[dukelavis]

Happy day, I took advantage of Trek's 25% off Black Friday sale and bought my first 21st century road bike. I have been saving my pennies for a while and couldn't believe that the bike I was waiting for, a Madone 4.7, dropped into my budget range. If all goes as planned I'll be taking my first ride on it this Saturday.

Now that all my pennies are gone I plan to begin saving up for events and bike upgrades. In your opinion/experience what should I be prioritizing in the way of bike upgrades? What has the biggest bang for the buck? And which upgrades, though tempting, should I put off?

[jeepster93]

You got a nice bike. It is spec'd out pretty sweet. Not gonna be a lot of upgrades in your bike's future.
Watch high performance tires, not real durable when it comes to daily miles.
You... A nice lightweight road specific bike helmet. Pedals and shoes. An under seat wedge to hold the important stuff of bike riding-flat fixin's.

[omnivox42]

I think alot of folks would say a new wheel set.

I like jeepster's answer though. Get yourself some good roadie gear!

[kneedrachen]

I agree with the above, but I'd start with a good bike fit; you may find your "upgrades" are more comfort-oriented, which will lead to performance gains. Think stem and saddle swaps as well as adjustments.

[omnivox42]

Originally Posted by kneedrachen

I agree with the above, but I'd start with a good bike fit; you may find your "upgrades" are more comfort-oriented, which will lead to performance gains. Think stem and saddle swaps as well as adjustments.

Wise. Must be the eye patch.

[Industry_Hack]

First thing I'd suggest putting into it is at least 500-1,000 miles.

[dukelavis]

Thanks for the suggestions.

Kneedrachen, the local LBS (Daytona Bicycle Center in Ormond Beach, FL, great shop) does a fitting for ever new bike purchase, which should happen this Friday evening.

Jeepster, you suggested a new wheel set. Is weight all that I should consider? I would like wheels which can do all around activities. Plus I've been riding for about 6 months with a Craigslist special. So, thankfully I've already got the helmet, pedals, shoes, under seat bag, and all the necessities for fixing a flat.

Industry_Hack, that's exactly what I am hoping to do. But you made me remember a point I've heard before. Is it true that cables and chains stretch out over the first hundred miles or so? What should I be looking for?

Keep the advice coming, I really appreciate it.

[superj]

i would just ride it for a while too since you to the extras already. then, once you are used to what it does, you can adjust out the things that you don;t like

[superj]

i have a craigslist special also, i am excited you got a badass bike. i am envious also

[HillDancer]

Chains and cables don't technically stretch. Chain pins wear, which will cause overall elongation, but that won't happen till after 1500 miles depending on your environment and chain care. Cable housings deform somewhat when new, which will account for cable slack. You will notice less than quick shifts and the fix is to turn the barrel adjuster a couple indents till rapid shifting response returns.