Frame or components

[ralphhouse]

what should I spend additional money on? better frame or better components

 

[ebandit]

frame

always...........frame.......wheels..............components

while components are nice as long as they work they are ok

while a poor frame creates a poor bike

Mark L

 

[DirtyWorks]

what should I spend additional money on? better frame or better components

More time in the saddle.

Unless you've got a specific need like a saddle that isn't comfortable, wear out what you've got and upgrade the whole bike.

The bike parts fetish is a strong part of the culture. Save yourself the time/expense and just ride lots. Or waste lots of time deciphering marketing BS that really means next to nothing.

Go ride. Have fun with people on bikes.

 

[sakdempa]

First.. spend money on a really good bike fit, and whatever else comes with it (saddle, handlebar, stem etc). Good bike fit will make you more efficent on the bike and maximizes your power output.
Next i would say wheels. Having a good set of wheels actually makes a difference.
Next, (this one is free) go out and ride. The more you ride, the better you'll get!

what should I spend additional money on? better frame or better components

 

[Afrank]

Which do you need the most? Is your current frame very old and worn? Are your components old and in need of replacing?
If your just looking to upgrade your current bikes setup I would say wheels first then components. And if your looking at starting to upgrade to a completely new bike start with the frame.

 

[Steve H.]

Spend the additional money on the frame. A quality frame matched to your size is the base needed to build the rest upon.

 

[ElChingon]

Spend it on TOOLS! That way those supposedly cool LBS dudes don't get your money which you can then spend on better components and frame! Win Win for YOU!

 

[MarkvW]

what should I spend additional money on? better frame or better components

Ride until something bugs you. Isolate the thing bugging you. Then develop a strategy to build on from there. El Chignon's advice is superb.

 

[BroDeal]

always...........frame.......wheels..............components

while components are nice as long as they work they are ok

while a poor frame creates a poor bike

Mark L

I'll take the opposite view. Unless you are buying a unique frame, like something custom from a respected builder, frames are a commodity these days. The stuff sold by the big companies are extremely overpriced considering the manufacturing cost of a carbon frame made in Asia is a few hundred dollars. Paying big bucks for a stock frame popped out of mold won't get you anything other than a much lighter wallet.

Unless you are playing at the high end, the best strategy is an open mold frame sold by one of the companies that offers a warranty and quality control, like Planet-X. Load it up with good components. In a couple of years, for a relatively cheap price, you can replace the frame with the next iteration of open mold frames. Crash and break it? No problem. A replacement costs little.

 

[ralphhouse]

Here is the deal. Aluminum frame with Ultegra components or carbon frame with 105?

thanks for the replies

 

[Christophe]

Here is the deal. Aluminum frame with Ultegra components or carbon frame with 105?

Either could be good, but the frame that fits best will be significantly better. If both frames fit well, go with the carbon frame. Ultegra vs 105 is not a major difference.

 

[alitogata]

More time in the saddle.

Unless you've got a specific need like a saddle that isn't comfortable, wear out what you've got and upgrade the whole bike.

The bike parts fetish is a strong part of the culture. Save yourself the time/expense and just ride lots. Or waste lots of time deciphering marketing BS that really means next to nothing.

Go ride. Have fun with people on bikes.

Well said.. After all the enemy of something good is always something that is better.

 

[hiero2]

LOL

I wuz gonna cherry pick from the good replies you got. Then you clarified!

Moi? I'd say carbon & 105.

But which one feels best when you ride? Aluminum will give you a much stiffer and less comfortable ride, but if the frame fits better . . .

Oh - and I agree about spending some bucks on the bike fit as a top priority.

 

[xcleigh]

I was always advised to spend money on a bike with as good a frame as possible and if that meant a compromise on components well they were to be upgraded at a later date.

However, unless you're spending big bucks on going fully custom then most frames are much of a muchness from the same Asian factories, though nothing wrong with those factories, they produce good quality products imo. I'd say get a bike that fits well (most important e.g. don't get a super racey bike if you want long distance comfort), rides well (try and test ride if possible), and of course you can't deny it has to have an aesthetic appeal to you. Gotta look good while riding!

 

[hfer07]

based on your options, I sense you're new in the sport & the choices you have are basically at the entry level- So I suggest to you to go with the Aluminum frame equipped with the Ultegra gearing- because as soon as you keep developing your skills, then is when you'll be in need of a good frame, so the Aluminum one then becomes your spare frame for winter conditions or commute .

 

[Boeing]

my 2 cents answer given your budget is Alloy Frame. ultegra and then upgrade the wheelset (component) and you will be rolling flying for a long time.

