Zarch
Peloton Rider
Posts: 50
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Post by Zarch on Apr 10, 2017 20:56:09 GMT
Pretty new to cycling, but feel compelled to make improvements on my 540...... not sure why? I changed out the original 12-28 casette for a 11-32 (to help on the hills) here: triban3owners.freeforums.net/thread/6279/tiagra-11-32-triban-540Realised I can't upgrade the brake calipers to 105 or Ultegra (which is a shame) here: triban3owners.freeforums.net/threads/recent/6543Charge Spoon saddle added, mudguards, tool bags etc. So what next? I've narrowed it down to: Tyres - change the Hutchinson Equinox 2 for something else? Maybe Gatorskin or Four Seasons? Will I see any difference? Crankset - swap out the Prowheel for a 105 replacement 50/34 to try and make the bike more 105? Looking at around £100 new or maybe 2nd hand? Worth it? Will I see any difference? Anything else that could radically improve the bike? Or am I just spending money for spending money sake?
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Post by chas on Apr 10, 2017 21:44:38 GMT
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Apr 10, 2017 22:02:48 GMT
It does make sense to use what you have and upgrade when the parts are worn. You will have a better feel of the bike and have acquired more knowledge of the bits and pieces. However.... if you are mega keen to throw cash on the love of your life.... Wheels...?? If you want radical. One of my best recent upgrades was the purchase of a Campagnolo Zonda wheelset. Love them to bits and certainly not cheap. The best tyres I have used are the Conti 4000s. I have used the 4 seasons in winter and they did a great job. How the Hutchinson's compare... I haven't got a scooby do. The 105 chainset would match up well with your existing transmission but would it improve the performance compared to some super duper Zondas? Ain't it great helping to spend someone else's hard earned cash.
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Post by r0b1et on Apr 11, 2017 9:05:28 GMT
I agree almost entirely with @davefy7 - I'd not go for Zondas, but a better (I'd go areo or at least semi aero - even on hills they are quicker than the aksiums).
From what I've read the prowheel chainset on the 540 is very good (I maintain the one on the old T3 wasn't [though it was the bottom bracket that was flexy]) and likely only worth it for cosmetics.
Given your other suggestions seem to be improvements in performance, I'd look away from gatorskins as fast as you can, sure they don't puncture much, but the performance is poor and the wet grip terrifying. Schwalbe One are my current #1 choice - and they aren't silly expensive.
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Post by phred1812 on Apr 11, 2017 10:17:12 GMT
I can vouch for Schwalbe Ones. They felt a big improvement over the Mich Pro4s they replaced. They run on Cosine 32mms which are very light at 1400 gms for the pair. Probably not the most rugged or durable wheels but so far I am delighted with them. Wiggle currently have them discounted to around £187.
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Post by r0b1et on Apr 11, 2017 10:22:58 GMT
I can vouch for Schwalbe Ones. They felt a big improvement over the Mich Pro4s they replaced. They run on Cosine 32mms which are very light at 1400 gms for the pair. Probably not the most rugged or durable wheels but so far I am delighted with them. Wiggle currently have them discounted to around £187. I'm on precisely the same. I haven't got concerns about the wheels though, 3,400km so far and I've not touched them.
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Post by robertsims on Apr 11, 2017 13:01:07 GMT
Tyres for cheap upgrade, wheels for more expensive upgrade for me (but make it worth it if doing wheels!)
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Zarch
Peloton Rider
Posts: 50
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Post by Zarch on Apr 12, 2017 7:26:19 GMT
So are the Askiums not up to much? I naively thought they were good wheels?
Good when compared to what comes on the 500 etc, which was one of the reasons I went 540 instead of 500?
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Post by ChrisD on Apr 12, 2017 11:20:30 GMT
So are the Askiums not up to much? I naively thought they were good wheels? Good when compared to what comes on the 500 etc, which was one of the reasons I went 540 instead of 500? They are very good, reliable wheels, but they're not the lightest. As ever, it depends what you're looking for in your upgrades. If it's speed then wheels are often one of the first ports of call.
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Post by robertsims on Apr 12, 2017 11:53:23 GMT
As Chris said - nothing wrong with them at all - decent all round reliable wheels...but can get more aero and/or lighter ones if want to upgrade
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Post by jondxxx on Apr 12, 2017 14:45:56 GMT
If the mudguards are a permanent fixture is there much point in going for more aero wheels? I hope no daffodils were damaged when that picture was taken.
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Post by william39 on Apr 12, 2017 16:37:22 GMT
Don't think aero wheels are going to make much difference the way the bike is set up with the bars higher than the saddle or maybe the picture is misleading.
Might be better off spending on some decent clothing esp. bibshorts making long rides more comfortable if you don't have any already?
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arranj
Peloton Rider
Posts: 281
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Post by arranj on Apr 25, 2017 15:04:58 GMT
Don't think aero wheels are going to make much difference the way the bike is set up with the bars higher than the saddle or maybe the picture is misleading. Might be better off spending on some decent clothing esp. bibshorts making long rides more comfortable if you don't have any already? Looks to be on a hill
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Post by utriban on Apr 25, 2017 19:03:12 GMT
So are the Askiums not up to much? I naively thought they were good wheels? Good when compared to what comes on the 500 etc, which was one of the reasons I went 540 instead of 500? Actually, Aksiums are very good wheels. To really better them you'd have to pay the half the price of your bike. There are lighter wheels for the price of Aksiums, but that does not mean they are better overall.
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