log in
register

Upgrade Advice

  • Creator
    Topic
  • October 4, 2016 at 3:34 pm #26341
    ClubSmed

    Hi All!

    First here is the backgound info:
    I am about to embark on an upgrade session on one of my bikes (Carrera TDF).
    The changes I am making are:

    Wheels (Stock wheels to Mavic Ksyrium Elite S 2013)
    Tyres (Kenda Koncept 23c to Continental Grand Prix 4 Season 25c)
    Groupset (Shimano Tourney/ Tektro/ Prowheel  to Shimano 5800 105)
    Bar Tape (Stock Cork bar tape to Fi’zi:k Performance Classic)

    The reasoning behind the above upgrades is that I want to go on longer cycles with my other half and I believe the above upgrades will help keep her on that bike for longer.

    I know I may be better off just buying a new bike but I can do the above upgrades and get a pretty decent bike at the end of it for around £730 (including the original cost of the bike). I am pretty sure I would not be able to get a similar spec bike for that much and I am going to have a LOT of fun doing the upgrades! The bike as it currently stands is a pretty perfect fit too and she loves the look of it (her cycling gear co-ordinates with it too).

    So here are my questions:

    How long approximately will it take me to strip the old groupset off the bike and intall the new one? I will be using the workshop at my LBS so will have access to all the tools, manuals and expertise I need but want to know how much time to set asside for this project.
    Are there any upgrades I have missed that would make a massive difference (seat is already upgraded and perfect), or any I am planning that are completely pointless?

     

    Thanks in advance for any and all help

     

  • Creator
    Topic
Viewing 15 replies - 16 through 30 (of 49 total)
1 2 3 4
  • Author
    Replies
  • October 6, 2016 at 8:54 am #879173
    0
    tritecommentbot

    Frames like the CAAD are

    Frames like the CAAD are known as being best in class, as an example, which is why they’re getting suggested. They’re also cheap and easy to pick up on eBay. Most of us here have ridden BSO’s like Carerra’s and have moved on to other frames higher up, that’s why you’re getting recommended to move on. People are being polite about it – yet you throw the snob card at them openly. That’s interesting.

    Even lower end Bianchi’s like the Nirone 7 aren’t great, I would know, from experience. 

    People are not going to sit and break down a frame by geometry and construction for you – to even want that shows an ignorance of what makes a frame worth buying at this budget – ride quality, ie. a sum of parts mostly unknown to even experienced riders.

     

    What you’re asking for you can have it though – when you start buying 5 grand frames from Colnago, Sarto etc then guys will take you seriously and get into it. Guys buying something special, even if it’s not best in class, they want to know that dedication to worksmanship in next to none. But you, you want people to spend their time researching a Halfords frame and comparing it to other higher end off the peg Cannondales etc? Bullet points and all, for you and your Carerra bike? You didn’t do it for yourself, why would anyone do it for you. 

     

    People ride bikes – they’ve said en masse that BSO’s ride like BSO’s, and better bikes ride better. They feel better, nicer, comfier, more responsive, more enjoyable – that’s the level of discourse you’re at when you start poking around asking about a Halfords bike upgrade. 

     

    Your thank you isn’t a thank you, but a ‘screw you, you guys are snobs, and you don’t know what you’re talking about because you won’t waste your time going into detail about a Halfords frame that I’m set on giving the other half’.

     

    You think you’re real, you’re not – you’re in denial. Go upgrade your bike, enjoy it, hope she enjoys it. 

     

    Or maybe I’ll just tell you what you want to hear – all these bikes are the same, it’s the finishing kit that makes the difference. Could stick a Pinarello logo on a Carerra and no-one would know the difference. Fools and their money are soon parted, eh.

    October 6, 2016 at 8:37 am #879171
    0
    ClubSmed

    I have to say I am rather

    I have to say I am rather disappointed that no-one has yet come back with a reason when challenged as to why the frame I am planning to upgrade is inferior to other 6061 frames.

