the most cost effective thing you can do, I really can't recommend it enough. A good fitting will identify things you need to change including any posture faults you have.

Depending on your budget, cost effective upgrades are wheels, brakes, bearings (bottom bracket and hubs), saddle and bars. Remember every new bike is a compromise, the manufacturer and the retailer have to make a profit somewhere. Don't forget any upgrade you buy, e.g. wheels, can be swapped over to a new bike at a later date.

The bike you have will give you many years of good and faithful service.

Get a better bike.

Then upgrade the components on it.

's a law of nature, innit?

Or at greater length, spend the money on a decent frame in preference to bling componenets. But be aware that you will be tempted to upgrade the components on your better frame in time.

Someone has to keep the internal contradictions of the capitalist system ticking over and it may as well be you. And me, obviously.

I would have a look around the interweb, there were quite a few retailers selling the Shimano 105 5700 for around £300 as the new version is apparently out and about

If you are happy with your bike in general, as in frame/forks/wheels then £300 is much cheeper than buying a £700 + bike just to get upgraded components

I'm going to say what bikeboy said, but in a slightly ruder fashion. No offence.

A Specialized Triple what?! Triple says it all. Just get a better bike.

I am not familiar with your current bike, but first things first, what is your budget? There are plenty of 'Best road bikes under £xxx' threads around. Can you get a whole bike better for the money? Components are certainly cheaper. New wheels are a good halfway house. Campagnolo Zonda are smashing.