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Relative newbie so after advise if possible
I have been cycling now on and off for around 5 years and in that time have bought myself one new bike, a Kuota Korsa Lite. For anyone unfamiliar with this bike it is a triple butted aluminium frame, carbon fork bike and I have it with Sram Apex and Mavic Aksium wheels. I ahve been getting more and more into my cycling recently and I am now considering some changes. I don't have the biggest budget in the world so there is unfortunately no way I can afford a new bike but I am looking at potentially changing the wheels for some lighter ones (around 1.6kg) or the frame to a carbon frame. I am after some advise as to which people feel would more beneficial. If the frame is the better option this would potentially take me a few months to save the funds for and the wheels maybe a couple of months. I am currently not at the stage of racing although maybe in a couple of years when I have a little more free time I might consider it. The reason I'm looking to upgrade at this moment in time is I'd like to and nothing more than that and yes I know the motor is what pushes you along and that's more important than anything else but I have itchy feet and would like to start making progresses with my equipment as well as with my own performance...this will enable me to maintain the motivation which at the end of the day is more important than ANYTHING else!
If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.
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9 comments
Thanks for the advise guys, really helpful
Lighter wheels like Fulcrum 5 or RS81 are nice but, as crikey says, I'd put fast-rolling tyres on it first - GP4000S, Ultremo etc.
The Korsa is a good bike (and CW says 8.7 kg, not heavy), so I suggest you don't be swayed by the idea that carbon has magical properties or that 300g off your wheels will transform it.
That saying was based on the idea that rotating weight is important and has been discredited for a while.
The best thing you can do that you will feel is buy some top-of-the-range tyres and use them. The next best thing is to spend money on good kit; clothes you can wear when the weather is bad will encourage you to get out and ride.
Think jacket, overshoes, gloves and so on.
I'd go for new wheels first.
There used to be a saying - an ounce in the wheels is worth a pound in the frame. Now, like all old sayings it's both bollocks and contains some truth in it too. I think you can take the pound/ounce part with a pinch of salt but the main point, saving weight in the wheels rather than the frame is more beneficial, is sound.
Obviously saving weight on both wheels and frame would be better (and saving weight isn't the only benefit of a carbon frame) but if finances are limited I'd go for a new set of hoops.
I like the winter bike + good bike idea. Also, teach yourself to build wheels and you'll save money. I wanted 1.6kg wheels so I built a pair myself (no previous experience) for £140 by shopping around. I haven't died yet.
I currently aim and so fat have achieved 200 miles a week spread over 3 or 4 rides...normally one longer one. I know I wouldn't be able to afford either at the moment but it is just to see what I should be looking at as I'm not sure. My other option is to save until this time next year and build up a carbon frame with something like Sram Rival and 1.6kg wheels and then keep my current alloy as more of a winter bike maybe??
I think it depends on your current mileage. If you are not getting in many miles now then you will not feel a great benefit I think. However if you start training properly and get to a certain level of fitness you will find upgrading to a good quality carbon bike a revelation.
Nothing wrong with doing that now if cost is not an issue of course
Not so sure of the benefits in upgrading myself. Either a frame or wheels - what are you thinking of spending? I know you don't want to hear this but why not wait a couple of years work on your fitness in the meantime and see what money you have available then?
Yep, a decent Carbon frameset will be a revelation, if your used to steely's / alloys. The wheelset should be a secondary consideration. The best bet is to look at the previous years frame sets, you'll get a bargain, and there will normally be precious little difference in spec's.