The Cyclist's Dilemma - to Upgrade or not to Upgrade?

As a cyclist, the one thing that can keep us up at night and distract us from work is the constant urge to keep up with the latest bikes and components. We all know that feeling when we see a shift away from the old yet reliable groupsets, frames and wheels of the past within our riding bunch to the latest reiterations that have just hit our shores. There are those that lead the change and those that are envious, and some that are happy to be two or more years behind the cutting edge. And lets be honest, the cost of upgrading isn't cheap, with some of us spending more on the sport than on our own cars!

Dura Ace 7800 Series

The strategic direction of the big 3 groupset manufactures (Shimano, Campagnolo, SRAM) has a big part to play in this, particularly their rate of product development. Our post ride conversations over coffee have been about continually comparing, researching and reviewing what's on the market and what rumours are circulating in upcoming versions.

As an example, lets take a simple look at the history of the Shimano Dura Ace series over the past 20 years. The 9 speed 7700 was released in 1996 to critical acclaim and stayed at the top of the range for Shimano for a staggering 7 years until 10 speed 7800 was released in 2003. Pro riders praised this groupset with its quick shifts and weight and its uptake to the masses was confirmed with Shimano smashing their sales turnover for their whole of business well in excess of $2b during its reign.

Dura Ace 7900 Series

5 years later in 2008 we saw the first in the 7900 mechanical series introduced (5 years after 7800). There was a slower uptake to the market based on cycling commentary as there where whispers of something revolutionary to follow in very quick succession. There was a buzz in the air and the sound of a electric shifting one year later and 2 variables of the same series has now become the norm. The 9000 Series in both mechanical and electric were released in 2012 and here we are today with a constant craving to keep up with the pros and our peers.

This is only looking at Shimano's top of the range series. Multiply this velocity of change by the entire Shimano range including Ultegra, 105 and the rest and before you know it we are now in a market with unprecedented turnover of bike components. Then we add our friends at Campag and SRAM into the mix and before you know it, the pace is hard to keep up with (let alone the cost!).

We all look up to the Gods of the Pro Tour and try to emulate their feats in our our regular local group ride. This includes dropping big cash on the same bikes, wheelsets and components. Will we gain that .01% improvement upgrading our frame from last years model to this years? Actually, does it really matter? Is the pain of a domestic argument at home justifying a $4,000 upgrade on a groupset worth it all?

For the true enthusiasts and believers, yes. That is why we ride.