Why UPGRADING Your ENTRY LEVEL ROAD BIKE IS A WASTE OF MONEY (THE TRUTH) Cycling Industry EXPOSED!!!
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- čas přidán 24. 02. 2021
- Hey PEDALERS!
lepedaler coming with a very informative video explaining why upgrading your entry-level road bike is a waste of money for 95% of cyclists.
If you want me to talk more about fitness and optimizing your cycling performance, like this video and comment down below.
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Feel free to comment and share your thoughts, looking to hearing from you! - Sport
I totally agree about bike shops taking advantage on novice/new riders, with little to no knowledge on what they should be spending their hard-earned money on. Thank you for these videos, boy, do we need 'em!
I beg to differ the giant TCR advanced is not a entry-level bike the giant contend 3 is a entry-level bike which I have. I purchased it for $650 back in October 2018 and immediately I equipped it with a set of gatorskin tires and have rode it for going on 5 years and now finally I am getting a major overhaul with the drivetrain replaced and tires it will cost me $611. Not too shabby for 5 years
Can't agree more! I am new to the sport myself, there is one point I would like to add, when new to the sport, don't forget to include other equipment (clothes, multitool, spares, etc.) in to your budget, this will easily add ip to $400 US. And this are some important factors for comfort and safety. So don't blow your entire budget on your bike.
Counterpoint, if I bought I an entry level road bike for under 1000 2 years ago and I'm looking for an upgrade, it makes a lot of sense for me to drop $600-$800 to upgrade that bike from an 8 speed to an 11 speed than for me to drop $1500+ on buying a whole new bike, let alone spending 3000 just to jump from an entry to mid level bike.
Maybe phrase it as "not the best deal" would be less extreme. I believe many people after several years riding their bike would consider it a travel mate, or maybe have some emotional ties to it, so some upgrades to extend its lifespan would still be reasonable imo :)
Usually I think of it like this. If you really out grow a bike and are unable to perform on it and think an upgrade would solve the issue. Sell or give the bike to someone who would consider it (as is) an upgrade from their current bike. Simply upgrade to a better value bike, I see to many FrankStein bikes and know for a fact they over spent, but to each is their own.
I upgraded my cheap bike myself with a mix secondhand and new parts. When i got a year in and was looking at needing to start replacing parts I started buying replacement parts until i had all i needed to change the whole groupset. As you pointed out the rims needed changing to buy just standard shimano rims were cheap and the ones that came with the bike were awful. I could have bought a new bike cheaper but i got what i wanted in the end without cribbin from the missus🤣👍. Plus i now have the tools and experience to replace everything in my bike myself! That's money in the bank to me$$$$$$
Hi, where did you get the knowledge on how to modify and maintenance your bike?
@@PushPastMyLimits Internet step by step guides like Sheldon Brown youtubers like RJ the bike guy and many more. Local bike shop rather than just put the bike in ask them to show you how they did it. Plus alot of trial and error. Taking a bike apart and putting it back together give you a better understanding of all the moving parts
@@mccartc7645 thanks for the tips man, appreciate it 🙂 👍
Buy the bike based on the logical reasons for buying it and what it's going to be used for, you're exactly right. I bought a Cube Attain 2021 endurance SL 105 11 Speed because the geometry is comfy af, wider wheels when commuting, high gear ratio for getting up hills, and aluminium imo is more malleable than carbon so it won't get a hairline fracture if you bash it about a bit when using it daily
So if i have my bike with carbon fiber frame with 105, I don't need to buy a new bike but rather get a power meter and a carbon rim later on?
Thank you for the video very helpful
You change the idea and opinion each month!
Hey Pedaler, got a older (6yrs now) 10spd GT (GTR series 2) alloy frame with 105s with alloy zondas wheels. I mostly MTB and my roadie hasn't seen much miles til the last yr or so. Thinking about carbon hoop upgrade, what do you think? Not sure there is more reason to upgrade to a new bike besides the carbon frame (and swag or a bigger name brand). My roadie is more for training but just starting to enjoy it more... What do think about carbon hoops?
