Hi,
I am relatively new to cycling / gravel cycling and have been enjoying my Scott Speedster Gravel 20 a lot for the past year.
I am in a certain dilemma however, I am wanting to upgrade certain parts of the bike like the wheels and / or the groupset, but after comparing the prices that come with these upgrades compared to newer mid range gravel bikes, I am not so sure about upgrading, or maybe moving on to a new bike.
What do y'all think? What are y'alls experiences with this?
by NeekoSimp
19 Comments
Why do you want to upgrade specific parts? Weight / performance and to go faster / have the same parts as Pogi and look cool?
I’d say it depends on how much the specific upgrades will cost and why you want them.
I wouldn’t spend too much on a relatively entry level frame. On the other hand if it fits well and tire clearance is good, I much prefer riding gravel using a slightly cheaper set up than something worth 5000+
I’ve had my Salsa Journeyman Sora since 2018. I’ve had the urge to get a steel or titanium frame bike but honestly? I love my bike and it’s working out great still. I got new wheels a few years ago and I would be open to a group set change but it’s not really necessary. So I guess what are your goals with upgrades or a new bike? A lot of complete bikes are on sale because the industry is struggling so you can find good deals.
Bike looks real nice, I wouldn’t change anything tbh
Gift yourself some new wheels and enjoy
I would change the wheels; it’s a good improvement and you’ll notice it in every aspect: weight/performance.
The only time it really makes sense to go while new bike is if you want to go to electronic shifting from mechanical. The brands get group sets for so much cheaper than consumers that it can often make sense.
For most everything else just upgrade on your own. You can bring a set of wheels with you to the next bike.
Wheels. Carbon bars are usually the go to first things to upgrade that make noticeable difference. Electric groups etc after that but as someone mentioned its usually better to just get a new bike at that point. And can take the comfy bars and fast wheels to the next bike.
The wheels that come on mid-range bikes are usually shit, too. Just get some new wheels.
This appears to be a common dilemma for many cyclists; the decision largely depends on the upgrades and budget considerations. In the past, I have sold my current bike on eBay and subsequently upgraded to a model with the desired specifications.
First question is _why_ do you feel the bike needs upgrading?
All the new 12 speed sram stuff is pretty x-compatible, so if you want easier climbing gearing you could swap out a smaller chainring, or higher capacity derailleur/cassette without needing to swap out the whole drivetrain/groupset. (Edit: sorry just realized you have mechanical, not electronic apex. The cross compatibility is only for electronic groups)
My first upgrade reco is always tires, but you’ve already got some nice rubber.
If you want an upgrade that’ll last, look into a nice set of carbon wheels. You can transfer the wheels to any thru axle bike, if you do decide to get a new bike later.
I love that rear fender, what brand is it??
Invest in new high end wheels. It’s an old theory but it still applies.
imo upgrades on bike/ parts are either being “competitive”, aesthetics, or comfort. However, if at the end of the day it makes ya want to ride your bike more, I’d do it.
Don’t devalue the fact that you like the bike you currently own. A new bike would have new components but also maybe features or fit that you don’t like as much. I’m personally a fan of upgrading a single bike over time, assuming you like the frame and fit. Just do new wheels, drivetrain upgrades have a pretty diminishing return unless you’re starting with a total bargain bin setup. New wheels change how your bike looks and make you excited to ride it. Plus the increased stiffness is very noticeable, and they likely come with a better hub than what you already have. It’s the only upgrade I think is immediately noticeable.
If your bike fits your body and riding style well, there’s not a huge reason to upgrade your frame set if there’s not a tech upgrade you “need” (clearance, QR to thru-axle etc). Wheels, tires, contact points and going to mid-range group sets are a huge upgrade.
If you’re itching to spend money but don’t know about components, try custom frame bags, boutique parts, accessories (is your repair kit loose in a frame bag? Get a roll). I find that the peripherals to a frame are enjoyable to upgrade personally.
For example, the riverside bag you have is really nice, but if you’re itching for an upgrade, find a local bag maker and have them make a custom-fit frame bag and specialize it to your liking. Functional and changes the aesthetics as well.
Even as a shop employee, it’s usually more economical to buy the bike I want than upgrade the one I have.
By this I mean frame and group set, everything else is an accessory that’ll enhance the cycling experience.
I think that’s a cool bike, I would slap some new wheels on and call it a day
Why would it need to be changed?
Wheels are a good upgrade because you can keep them for a new bike if and when you sell this one (just keep the old wheels to put back on). And even expensive new bikes often come with pretty meh wheels.
Parts are less clear cut, you kind of have to sit down and calculate the cost of all the parts + labor, and whether it would be more or less than the cost of a new bike minus what you get for selling your old one.
If it’s mainly that you want to upgrade to electronic shifting, that would probably be worth upgrading your current bike. The 2 shifters and derailleur are all you’d need, and they’re pretty cheap on places like ebay.
If you want a new bike, get a new bike. If you like this bike and want more performance get a nice set of wheels and lower the stem maybe. Unless you go very high end, most bikes won’t come with great wheels anyway.
I don’t think you have anything to gain by upgrading that groupset.