ROAD BIKES ARE GREAT - But is mine?!!

big_hands

Hello all,

This is my first post and as my title suggest i love my road bike and have really enjoyed putting in the miles on it having recently got into the road bike scene. However, it is a Scott Speedster S5 and rrp was £550 and i got it for £450. I like it but i want to go racing should i ugrade the bike overtime or sell it as its in very good condition and just fork out the extra cash to climb up the price ladder abit more? If i did upgrade the bike is the frame worth upgrading? Like i said i have enyoyed using the bike and its in great condition so shall up upgrade or just trade up? How much should you spend for a good road bike?

Thanks

Big_hands

DOUGEG

Hi Big, perhaps you have the S50, I don't see an S5. You've got an entry level road bike there. Well respected brand, nice alum frame, carbon fork and(incredibly)seatpost - this frame is light and may be all the frame you'll need ever. Your components are good entry level, they should perform nicely until you stop maintaining them. If your racing entry level races, this bike will serve you well. Heck ride it for as long as your happy with it. As you get better and hang with better riders, your going to see and want the good stuff. Try other guys bikes, when you can feel the difference in quality, and you want to continue racing, or just ride more - you will spend more.
If you want to do one thing to this bike to upgrade? buy some nice wheels, $180.00(Mavic open pros) - $400.00 you can always take them with you.

big_hands

Thanks for replying,

I am thinking of getting my local bike shop to make me some wheels with decent hubs and if i decide to sell it i can put the old wheels back on. I like the look and ride of the bike and have just got some clipless pedals so that should improve the ride abit aswell.

Also i got caught out in the alloy terminology i didnt realise it meant good old fashioned aluminium so i may just keep it and upgrade the bits that wear out and drop off.

Thanks Dougeg

Also the S50 is this years replacement of the S5 but are the same level bike.

oakdog8

I ride an OCR1 which is also an Alum with c/f seat and fork, as well as clipless. I don't know what sort of components you have, but you would be amazed the difference an upgrade can make. My bike came stock with a set of Xero wheels and hubs, and i have absolutely no complaints. I think they are 24 or 28 spokes per wheel, and perform marvelously. I would say in your case upgrade to something like Ultegra for components, and lighter wheels andyou should be fine.

__________________
-Mike

Giant OCR1
Specialized Stumpjumper Hardtail
'96 Saturn SC2