Discussion
OK Guys,
As there are far more knowledgeable people here than I, here's my situation - I currently ride a 2007 Specialized Hardrock, which is OK for the sort of riding I do, but I'd like to get a bit more enjoyment out of my rides, and be able to do more before I get too tired!
I'm assuming that the best thing to do is reduce weight, and having skimmed (and not fully understood) a discussion about unsprung weight and rotational(?) weight, I've removed some of the extraneous crap from my bike (e.g. the big heavy lock attached to the frame) and instead will carry this in a backpack. I'm also thinking that the wheels and or tyres and fork aren't doing me any favours.
Everything is stock on the bike, so it's still got the Spesh resolution tyres and the fork is a RST T7 (which may or may not be knackerred - it compresses somewhat, but doesn't appear to have any adjustment that makes any difference).
My main question is, am I going to be able to save any worthwhile weight for less than about £100 (thinking: new tyres 35, dart 2 forks ~60 off ebay), or am I better saving my money and upgrading to something in the £500 region (2009 Kona Caldera/entry level rockhopper) and starting from there instead?
Cheers all, CH
As there are far more knowledgeable people here than I, here's my situation - I currently ride a 2007 Specialized Hardrock, which is OK for the sort of riding I do, but I'd like to get a bit more enjoyment out of my rides, and be able to do more before I get too tired!
I'm assuming that the best thing to do is reduce weight, and having skimmed (and not fully understood) a discussion about unsprung weight and rotational(?) weight, I've removed some of the extraneous crap from my bike (e.g. the big heavy lock attached to the frame) and instead will carry this in a backpack. I'm also thinking that the wheels and or tyres and fork aren't doing me any favours.
Everything is stock on the bike, so it's still got the Spesh resolution tyres and the fork is a RST T7 (which may or may not be knackerred - it compresses somewhat, but doesn't appear to have any adjustment that makes any difference).
My main question is, am I going to be able to save any worthwhile weight for less than about £100 (thinking: new tyres 35, dart 2 forks ~60 off ebay), or am I better saving my money and upgrading to something in the £500 region (2009 Kona Caldera/entry level rockhopper) and starting from there instead?
Cheers all, CH
Edited so it wasn't just one big paragraph!
Edited by Dr Bob on Friday 11th September 11:17
your best bet is to upgrade the whole bike. the limiting factors on a low end mtb are frame fork and wheels, you will only notice a marginal increase if you upgrade one or two rahter than all three.
naturally your best bet would be to spend £500 on a sh bike where you will get best value for money and some quality components
however you may wish to strip the hardrock of most of its parts and swop them over to a new frame and new/sh forks, and do it that way. you can get some nice frames for £200 (pipedream are worth a look) and some forks for £100, a set of wheels can be had form merlin for under £100 and for £400 you have a much better riding bike. you can then scour ebay for mechs, stems, bars etc... as you want.
there are always compromises on a new bike around £500, if you get lucky in the sales, you can get something a little off the wall from a minor manufacturer, have a look at Jamis or Merida rather than the usual big names which are still in demand hence attract lower discounts and spec is lower also...
naturally your best bet would be to spend £500 on a sh bike where you will get best value for money and some quality components
however you may wish to strip the hardrock of most of its parts and swop them over to a new frame and new/sh forks, and do it that way. you can get some nice frames for £200 (pipedream are worth a look) and some forks for £100, a set of wheels can be had form merlin for under £100 and for £400 you have a much better riding bike. you can then scour ebay for mechs, stems, bars etc... as you want.
there are always compromises on a new bike around £500, if you get lucky in the sales, you can get something a little off the wall from a minor manufacturer, have a look at Jamis or Merida rather than the usual big names which are still in demand hence attract lower discounts and spec is lower also...
Wow, are things that bad? lol
I reckon I could probably get maybe 150 for the Spesh and I reckon another 200 will get me something nice and in good condition off ebay - certainly good enough for my needs, so spending more than about a tonne maybe a false economy...
Having since had a decent comparison between the Spesh and a Kona, the Kona feels much more comfortable... hmmm, I think I've answered my own question here haven't I...? Anyone want to buy a bike!?
CH
I reckon I could probably get maybe 150 for the Spesh and I reckon another 200 will get me something nice and in good condition off ebay - certainly good enough for my needs, so spending more than about a tonne maybe a false economy...
Having since had a decent comparison between the Spesh and a Kona, the Kona feels much more comfortable... hmmm, I think I've answered my own question here haven't I...? Anyone want to buy a bike!?
CH
For £100 you'll save very little weight, and probably get minimal performance advantage.
Worthwhile upgrades would include:
some hand-built wheels from Merlin for £200 or so
A nicer fork (Rockshox would be able to help you out for £250 or so)
Better tyres (£50 will get you decent folding tyres that will knock a good deal of weight off)
Carbon bars will save a bit, but will be £60 even if you shop around.
Essentially, there's little point in upgrading unless you do it either as bits wear out or as part of a concerted effort to flog the old bits and fully upgrade. At that point you start wondering if the frame weight is a bit much...
I'd stick with what you've got, and when you want a new bike buy a frame and built it up yourself with goodies from Chain Reaction, Wiggle, Merlin et al.
Worthwhile upgrades would include:
some hand-built wheels from Merlin for £200 or so
A nicer fork (Rockshox would be able to help you out for £250 or so)
Better tyres (£50 will get you decent folding tyres that will knock a good deal of weight off)
Carbon bars will save a bit, but will be £60 even if you shop around.
Essentially, there's little point in upgrading unless you do it either as bits wear out or as part of a concerted effort to flog the old bits and fully upgrade. At that point you start wondering if the frame weight is a bit much...
I'd stick with what you've got, and when you want a new bike buy a frame and built it up yourself with goodies from Chain Reaction, Wiggle, Merlin et al.
Ha ha LongBlackCoat, you obviously think that I'm more able to get out than I am (I can't wait around for things to wear out)! I see what you mean, but that's probably overkill for what I do... I think given the budget I had in mind I'm decided on chopping in the Spesh for something a bit nicer that already has a decent frame & fork and slightly better wheels and drive components, that will be a better base for future upgrades...
Cheers, CH
Cheers, CH
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