Apollo Evade Upgrades

touch · 29 Jun 2015 at 14:20

Atomfix said:
Everything I've taken off can be upgraded to something better.

Yes, every part could be upgraded to something better. But why?

You've already said that there's nothing wrong with the bike, so why waste money changing parts that dont need to be changed?
Will you really notice the difference if you get better crank arms?

Gambisk · 29 Jun 2015 at 14:22

You are going to end up spending £1000 on parts and still have a run of the mill bike.

If you are determined to upgrade then wait until a component breaks then replace it with something better. If you are serious about taking this bike off road on proper trails then I imagine the first thing to go will be those wheels, followed by the fork, then drivetrain and brakes. You are going to waste a lot of money upgrading/replacing these as they break, instead you save that money then you could buy a used bike of a much higher spec.

Example costs:
Shimano SLX groupset - £300-450
Rockshox Reba RL - £190-250
Superstar wheels - £200
Wide bars, headset and short stem - £100

Which is the guts of £800 on fairly entry level parts. Or you could listen to everyone else and save that money and buy a decent bike with all the components already on it like this one http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1769529/

Supercow · 29 Jun 2015 at 14:22

You seem hell bent on not to listening to advice, even though you've asked for it.

By your own admission, you're saying you don't have a lot of money to spend on it.
What the others above are saying, is DONT spend the money. This is sound advice, as it will only be throwing money into the ocean. Nothing you can upgrade, will make it better / faster / more enjoyable etc.

IF you do, the only sensible options are clipped pedals / shoes (that's kinda bike-agnostic), and tyres (consumables) that will be more forgiving on the road.

Atomfix · 29 Jun 2015 at 14:22

touch said:
Yes, every part could be upgraded to something better. But why?

You've already said that there's nothing wrong with the bike, so why waste money changing parts that dont need to be changed?
Will you really notice the difference if you get better crank arms?

Try to shed some weight. Carbon handlebars for example. But never mind. I've wasted my time.

Gambisk · 29 Jun 2015 at 14:32

Atomfix said:
Try to shed some weight. Carbon handlebars for example. But never mind. I've wasted my time.

The heaviest part of a bike is you, so the best way to shed weight of a bike is to ride it and lose the weight off your body. Only when you are in absolute peak condition is it worth chasing weight savings on the bike itself IMO.

Supercow · 29 Jun 2015 at 14:33

Atomfix said:
Try to shed some weight. Carbon handlebars for example. But never mind. I've wasted my time.

Shedding weight, will make no difference...particularly on that build.

Only place where you will notice it, is in the wheels. For a decent wheelset that's lighter, you'll end up paying more than the bike was worth... bringing us all the way back again to the first few responses.

neil_g · 29 Jun 2015 at 14:40

Atomfix said:
I'd be left with the frame. Frame is sound, it's light and durable.

on a £180 bike? i doubt its either of those to be honest.

FrenchTart · 29 Jun 2015 at 14:41

Atomfix said:
Try to shed some weight. Carbon handlebars for example. But never mind. I've wasted my time.

Not just yours. It's the classic "ask for advice, don't like it, ignore it" thread that you see from time to time.

Supercow · 29 Jun 2015 at 14:51

FrenchTart said:
Not just yours. It's the classic "ask for advice, don't like it, ignore it" thread that you see from time to time.

I reckon he'd get some sweet ENVE carbon bars for bling purposes, will save a nice few grams and be sick on the downhill on the way to work:

http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/p/...1wakTSiDXImQXjP9Sh-V9a8YZ7wh6jnS15xoCD_fw_wcB

I got some of these though, can testify to them and a bit cheaper:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/...zQaTBslE0LA3qxmRJjhIwBoCXfHw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Chop down to how wide you want them.

FrenchTart · 29 Jun 2015 at 14:55

Nice

Just double the value of the bike with the handlebars. Genius!

Gambisk · 29 Jun 2015 at 14:58

Haters gonna hate on my carbon whip

Thomas. PLease. · 29 Jun 2015 at 15:34

Enjoyed this, would read again :cool:

Cuchulain · 29 Jun 2015 at 15:47

No offense to the op but upgrading components on an Apollo frame is a bit like Pat Butcher wearing Cartier earrings.

Atomfix · 29 Jun 2015 at 15:48

Cheers for the tips. I'll take everything under advisement. Don't see what the big deal is, but I suppose that's what you get these days for asking. I'm on a budget. I can't afford a £1000+ bike. Buying the Apollo I've got now made my life a lot more easier. I just wanted to make it better by installing after-market components.

I don't feel offended that I do own a Apollo. I get what I paid for.

Cuchulain · 29 Jun 2015 at 15:53

Atomfix said:
Cheers for the tips. I'll take everything under advisement. Don't see what the big deal is, but I suppose that's what you get these days for asking. I'm on a budget. I can't afford a £1000+ bike. Buying the Apollo I've got now made my life a lot more easier. I just wanted to make it better by installing after-market components.

If you're on a budget you save rather than trying to polish a turd. You mentioned CF bars, probably around 2/3rds of the value of your entire bike right there in one pointless upgrade.

Mr-White · 29 Jun 2015 at 15:59

I wouldn't bother for a 2 mile trip

MW

Atomfix · 29 Jun 2015 at 15:59

Cuchulain said:
If you're on a budget you save rather than trying to polish a turd. You mentioned CF bars, probably around 2/3rds of the value of your entire bike right there in one pointless upgrade.

Saving up for CF bars is much easier than saving £1000+

As I've said previously. I don't earn a lot as it is. I'm glad that I own a bike. But I feel like I'm getting beat down by everyone or been made a mockery because I asked what I can upgrade my bike with.

To the above. It's not just for 2 miles. I take alternative routes to make the journey longer.

touch · 29 Jun 2015 at 15:59

Atomfix said:
I don't feel offended that I do own a Apollo. I get what I paid for.

You're trying your best to be offended.
Nobody said you should buy a £1000 bike.
Most people said the bike suits your needs and you should keep it as it is.

Cuchulain · 29 Jun 2015 at 16:05

Atomfix said:
Saving up for CF bars is much easier than saving £1000+

As I've said previously. I don't earn a lot as it is. I'm glad that I own a bike. But I feel like I'm getting beat down by everyone or been made a mockery because I asked what I can upgrade my bike with.

To the above. It's not just for 2 miles. I take alternative routes to make the journey longer.

In fairness to people berating your purchase you've probably bought the worlds worst brand of bike. The low end components it's equipped with are probably far better quality than the low grade aluminium (assuming they've moved away from steel alloy) frame.

You could've spent the same money on a second hand bike and got much, much more for your cash.

neil_g · 29 Jun 2015 at 16:34

Atomfix said:
Cheers for the tips. I'll take everything under advisement. Don't see what the big deal is, but I suppose that's what you get these days for asking. I'm on a budget. I can't afford a £1000+ bike. Buying the Apollo I've got now made my life a lot more easier. I just wanted to make it better by installing after-market components.

I don't feel offended that I do own a Apollo. I get what I paid for.

dont be a plum, you bought a cheap budget end bike. like i said its pointless throwing money at it replacing components with lighter (read: expensive) alternatives.

save the money you'd spend on parts and get a better bike once you've outgrown/destroyed this one whichever comes soonest.