    I was expecting reasons like the following to come forth (obviously the following are made up by me):

    • B’Caniant have hand built frames in Italy by artisans vs. the factory built in China Carrera frames which causes variances in weight as artisans can achieve superior lightness
    • B’Caniant use registered and certified welders to construct their frames vs. the uneducated children welding Carrera frames which causes reliability issues
    • B’Caniant use leading engineers and physicians to configure the geometry to be a perfect fit vs. Carrera frames copying with a variance of a few cm and degrees to avoid copywrite issues which causes all sorts of back and knee issues

    Unfortunately nothing like the above has been posted so I am going to assume that it is purely brand snobbery and carry on as planned until I have seen some actual reasons not to (I am always very eager and willing to learn so any education is most welcome).

    Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to reply to the topic with words of encouragement, advice on tools, timeframe estimates, suggestions on upgrade variances and words of warning.

    October 6, 2016 at 8:30 am #879169
    0
    ClubSmed
    CygnusX1 wrote:
    The bike as it currently stands is a pretty perfect fit too and she loves the look of it (her cycling gear co-ordinates with it too).

    Well that’s the Carrera’s USP right there!!! yes

    You would have to factor in a paint job on the other frames people are suggesting.

     

    That’s very true. I would have to work out which is more cost effective, a respray or buying her all new kit

    October 6, 2016 at 12:56 am #879167
    0
    CygnusX1

    The bike as it currently

    The bike as it currently stands is a pretty perfect fit too and she loves the look of it (her cycling gear co-ordinates with it too).

    Well that’s the Carrera’s USP right there!!! yes

    You would have to factor in a paint job on the other frames people are suggesting.

    October 5, 2016 at 10:17 pm #879165
    0
    ktache

    ClubSmed, I hate to assume

    ClubSmed, I hate to assume what others may think, but it might be a small amount of prejudice against it being a/an Halfords brand.

    October 5, 2016 at 8:55 pm #879163
    0
    ClubSmed

    cyclesteffer wrote:

    cyclesteffer wrote:
    Seems a shame to put such a nice groupset and bits on such a poor frame. Better off selling it and buy a Caad 8, Synapse, or Giant Defy Frame off eBay. They are well worth of upgrading and will make a great build

    OK so you have told me that the Carrara frame is poor and suggested alternatives. I assume that the alternatives you suggested are the 6061 versions rather than the carbon? So please tell me why these frames are better?
    Everyone seems to just say that the Carrara frame is poor but no-one has offered a reason as to why yet.

    October 5, 2016 at 7:52 pm #879161
    0
    Stef Marazzi

    Seems a shame to put such a
    Seems a shame to put such a nice groupset and bits on such a poor frame. Better off selling it and buy a Caad 8, Synapse, or Giant Defy Frame off eBay. They are well worth of upgrading and will make a great build

    October 5, 2016 at 6:25 pm #879159
    0
    ClubSmed

    CXR94Di2 wrote:

    CXR94Di2 wrote:
    Club, you seem determined to improve the carrera.

    I’m not beyond being convinced otherwise but until someone gives me factual reasons not to do it I’ll go ahead. I have worked in process improvement for far too long to just take things at face value.
    CXR94Di2 wrote:
    I fully agree, it very satisfying doing the upgrade yourself. I would make sure that the groupset you’re going to use is transferable to the titanium frame. Most Shimano /sram setups will happily move from bike to bike. Go for it, the sense of achievement and knowledge gained will be invaluable

    I have to say that the fun and experience I’m going to get from doing it is a large part of my rational
    CXR94Di2 wrote:
    I built this from a frame up, it’s the business and I love it. Saved a mint building it myself

    That bike looks amazing, great job!

    October 5, 2016 at 6:08 pm #879157
    0
    CXR94Di2

    Club, you seem determined to
    Club, you seem determined to improve the carrera. I fully agree, it very satisfying doing the upgrade yourself. I would make sure that the groupset you’re going to use is transferable to the titanium frame. Most Shimano /sram setups will happily move from bike to bike. Go for it, the sense of achievement and knowledge gained will be invaluable

    I built this from a frame up, it’s the business and I love it. Saved a mint building it myself

    October 5, 2016 at 5:01 pm #879155
    0
    ClubSmed

    Having done a bit of research

    Having done a bit of research on the tinterweb:
    The triban 540 weighs 9.5kg and the wheelset and tyres account for 2.48kg of this
    The Carrera TDF weighs 11.36kg and the wheelset and tyres according to a few reviews account for 3.81kg and the pedals 0.418kg
    This means that if you strip off the wheels and pedals (the triban is weighed without but the carrera isn’t) the weights are 7.02 vs 7.13 could the remaining 110g just be down to differences in kit or is there evidence that it is a heavier frame?