Just rock what you got and when it comes to the point where parts have reached their life expectancy than consider upgrading if you think it would add value. If it ain’t broken don’t fix it. All the best 🤘🤘🤘
Thanks bro for all the info you really. Made clear lots of questions I had. About contender an advance. Can advanced Do like gravel.
I got Trek Domane AL2 disc with 8 speed Claris.. Black and Gold color. Loving it..
I got these dilemma:
Thinking to selling it and upgrade to something with 11speed..
But i dont like any other brand or colorway..
Its either i upgrade my claris (spend lots of $$$) and still loving it or buy greater bike and hate it (dont like the design/colorway)..
What do you think about that?
Hey bro I live in Toronto as well would u sell your tcr advanced 2 kom to me lol I've been waiting for it couple months and I don't know know it will be back in stock
Bro, is loud hub beter than silent one ?
Did you mention about what happened to your stock wheelset, and reason giant denied warranty? Sorry if I missed it.
Hey bud, great video as always. Quick question. I am 5'11 230lbs. Am I too heavy for a carbon bike? I recently bought a Bianchi Infinito CV and I am afraid to ride it because I think I will break the carbon frame. I keep riding my aluminum bikes trying to get down in weight so I can ride my Bianchi. What do you think?
No your find as long as you were fitted to the bike correctly and the bike was built great! Have fun riding
Carbon fiber is extremely strong it's impacts it can't handle so don't drop it or bang it into anything check the manufacturer weight limit on their paperwork/website.
I get what you are saying, when I got my 2018 Contend 1 it was $800 new and that was all I could afford at the time. Then a year later I wanted to do my 2nd bike race with it had some money for upgrades and got that 105 R7000 groupset for $450 at the same place, Merlin Cycles. Slammed the stem for race geometry but had to get a new set of wheels for the 11 speed cassette went with Fulcrum Racing 5 for $275 That's $1525 but to make things equal you really need to subtract the value of the shimano sora groupset and that was $350 at that time so $1175 for a Large bike under 20lbs is not bad at all. I could sell the Sora set used for 175 and that would still be $1350 and that's not a waste. Them stock wheels are actually really good if you know how to set up the hubs right. Just remove the 1 unnecessary seal (from the back wheel) that causes way to much drag and then they have the same bearing drag as the Fulcrum Racing 5, after the Fulcrum's are broken in. The Trek Domane SL 6 is over $4,000 and is a all carbon bike that is .21lbs more than my cheep bike and I don't even have carbon bars so it's all about how good the deals are when you upgrade that makes it worth wile. Not to mention the look on the other guys face when you pass them by and their bike is twice as expensive! lol Oh and there is no bike shop fees in there because I do it all myself, that goes for building wheels too.
What do you think about the Contend SL1? Looking for just another opinion please, thanks🤙🏻
I put together one of these they are scr here and they cost 490usd now after covid i think they changed some things in 2022 but about the same bike i intalled a 105 group and shimano alloy wheels the seat i like plus old dura ace pedals a 36cm handlebar i had and a 120mm pro plt stem i also had this is winter bike i live in Panama no low temps here any time of the year i love this bike simple reliable and still cheap the 105 group now costs 400dls the 11s rim brake one
You always give good points
Legit mistake that i did with giant defy , I’m now saving bucks for rim brake a18, continue le bon travail et cheers from Sweden!
Oh man. The throwback hair 😂✌️
Great advice. This is why I sold my 2018 Trek Domane AL2 last year and bought an 11spd bike.
Great 👍
Good move!
I have Fastroad and am at a crossroads. I like the bike, but the wheelset sucks. I want to replace them, but there are no recommendations to do it.
Good overview!
Have been trying to get into a tarmac sl6 sport for $2600 since launch and now the price is $3200... I'm so done.
the price keeps going up cause their HQ keeps getting broken into lol just get a tcr
@@IJoAnZI xD you may be on to something. After looking further though, I found that canyon put out their new ultimate for $2700 and get this... ultegra components / 7.02 kg
@@pr33tu_ that's good if it comes with a power meter
I think it is worth upgrading cheaper bikes but not huge upgrades like groupsets or high end wheels just small improvements as parts wear out or more budget choices. I guess a $2k bike is a mid-range bike and I'd struggle to see an easy upgrade path for that but if you are looking at entry level bikes there are plenty of cheap upgrade options that can transform a bike without spending too much money. Many people downgrade their bikes maybe not intentionally but they buy a mid-range bike and they go in the store and they choose a replacement cassette, chain, tyres etc that are lower end than the original components fitted. So the bikes can gradually increase in weight slightly.
