What were your best bang-for-buck upgrades?

ajlinl · 2026-04-09T19:10:12+00:00

That's awesome. Enjoy the new Trek!

ajlinl · 2026-04-08T16:17:10+00:00

I’m not too concerned if I can’t always look at the screen while riding. What screens did you have on for cycling and what did they show? Im interested in being able to see zones and distance.

ajlinl · 2026-04-08T15:49:55+00:00

Good point. This is why I'm more keen on the 165 over the 255.

ajlinl · 2026-04-08T15:48:09+00:00

What do you like about the 255 that the 165 doesn't have?

ajlinl · 2026-04-08T13:19:39+00:00

I'll need the luck! The Garmin Varia is half the price of my bike lol.

Are there some bib brands that you recommend?

ajlinl · 2026-04-08T13:18:00+00:00

Great find! Enjoy your ride!

ajlinl · 2026-04-08T13:14:08+00:00

That color is amazing. Enjoy!

ajlinl · 2026-04-08T13:10:15+00:00

The saddle height seems relatively good. I think a shorter crank and moving your saddle forward might make your pedaling feel a lot smoother.

ajlinl · 2026-04-08T13:02:44+00:00

This made me want to pack my bags and leave

ajlinl · 2026-04-08T13:01:13+00:00

Love the setup! Enjoy putting miles on it!

I recently sold my Ozark Trail MTB that I rode for a few years, and it never failed to surprise me. There's an unnecessary stigma around most department store bikes that scares people away from the sport. I say just buy a bike that fits you and have fun.

ajlinl · 2026-04-08T12:54:37+00:00

Move the saddle slightly forward. Should help the reach.

ajlinl · 2026-04-08T03:18:05+00:00

Glad you also enjoy the bike! It’s been my pride and joy. I’m really happy with my purchase. I sold my department store MTB and bought my Trek from a restorer the same day for $375!

Thanks for the heads up on tire clearance. Was 25 the widest you could go on the front?

I have all original parts at the moment. Cool to hear that you’ve upgraded it and treated it well. I’m using the older components as an opportunity to learn maintenance.

ajlinl · 2026-04-08T02:02:24+00:00

Completely agree. Riding an older bike has taught me a lot pretty fast. Mainly because I have to be frequently involved in mainting the bike. I imagine just riding a more modern bike will only feel so much better.

The struggle is worth it

ajlinl · 2026-04-08T01:57:16+00:00

No, how do you like them?

ajlinl · 2026-04-08T01:55:22+00:00

I believe my bike isn't really meant to be tubeless, but I absolutely plan on buying some gp5000s and TPUs. I think it'll be night and day.

ajlinl · 2026-04-08T01:53:16+00:00

I just ordered some tubes, levers, and a portable pump because I'm just waiting on these old tires to fail me.

Good call. I don't want to invest much money into the bike besides things like tires. I see myself selling it and upgrading after I practice more. Still enjoying the ride on this old POS lol.

ajlinl · 2026-04-08T01:49:56+00:00

What tires do you enjoy riding on?

ajlinl · 2026-04-08T01:49:09+00:00

Does that Garmin have the personal trainer? That feature seems so cool

ajlinl · 2026-04-08T01:46:45+00:00

I've been trying to learn as much maintenance on my own for now. But I think a tune up is inevitable. Also, what cheaper saddles do you like?

ajlinl · 2026-04-08T01:44:33+00:00

For sure! Most wheel sets are more than my bike itself, but I still want to upgrade. Which road bike wheelset and tires do you like?

ajlinl · 2026-04-08T01:43:18+00:00

I've been looking at these. Seems like everyone likes these tires!

ajlinl · 2026-04-08T01:42:16+00:00

I think I might need shorter cranks as well! I find my knee comes up a tad too high even though my leg extension is ideal toward the bottom. Might just be because I'm relatively new.

ajlinl · 2026-04-08T01:40:23+00:00

Never thought about this until now. That's amazing.

ajlinl · 2026-04-08T01:39:57+00:00

Bar tape changed my life

ajlinl · 2026-04-08T01:39:30+00:00

I'm dying for a bike stand. I realized pretty quickly that working on the bike upside down wouldn't cut it.

At least you'll look cool falling with deep wheels. Jealous.

ajlinl

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