[Scultura5000]

Hi all

Fairly new to cycling and got myself a 2021 merida scultura 5000. I love it bit the itch to add a few upgrades is setting in.

A few things that really bug me is the crank. I want to install a praxis carbon crank. Am I mad and wasting money? I’d like to under take to work myself so labour cost would be null.

Also is it possible to fully conceal the cable routing on this model? As it really bugs me and looks quite messy on the bike. I’d so what is required to do so.

Thank
K

Topic

[Cugel]

sykoor wrote:

I think upgrades are important, and I think it’s necessary to spend money on necessary upgrades over fancy accessories, provided they don’t affect the feel of your riding experience.

One detects bot-illogic!

If new fangles “don’t affect the feel of your riding experience” how can they be “necessary upgrades” on which to spend money? Wot is this “feel”, Mr Bot? Do bots have bums, then?

In short, write the equation between “feel” and “necessary” plis.

[sykoor]

I think upgrades are

I think upgrades are important, and I think it’s necessary to spend money on necessary upgrades over fancy accessories, provided they don’t affect the feel of your riding experience.

[PRSboy]

Your only option to reduce

Your only option to reduce the cabling would be a wireless electronic groupset, and these do not come cheap.  Sram Force is the entry level I think.

As others say, some nice wheels are good to have, and combined with decent tyres will make a difference to the ride.  

I also recommend upgraded handlebars…. don’t cost a fortune, and as a key contact point will change the feel of the bike (Prime Primavera aero bars are great… deal on at the moment, though this is via Wiggle!).  Consider getting some narrower ones to suit you.  They may also improve the cable routing. 

[jaymack]

If you do change the crankset

If you do change the crankset to something by Praxis (although I’d have thought that upgrading the wheels first and foremost) whatever you do use another manufaturer’s bearings. Praxis must make their’s from cheese, I’ve been replacing mine annualy these past few years. With my very, very, modest power output and rather average annual milage that’s really poor. 

[Cugel]

Keesvant wrote:

Keesvant wrote:

Some good advice was given ! Conti gp5000 28mm tyres , are a good investment. Then wheels. A simple solution for cable spagetti is cheap cable wrap fron diy store. I use it on all my bikes to make 4 cabeles into 2 . To make the cockpit look more tidy Ride safe !

Just recently the bars on me winter bike were changed to some that are far more comfortable courtesy of various bends, flats, tilts and the like. In taking the old bars off (those that came taped-up with the bike) I removed the tape to discover the brake & gear cables buried under it, including it’s in-line cable adjusters!

Needless to say, the new bar tape on the new bars doesn’t cover the cables; and the holes in the bars fro cable-threading are unemployed. I likes available-cable, me.

Of course, I will go 7 seconds slower per ride now because of the cable “drag”. Oh dear. 🙂

[Keesvant]

Some good advice was given !
Some good advice was given !
Conti gp5000 28mm tyres , are a good investment. Then wheels.
A simple solution for cable spagetti is cheap cable wrap fron diy store.
I use it on all my bikes to make 4 cabeles into 2 . To make the cockpit look more tidy
Ride safe !

[David9694]

Looks to be a non-series

Looks to be a non-series crankset, so I understand your wish to upgrade but get your money’s worth from it first. 

Agree that a “best” wheel set and tyres might be more worthwhile – e.g. DCR, Hunt or even try building your own. 

Endurance bike with 50×11 topmost gear – if you were road riding and pushing that gear, you’d probably be going too fast. Maybe one of the Miche cassettes that start at 13t when you make your drive train change? 

[bobbinogs]

I think most seasoned riders

I think most seasoned riders would not start with cranks.  Simple things can make a huge difference first: quality tyres, good brake pads, season appropriate clothing and a bloody good pair of shorts would be top of my start list.

[Backladder]

Seems to be a pressfit bottom

Seems to be a pressfit bottom bracket which is a bit trickier to deal with at home, as Richbeck suggests you will get more benefit from new wheels, don’t forget to add the cost for some top quality tyres and latex tubes.

[Richbeck]

Cranks are a simple home fit

Cranks are a simple home fit although you will need a few specialist tools – Need to check BB and crankset compatibility.

I’d leave the cranks and get some new wheels – Handbuilt all the way for me from DCR wheels!

[Author]

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