Looking to Upgrade Components on Raleigh Sport Road Bike?

If you are a heavier rider you could try some good tyres -- perhaps in the slightly wider 28c size. E.g. Continental Ultra Gatorskins, which are very popular and quite puncture resistant too, plus they ride very well. The wheels look OK but a more aerodynamic front wheel will let you go a bit faster. It is also important to find a saddle that you find comfortable -- you need to try a few out at your local bike shop (LBS). I would just replace the groupset items (deraileurs, shifters, chain etc) with new Shimano 105 items when yours wear out. These are great quality, but the ones you have are OK and there is little sence in replacing perfectly good components. I would however advocate that you experiment with saddle height and handlebar height. Your LBS will show you how. Most beginners have their saddles too low and their handlebars too high.

clipless pedals, lighter tires and tubes. lighter saddle. most other upgrades are very expensive if your main goal is speed--which i think means you want to take weight off the bike--right. spend a little money on these upgrades, run that sucker into the ground and then buy a better bike if you are still "into" it. keep the old bike for a trainer or backup.

Well, if you are looking to upgrade, I hope you are ready to spend some cash. I started with the most expensive stuff first which would be shifters, wheels, and fork. Then I went to the drivetrain, derailleurs, cassette, chain. The next stuff is what I consider optional depending on how racey you want your bike. These would be the cranks, stem, handlebar, seatpost and saddle. Tires are last. I really like the Michelin Pro Race. Smooth ride! Don't forget the headset. Chris King is the best unless you have integrated headtube which then I would go FSA. Hope this helps. Good luck! I forgot to mention CAMPAGNOLO is THE best. It's all I ride. Shimano is.......ok. But I'd stay away from the Dura-Ace line. Not very durable.