I bought a 2017 Giant Defy Advanced 2, this model has a 105 crank, the PR2 wheels on the bike have been replaced with a set of Fulcrum DB4's The Giant Wheels were a major disappointment! the back hub wobbled and the spokes pinged! took it back too the bike shop, they accessed wheels and told me they were ok!
Giant customer service is TRASH 🗑
Just upgraded my bike with Fulcrum wheels as well. Went with DB3s for my 2017 Trek Crossrip 3
Hey Pedaler - I bought the Giant Contend SL1 Disc 2018 - ALU SL frame, with 105 groupset with disc brakes in 2018, it was a solid choice then and I have found a passion for the sport. So now I am at the crossroads, it also came with PR-2 wheels tubeless, one of your favourites I know, people have mixed experience, some have spoke issues some just say they are too heavy. I have not had any issues and have it many potholes. I am now looking to upgrade them within reason ? I want to run 28's on lower pressure. I think this will have a larger comfort factor than carbon frame alone. Also matching wheel profile ... Hunt AWD 34's are appealing. Waste of money ? I cannot justify a whole new bike just now.
Hi! I have the same bike with tires 700x25c. I want to change tires to make it more suitable for light gravel roads, do you know what is the max size? 30mm, 28? Thanks !
Really enjoy your videos, there's a lot of advice out there about buying bikes but was comforted to hear 105, carbon frame is more than enough.
I'm currently looking at a first road bike, wanted to know what your opinion is on choosing between an aero and lighter climbing bike. Found a South African company that does both and the aero model with 105 and carbon frame is same price as the lighter bike also with 105 and carbon frame. But now I'm lost as to why I wouldn't just choose the aero bike if they are the same price? I would be interested in your honest opinion. I assume the weight difference between the two is marginal.
www.titanracingbikes.com/product/valerian-elite/
www.titanracingbikes.com/product/vanquish-elite-carbon/
If you’re riding/racing in mostly groups the aero bike won’t be doing you much good. If you’re using it for Time Trials or riding solo then the aero will be more beneficial.
CAAD 13
$2,325
Old CAAD 9
Swiss DT R460 (105 Hubs) with Vittoria Rubino Tires (New Take-Offs) $200.
New Complete R7000 105 Groupset $400.
$600 for uogrades.
I figure the bike was worth $450 before the upgrade. Maybe $600 after. So I'm out $450 instead of twice that when I drove the CAAD 13 out of the door.
My guy got them editing skills
We be cooking up in the studio them crispy edits 🧑🏻🍳
Have had a giant tcr advanced 2 since 2012, it weighs 17lbs. Ride those alu rims on gravel, like a lot of gravel, never a problem. Bomber bike
You should create playlists on your channel. I think is worth upgrading if you can find good deals. The serious question is.... Should you paint your frame???
As a new cyclist I found the 2021 Trek Émonda SL 6 Pro to be my best value bike, Although I should of gone for the SL 6 non pro. Lesson learned.
I was in the same situation. I wanted a new Émonda SL, but the only models I could find were the 6 and pro. I didn't want the wheels that came with the pro, and I didn't really care for the ultegra on the 6. I lucked out and found an sl5 out of state. I immediately upgraded everything with the carbon parts I desired. Now I have an émonda that's better than both the 6 and pro, and for less money.
A year ago, it was shouldn't,
5 moths ago, it was upgrade,
Now is a waste of money.
On point.
Nice video, good info. Still don't agree with you on disc brake vs rim brake.
Thank you. Done the thinking for me😂.
Glad I saved you some brain 🧠 power ⚡️
I have cannondale caad12 and thinking of upgrading wheel set to vision. Should I?
yes
Just buy second hand, got full carbon bike and 40mil rims 🙃 for 1000€
100th like
But I’ve got Ultegra and aluminum rims😅
7:30 min, rim brake... more responsive? 🤔
The Prophet has spoken. New Cyclists....listen.
