Well, as a person grows, so do his needs (or wants)…
I chose to return to cycling after many years with a trekking bike in order to maintain flexibility and pinpoint my playground later on as a grown up and better informed rider.
As time goes by I find that my routes take me to the mountain more and more. Thank God I chose the sportster that has proven a tough and loyal friend to take with me.
But a potent frame alone can’t cope with the terrain as I rise my speed. So I had to make decisions…
I decided to stay with the Sportster and upgrade those parts that will enhance the off-road profile of the bike.
Tires will be changing to schwalbe Smart Sams 700x40c any day now, and the plan includes both the rear and front mechs to be replaced with Shimano XT parts. I also consider the fork, but I will keep this one for some more time to keep budget in control.
Aesthetically I chose a Laser V WTB saddle – weight benefit as well here, and a red Hope saddle clamp to add some color and match the red details of the saddle.
I think the bottom bracket, chainset and cranks will do the job just fine for a long time.
If you have any proposals I would be glad to listen to them and any upgrade experiences with trekking bikes is also very welcome!
PS: initially I thought about changing to a mountain bike altogether but then I dropped the idea since I want tarmac to stay in the menu and since my off-road demands are covered to a great extent with the Sportster as is stands.
I chose to return to cycling after many years with a trekking bike in order to maintain flexibility and pinpoint my playground later on as a grown up and better informed rider.
As time goes by I find that my routes take me to the mountain more and more. Thank God I chose the sportster that has proven a tough and loyal friend to take with me.
But a potent frame alone can’t cope with the terrain as I rise my speed. So I had to make decisions…
I decided to stay with the Sportster and upgrade those parts that will enhance the off-road profile of the bike.
Tires will be changing to schwalbe Smart Sams 700x40c any day now, and the plan includes both the rear and front mechs to be replaced with Shimano XT parts. I also consider the fork, but I will keep this one for some more time to keep budget in control.
Aesthetically I chose a Laser V WTB saddle – weight benefit as well here, and a red Hope saddle clamp to add some color and match the red details of the saddle.
I think the bottom bracket, chainset and cranks will do the job just fine for a long time.
If you have any proposals I would be glad to listen to them and any upgrade experiences with trekking bikes is also very welcome!
PS: initially I thought about changing to a mountain bike altogether but then I dropped the idea since I want tarmac to stay in the menu and since my off-road demands are covered to a great extent with the Sportster as is stands.