I'd rather ride and entry level frame with the bomb wheels and shifting than a carbon frame with heavy mush circles and average shifting


wheels are everything and often overlooked component upgrade

 

[alitogata]

Here is the deal. Aluminum frame with Ultegra components or carbon frame with 105?

thanks for the replies

Depends what you want to do.

It is the same thing if you ask about the weight of the bike. In the first case you have a heavier frame with lighter groupset and in the second case a lighter frame with heavier groupset. Both groupsets work same well, ( at least for someone who don't race).

So then you have to know what you want from your bike's frame. Are you going to race? go for carbon. Do you want to have a more all-in-one bike, go for aluminum because carbon frames need more care.

If you don't know what you want to do, go for aluminum with good components and upgrade the frame later if and when is needed to.

The component that is the most importand is the wheels.

Good wheels can make even an average bike "fly" but first you have to be sure about what you want to do with a bike.

Don't spend your money for characteristics you don't need.

ETA The material of a frame, carbon or aluminum doesn't guarantee that the frame will be good. There are "bad" or "good" aluminum frames same about carbons. What makes a bike frame good for someone, is the geometry of the frame, the size and the fitting of the rider on each frame according to his/her needs.

In the end of the day the concept is to like the bike you have and ride it as often as you can. Even the most expensive and sophisticated bike worths nothing if the rider doesn't like to ride it.

 

[42x16ss]

Here is the deal. Aluminum frame with Ultegra components or carbon frame with 105?

thanks for the replies

Chances are I'd go for the Al frame with Ultegra and upgrade the wheels, as said a few times earlier.

Example - If I was looking at Cannondales, I'd take an Ultegra CAAD 10 over a 105 Super Six any day of the week. Same geometry, similar feel, better components everywhere, same price. It's a similar case with Specialized with the Allez and the low end Tarmacs. Cervelo and the S1/Soloist is another case.

When an Aluminium frame is basically the same geometry and shape as a brands carbon frame (like the CAAD 10/Allez) then there isn't much difference other than price unless you are racing at about Cat 2 or above.

 

[Rossco8]

always...........frame.......wheels..............components

while components are nice as long as they work they are ok

while a poor frame creates a poor bike

Mark L

The cycling man of the house agrees with this.

 

[laziali]

In summary (and most of what is said above is correct) ...

Order of Preference:

1. Bike fit, bike fit, bike fit.

2. Saddle. Yup, sore a$$ = not much fun.

3. Great tyres. GP4000s, Schwalbe Ultremo ZX etc = less punctures, more grip, more comfort, more fast. All good.

4. Frame that is designed for what you actually want. For example, if you want to ride crits, or short rides on smooth roads you will choose a very different frame from what you would choose for long days in the saddle, hills or rough roads. Geometry, frame material, build characteristics vary greatly. Compare, for example, the truly hideously awful ride of a Venge with the sublime feel of a [insert your favorite frame here - for me Colnago C59]

5. Wheels can make a massive difference. I suppose hubs are technically "components" but great hubs, rims, spokes and a quality build will make a massive difference.

6. Components. You mentioned 105 vs Ultegra. If you have a limited budget go 105 everytime. If you don't, then DA Di2 11-speed is where it's at

 

[Giuseppe Magnetico]

Great wheels will make a mediocre frame ride better, it doesn't work the other way around.

 

[El Oso]

I would go with the Aluminum Ultegra over the Carbon 105. I made a similar decision almost 10 years ago and am more than happy I went with the aluminum (Specialized Allez) over carbon (Trek 5200).

 

[VeloFidelis]

Bike fit is absolutely your primary concern. Neither of these bikes is worth a sh!t if it doesn't fit. Spend the money to get measured by a professional and get well acquainted with what your personal measurements are. Experienced riders can tell you their top tube length, saddle height and set back, head tube, and preferred stem length in a heartbeat. Most new riders buy their first real quality bicycle in the wrong size, and eventually after years of futzing, seek professional help and find out what actually fits them. Spend the money up front, and save it in the long run.

I prefer carbon (or steel or titanium) to aluminum, and new 105 performs better the the previous edition of Ultegra, but you are splitting hairs. Wheels make a bigger and more tangible difference than any derailleur. Good luck... get measured!!!

 

[Gavin.Woo]

I think it depend on the current condition of your bicycle. If there is something wrong with your components, such as brakes, you should replace it without any hesitating. And if your frame shows the signs of crack, you should surely replace it.

 

[Boeing]

Wheels are probably the best initial upgrade.