Currently looking to uprgrade my TREK Domane al3 gen 3 with the shimano 105 di2 and some zipp 303s carbon wheels, taking the upgrade to around £2000.
Looking for some advice on whether upgrading to this set-up on my current bike is actually worth it considering i bought the bike for only £1000 ish pounds 3 years ago. Would it be worth actually purchasing a new bike entirely?
That $1000-isb bike has a fine frame. The difference in frame quality between $1000 and $6000 isn’t substantial besides the details and material. Incrementally, what you’d get in terms of frame is very small until you take a big leap to something like a carbon aero frame. As long as the bike bike fits (geometry), fits your needs, and is mechanically sound - there’s no major advantage to swapping frames. If you can find something on clearance and you want a sportier fit, it might be worth it. Specialized Tarmac SL7 Sport - Shimano 105 - Specialized Concept Store
If you’re going to spend $2k, should you do something else… you’re not going to find something with Di2 and nice wheels for near $2k or $3k. Di2 and fancy wheels put you at $3k on that same $1k bike new - probably $4.5k for a carbon one… so there’s no alternative option that makes sense if di2 and fancy wheels are required.
If you want to move that stuff over to a new frame/bike eventually, the wheels would fit on a new bike in any case, the 105 di2 might need to go if you buy a full bike.
I’d also look at $400 of the wheel cost as maintenance. Those stock wheels don’t usually last long (I went through 2 stock trek wheelsets 10yrs ago, but I think the Paradigm branded ones are better). Keep the stock ones in any case for an alternative tire (gravel/winter/durable…) option
If you’re going to toss $2k into a bike, I’d get rid of that seatpost because it’s likely really stiff. The Ergon / Canyon leaf spring one is really good, but probably any seat post would ride better.
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Thanks for the response.
After deliberating longer i’m looking at potentially going for this
wheels are obviously not carbon and a bit of a hit but for 700 more than my upgrades and with the option of getting some nicer carbon wheels in the future its currently seeming like an exciting and maybe better choice?
good point regarding the seatpost, its something i never considered…
It’s going to do a lot of the same things as your current bike. Did you look at the outlet section? I’m not sure what size you are, but there are some things to consider over there.
Saving $1k and just getting regular 105 would be a no brainer for me - it’s the same hamburger. The e-shift isn’t that amazing. You also give up the leaf spring seat post though, which is well worth the money.
Wheelset… you’re probably looking at $1200 alone vs +$500 with the bike.
You’d also be able to sell your current bike for maybe $600.