Bottom Bracket or Handle Bars?

Andy has two questions on how to make a difference to his bike, a new bottom bracket or new carbon handle bars? We like the idea of getting new things for our bikes, but we think he would notice a bigger difference if he spent his money somewhere else

Question 1: Will upgrading my alloy road handlebars to carbon improve the ride…dampen vibration? Is it worth the $200 investment?

Question 2: Is a bottom bracket a worthy upgrade on my Trek 1500? Will I notice any difference in pedaling, speed…etc?

Hi Andy,
We don’t think either of these upgrades will make you go any faster, unless the bottom bracket that you are now using is worn and is causing lots of friction and making you work harder. Do the bearings in the bottom bracket feel loose? Take the chain off the chain wheels and spin the cranks, does it run smoothly? If it does then you don’t need to spend your money on a new bottom bracket. How old is the Bottom Bracket? Are you a smooth rider? Are you heavy? Do you ride in the rain a lot? All these questions need to be answered to show if you need a new Bottom Bracket or not.

The carbon handle bars will look nice and may feel more comfortable and as you say they can take some of the road vibrations out of your ride, but it is unlikely they will make much difference to your ride. The carbon bars could make your bike lighter and on a long ride your hands might be more comfortable, it’s unlikely that you will go faster.

ITM Carbon

If you want to make a noticeable difference to your ride then spending money on rolling parts is the way. Buying new wheels that are lighter, more aerodynamic or have better bearings than your old wheels will make a difference to your ride. If you don’t want to or cant spend that much money then getting lighter tires and inner tubes can make a difference, you might go faster, but lighter tires with more air pressure will make your ride a little more uncomfortable and they cost more to replace when they wear out. Anything you spend on wheels you should notice a change for the better.

You could always spend the money on a coach to train you, this would make you fitter and more dedicated to your riding, but you have to be prepared for some hard work.

Check out your Bottom Bracket and if it is OK, then spend your money on wheels or tires, I hope we have helped