Giant is expensive. So it doesn't make any sense to buy entry level giant bike if you don't have much money. There is plenty of brands like Canyon, CUBE, Kellys etc.. that have really good cost/quality ratio.. On entry level bike from Canyon for example you will have something like mavic aksium wheels which are really good wheels for that price and most likely 105 group set as well.. With brand like Specialized, Trek, Giant, Scott you are paying a lot of extra money just for that logo on the frame.
Giant isn't expensive when you look at the quality and technology you are getting in the bike. Take for instance, they put a power meter in the Advanced Pro level bicycles. Where else can you get a power meter on a factory bike at the price range Giant is offering.
@@claybowler751 We are talking about entry level bikes and you are talking about power meters? Specialized, Trek, Scott, Giant etc. are great if you have a lot of money for high end bike. Not if you have no money and you want cheap alu frame, carbon fork with the best components possible for lowest price. Nothing comes even close to brands like Canyon or for example French Decathlon. You will get alu frame with carbon fork, mavic aksium wheels and full 105 group set much cheaper than some low end bike from giant that will have maybe tiagra or sora not 105 and wheels will be complete shit like this guy in the video is saying not good wheels like mavic aksium.. I know that giant is not overpriced like Specialized or Trek, but still you are paying a lot of money just for logo on the frame. With Canyon, Decathlon, Kellys etc. you will have same quality frame, but much better components for much better price.. With Canyon especially. Because they are selling their bikes directly from the factory...
@@jirihutecka9020 when I look at manufacturers of aluminum bikes like Cannondale with the CAAD13, you are looking at $1800. Giant's aluminum Contend borrows a lot from yesteryear's aluminum TCRs and is $50 cheaper. As for thinking you are winning with Askiums, I have ridden Giant wheels both aluminum and carbon from 2012 on the Defy, TCR, and Propel, and find them to be a good value.
As well, when my buddy Tom had wheel issues with his Propel after hitting something during RAGBRAI a couple years ago, Giant replaced the wheel without much hassle.
Scanning the Canyon Web site, I found an aluminum 105 based Canyon road bike for $1899. You can buy a Giant aluminum road bike and buy Askiums off e-Bay all day long from people who took them off their new road bikes and upgraded, and still save money.
@@jirihutecka9020 I can tell you that the relationship I built with my bike shop after buying bikes from them and eventually working with them was worth way more than the money I'd save buying a canyon. Also I'm more skeptical of quality control in canyons than giant, trek, specialized.
@@claybowler751 $1250 You can't buy entry level road bike with better price/quality-components than this... www.canyon.com/cs-cz/road-bikes/endurance-bikes/endurace/endurace-al-7.0/2392.html?dwvar_2392_pv_rahmenfarbe=BK%2FBK
so financing a bike at 0 % interest is bad , comon
Did I say that? No... most people don’t pay it off in time.
I just recently made the switch to disc brakes and it's made riding so much more enjoyable. I can bomb corners now with confidence. The bike stops faster and I have consistent modulation. I'd say to keep an open mind when it comes to disc. It just might impress you.
I alternate between disc and rim braked Colnago's. A carbon textured brake track such as Zipp NSW offers greater initial bite at 50/60mph over a disc set up. At slow speeds, 20mph disc is superior but is more prone to being affected in crosswinds also a disc wheel adds 10 to 12 watts of aero drag. Anyone wanting every second out of a bike is better off on rim, commuting and in traffic disc is optimal.
@@ThePaulKat I find disc to be superior in every situation when compared to my previous setup: Mavic comete sl wheels and SwissStop yellow pads. The pads would glaze immediately and lose braking force. I would find myself pre braking on steep descents to guarantee I don't become windshield splatter.
As a recreational cyclist, I can live with the increase in weight, exposed surface area and aerodynamic drag. It's worth the trade-off.
@@ayowser01 the silicone carbide infused brake track of the Zipp NSW'S doesn't suffer as your Mavic's did and are superior at speed over my Campagnlo Super Record set up with Carbon TI rotors. At 50/60mph disc suffers more due to heat induced brake fade. On slow descents of 20/25mph disc are superior but the faster you go the less effective they are.