    October 5, 2016 at 4:29 pm #879153
    0
    ClubSmed
    fenix wrote:
    Just echoing the comments that the carrera isnt worth upgrading.

     

    A new bike will be cheaper and easier. Not everything will fit – theres always something.

     

    THe carrera is a cheap and heavy frame. The story of all sub 1000 bikes having the same quality of frame is way out. THe TdF is not a good frame and thats going to take its toll.

     

    Check out the Btwin reviews.

    Why is the carrera frame heavier and lesser quality than the btwin bikes which have a frame made of the same materials? Everyone is saying the same so I am sure there is a reason but I do not know it and wish to be educated in the matter. I’ve tried doing an internet search to find the answer but have come up short.

    October 5, 2016 at 3:31 pm #879151
    0
    fenix

    Just echoing the comments

    Just echoing the comments that the carrera isnt worth upgrading.

     

    A new bike will be cheaper and easier. Not everything will fit – theres always something.

     

    THe carrera is a cheap and heavy frame. The story of all sub 1000 bikes having the same quality of frame is way out. THe TdF is not a good frame and thats going to take its toll.

     

    Check out the Btwin reviews.

    October 5, 2016 at 12:15 pm #879149
    0
    ktache

    ClubSmed, do what the hell

    ClubSmed, do what the hell you want, upgrading is fun, and adds to mechanical experience.

    Myself, I wouldn’t do everything at the bikeshop, some things yes, headset, pressfit BB.  If you are looking at it long term, and it would seem that you are, invest in some good quality tools and do things slowly and with care in front of the telly.  LBS knowledge is great, but with internet, and not being rushed, it could be a more satisfying experience.  I’m never going to fit my own headset again, did it fine, but scary, and after turning a round wheel into an egg, I shall always get them to true and build my wheels.

    October 5, 2016 at 11:52 am #879147
    0
    ClubSmed
    rjfrussell wrote:
    “seat is already upgraded and perfect”

    I haven’t found “YAFEE YF Comfort Sports Saddle” online but such Yafee saddles as I can find seem to cost about US$10 and look very soft.

    They look like the sort of thing that might be ok for 5-10 miles, but not much more than that.  An area to look at?

    Also, what about SPDs and a pair of shoes? 

    Can’t help thinking that a properly fitting new bike from Decathlon may be the better option.

     

    I agree with your point on the saddle but while it is a lot softer than mine it is a lot firmer than the gel beast she has on her vintage truimph. So I am trying to get her to a harder saddle by gradual steps and this is the first one.

    I also thought about SPDs and shoes but she is very wary of them, might try with the shimano click’r pedals though as they sound like a great starter SPD pedal

    October 5, 2016 at 11:39 am #879145
    0
    ClubSmed
    unconstituted wrote:
    Nah, I’d get a decent sale bike on Cycle to Work. Lot of hassle for nothing. I’ve done the whole upgrade the pants bike for the missus thing. Ended up doing everything I could. Ended up selling it 4 months later. Waste of time. Got her a properly lush bike and now she loves cycling. Last weekend she was actually excited on Friday night about getting up early to go ride the next morning. First time. Not all about the bike, but quite a bit about the bike. 

    She does already like cycling, she has a vintage triumph that she does sub 20 miles cycles on but it isn’t comfortable enough for her to go further. She is also not adverse to longer rides in theory as she did a 50 mile cycle with her friend but they swapped bikes halfway through so they could both make it.

    I do take your point though but if this does turn out to be a failure I will have had fun upgrading and learning about bike maintenance as well as having a 2nd bike with better components for only ~£240 outlay

  • Author
    Replies
Viewing 15 replies - 16 through 30 (of 49 total)
1 2 3 4
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.