Thanks everyone for the comments on my "Speed" topic. Now that I have my bike and plan on keeping it, what should I do first? Should I buy some better components first or repaint it? When I went to my local bike shop, the salesperson said the best way to repaint my bike was to take it to a car paint shop and have them take off the paint and repaint it. I forgot what the term she used but it seemed like a good idea. What are some basic crucial components I should get first for my bike? I guess it would have been better if I had placed a link to my bike so pictures of my bike could be viewed so I could get feedbacks from everyone. If anyone could help me out it would be greatly apprediated. Thanks.

Not trying to be a wiseguy, but I'm not sure you want to start spending that kind of money on that bike. As for components, does something not work? If the parts on there are in working order, or can be fixed fairly easily, I wouldn't replace anything. Trying to change parts on a bike like that, you could quickly spend way more than the bike is worth.

How bad is the paint? Maybe try cleaning it up well and touching up the scratches, and see if that's good enough. It's hard to justify spending $100 to paint a $100 bike.

My real answer to "what should I do first" is this: get everything in working order, and ride -- a lot. As you get stronger and more skilled, and you find out whether you want to continue with the sport, you'll eventually decide whether you want a newer bike. I really don't think upgrading components makes sense on this bike.

Not trying to be a wiseguy, but I'm not sure you want to start spending that kind of money on that bike. As for components, does something not work? If the parts on there are in working order, or can be fixed fairly easily, I wouldn't replace anything. Trying to change parts on a bike like that, you could quickly spend way more than the bike is worth.

How bad is the paint? Maybe try cleaning it up well and touching up the scratches, and see if that's good enough. It's hard to justify spending $100 to paint a $100 bike.

My real answer to "what should I do first" is this: get everything in working order, and ride -- a lot. As you get stronger and more skilled, and you find out whether you want to continue with the sport, you'll eventually decide whether you want a newer bike. I really don't think upgrading components makes sense on this bike.

I realize that if I upgrade on a $100 bike it's going to get expensive. But I plan on keeping it for a long time and use it for various outings. I guess I'll stop by a local bike shop and ask them what they think of my bike.

My vote is neither too.. Ride the $%& out of it and see if you like road riding. If you decide you enjoy the hobby, either upgrade this bike or get a new one...

My vote is neither too.. Ride the $%& out of it and see if you like road riding. If you decide you enjoy the hobby, either upgrade this bike or get a new one...

Thanks. That seems like the popular vote.

New bar tape would add some newness for < $15, and you'd spend a little time bonding with your new bike, too.

Put stickers over the worst dings.

Basic crucial component is a frame pump, tire lever and a tube.

New bar tape would add some newness for < $15, and you'd spend a little time bonding with your new bike, too.

Put stickers over the worst dings.

Basic crucial component is a frame pump, tire lever and a tube.

Yea, I plan on removing the original bar tape and getting a new one. Is there a special way to remove it and tape it on?

I'm planing on getting a pump, tubes, and wheels? What's a tire lever?

Yea, I plan on removing the original bar tape and getting a new one. Is there a special way to remove it and tape it on?
Check out Parktools.com for lots of "how to" stuff. I also believe Bicycling.com just recently did a video on replacing your bar tape.

Check out Parktools.com for lots of "how to" stuff. I also believe Bicycling.com just recently did a video on replacing your bar tape.

Thanks.

A tire lever helps you get the tire on and off the rim.

http://www.parktool.com/products/detail.asp?cat=17&item=TL-1

As far as removing and installing bar tape youtube is your best tool. Plenty of videos on there to show you how to do basic installs and routine maintenance

A tire lever helps you get the tire on and off the rim.

http://www.parktool.com/products/detail.asp?cat=17&item=TL-1

Thanks. That seems like it will come in handy.

As far as removing and installing bar tape youtube is your best tool. Plenty of videos on there to show you how to do basic installs and routine maintenance

I was actually thinking about that. Haha.

I'll play devil's advocate and say go ahead and repaint it and replace components, if that's what you really want to do. Just do it in this order. BTW, this may become a long-term project.
1) Have the LBS go over the bike and make a list of what actually needs replacing now, and what should be replaced.
2) Get fresh brake pads and new bar tape now, and if your LBS says to replace cables, do that too. Also pick up some touch-up paint &/or stickers to personalize the bike for now.
3) Take the list of what else needs/should to be replaced and figure out what you want, and when you have that shopping list worked up, only then start shopping.
4) Once you have your stash of components ready, decide on a paint scheme, and who will do it.
5) At this point, strip the old components off and get the frame painted, and new components installed.
6) Post pictures.

I'll play devil's advocate and say go ahead and repaint it and replace components, if that's what you really want to do. Just do it in this order. BTW, this may become a long-term project.
1) Have the LBS go over the bike and make a list of what actually needs replacing now, and what should be replaced.
2) Get fresh brake pads and new bar tape now, and if your LBS says to replace cables, do that too. Also pick up some touch-up paint &/or stickers to personalize the bike for now.
3) Take the list of what else needs/should to be replaced and figure out what you want, and when you have that shopping list worked up, only then start shopping.
4) Once you have your stash of components ready, decide on a paint scheme, and who will do it.
5) At this point, strip the old components off and get the frame painted, and new components installed.
6) Post pictures.

Thank you. I've already begun. I just can't wait till to ride.