Pic for attention.
After upgrading brakes to Juin Tech F1s and slapping on a WTB volt I can say that this bike isn't terrible anymore. But I still know I want to make upgrades if I want to keep this bike:
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Get rid of microshift, replace with ??
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Replace wheels with something tubeless
I mostly commute on (rough) pavement, do occasional multi day camping trips, and like to get out on easy gravel when I can but that's not often. I like what gravel bikes provide in terms of wider tire capability and bikepackability.
I could source used parts to upgrade but should I just consider getting a new/used bike? Budget could be $2k.
by _me
16 Comments
Following because I’m in the exact same boat
Think about what you’re missing from the bike currently. Then think of what you like about it.
After that you can calculate the price of getting what you’re missing vs buying something that has both, what you’re currently missing and what you currently like about it.
Just throwing random „upgrades“ at it isn’t the way.
Ok, something I actually have direct experience with!
I have a 2021 Topstone 4. Rode it a ton during COVID (when I was broke) and loved it. Broke some spokes because I’m a big boy who likes to ride rough, but no major issues. I decided to upgrade my brakes as I think that was my biggest complaint (besides the wheels) with the stock topstone. I don’t 100% remember what I got but it was something in the realm of yours. After that, I got the itch to get some bombproof wheels built and pulled the trigger. Awesome investment, and I tell myself I can always just bring it over to any new frame I get.
Last year I decided to change out the Microshift with a SRAM eagle AXS drivetrain. E shifting is awesome, hydraulic brakes are a massive upgrade,and I have no regrets at all. All in I’m probably an extra $2.4k or so in on my topstone (not including things like tires, bike fits etc). For that cost I probably could’ve just bit the bullet and gotten a new carbon frame topstone, but I was able to upgrade what I actually cared to and could do it in a stepwise fashion. I also haven’t experienced the difference that a whole new frame would make, so from where I am I wouldnt change how I did things.
I don’t think this is very helpful to your question after reading it back lmao, but wanted to at least share my experience.
Consider what memories you could make on that bike with 2k, it could be easily worth riding this already really good bike but have more fun (trips, trips, and some small extra trips)
I have ridden all sorts of groupsets and honestly unless you’re experiencing issues with the shifting, are frustrated with the mechanical disc brakes or are planning to race, or would opt to upgrade the wheels and contact points (seat, handlebars, etc) first. Upgrading wheels and tires can completely change the game. Proven Chinese wheelsets can be had for cheap.
Bonus: all these upgrades can move with you when you do finally decide to upgrade the frame or buy a new bike.
My personal upgrades in order of cost-effectiveness: tires, wheels, waxed chains, professional bike fit, handlebar, crank, frame, groupset
I bought a new aluminum frame topstone last year just to use as a crappy winter bike I didn’t care much about, because there’s no way I’d ride my Cruxes during winter, but I actually ended up really liking the topstone!
You can get 11speed grx drivetrain for cheap right now. Huge upgrade. That frame, if it fits, is great.
if you like the frame ( how it fits, how it looks ) and are fine with doing upgrades yourself, go ahead.
topstone 1 is absolutely the same frame with just better parts on it and costs 2.5k, so you can do it yourself cheaper and even better in parts you don’t like.
i also had topstone 4 and i think brakes are the worst, then wheels. and maybe then microshift, but change it only if you have issues with it – i had issues as i was joining some amateur races and i didn’t like their levers and was really missing an option to switch multiple gears quickly at a time like in shimano. the frame though i think is beautiful, but also quite chill, not aggressive, so for your needs, could be good for a long time
Wheels, no doubt. Get a high-end alu wheelset with a good serviceable hub. The difference is going to be day and night.
I have this exact bike! I’ve done a number of budget upgrades over the years and I’m pretty happy with it now.
– 38cm Cannondale alu bars
– JuinTech F1 brakes, GRX rotors
– 40t CUES cranks (170mm)
– DT Swiss P1800’s (not gravel wheels but they were cheap. Will be upgraded later)
– Conti Terra Speed 45’s
– Specialized Power saddle
Good wheels are better brakes will make this bike come alive, I’d focus your energy there.
I have a Topstone 4 – what caliper spacer did you get to put the Juin Tech F1s in with.
I have a 2019 topstone 105 and I can’t imagine another frame fitting as well or being as comfortable across a ride range of conditions. At some point I will be upgrading the wheels, crankset, front der (have to if I want grx crankset).
Only change I’ve made in the past 5 years is carbon seatpost, saddle of my preference, and double gel tape. And tubeless before it left the store.
Rent a nice bike for a weekend. See how it feels. If it feels way better then you can upgrade.
I’d love that bike!!
Upgrade wheels first. Then if you want, you could put together a SRAM AXS groupset fairly cheap. Those would be my up choices, at least.
Spend as much as possible on high-quality tires.