@@ThePaulKat that's crazy. I didn't know zipp had such advanced braking tech; I believe it. Sounds like unless you have Zipp wheels, then disc is still a better proposition for us non-racers. I just did a descent that hit 46mph - to test out my disc brakes - and no fade, but it wasn't a long descent, just a fast, steep one.
@@ayowser01 The carbon Campagnolo AC3 braking surface is equally effective as is ENVE's I am lead to beleive though have no direct experience. The issue with disc is the heat build up with repeated high speed breaking. On a descent that I regularly hit 60mph on you have a dead stop at the bottom, initially the disc performs best but as the speed increases the rim has greater initial bite (but losses out if you then need constant braking). However by the time you need to come to a halt at the bottom significant but not unmanageable fade is evident on the disc setup but not the rim. Overall the rim is more consistent/faster if speed is the priority.If not disc will not disappoint.
Anyone who spends 1k or more for a freaking bike, has more money than brains. I buy used. The most I ever spent for a bike was $300 and that's because I was new at the cycle buying game.
The second hand market is going to be great for buyers by the end of this year.
that is what everybody already said last year and now we have inflated prices and shortage of parts.
@@googlekonto2851 covid has to finish to see the used market be better
Isn't pushing carbon a level of elitism? I mean, you're really not upgrading when you go from higher end aluminum to entry level carbon in most cases. Carbon cost more so I guess that makes it an upgrade to one's wallet. To your credit, you have a Giant TCR 105. I know of no other bike that boasts that level carbon at that price. Most bikes in that price range are using a lower grade carbon with 105 so compared to the others, upgrading a Tiagra aluminum bike would make sense. Giant just did it right. Of course, you already knew that.
Yes, exactly very good valid points you make however in terms of road vibration I do find a genuine increase in overall ride quality with carbon that I think is truly worth the extra money. Now, most companies don't even offer a 105 groupset in a moderate weight aluminum frame so for that reason I do suggest carbon+105. But if the budget is absolute and you don't plan on racing or fast group rides. Aluminum frame +Tiagra is the way to go
I'm here from your video : why you should upgrade a every level bike.... I'm kind of lost 🤔
Another version of that is coming out, remember every cyclist needs and opportunities are different. If you have a buddy gifting you a 600 groupset for 200$ UPGRADE. However should you upgrade and buy a groupset from your LBS probably not.
@@Pedaler make sense haha good video bro 🙏
@@cedpatin Appreciate it.
go chinese! 2k for force 22 and 50mm carbon rims. 1000g t800 frameset. 16.1 lbs. then build it up. once you do it will already be special because you built it. I own 2 brand name bikes and my chinese one is every bit as good.
Financing a bike 😂
Nothing wrong with finance if you can get a 0% apr loan.
@@mikeengland8331
You stupid idiot he is saying the need to finanace because prices have become so ridiculous.
Shitttt I know people who finance an Xbox and a pair of beats headphones. People will always buy shit that is too expensive for them. I don’t need a $1500 dollar phone, but it’s not gonna stop me from buying one
@@GCPerformance18
The people ur talking about are average people..... and biking is average sport. Y the fuck is finance need for a lot of the people or discount incentives ??
U see most people buy Xbox or beats 🎧 with cash money..... can’t say the same about a £9000 “superbike” (with 1000cc 😂).....
Wtf ..::
My CBR1000rr and my Cbr600rr as well as my yz125 17’ all cost less. £3.5-6k.
I’m Cycle I’m the engine.... bikes got few parts and yet them motherfuckers want £9000 😂😂😂😂😂
@@Max__apex that goes for every single thing in this world. That’s what the price is going for. I’m sure you have a smart phone in your pocket thag is way over priced that you sure paid way more for and cost them nothing to make.
It’s like that in every single hobby. Computer building, knives, guns, there will always be a top tier of something thag is extremely over priced but there will always be a customer base for it. Expensive cars, scuba equipment, high end enthusiasts motorcycles that probably perform the same as your bike does just has more detail.
It’s the world is