When you buy a new bike, you get a big discount on the parts. At that point, I decided that my mountain bike is my only 'A' bike. Most new mountain bikes have them as standard. Should I Upgrade an Old Mountain Bike or Buy a New One? While it's easy to lust after a new bike or eye up big-ticket items such as a new fork or wheels, it's possible to radically improve your ride with some well-chosen upgrades, even on a tight budget. You’ll pay a few hundred at least for a decent spec one of them – the X-Fusion Slant RL2 is getting a lot of good reports just now. Your email address will not be published. Help fund our award-winning journalism with a contribution today. You’re right to think about whether it’s worth the upgrade though – let’s look at the options. Though costly, they unlock a world of new function. Sent from my Nokia Stupid Phone using Tapatalk It’s one of the best quality cross country frames on the market and to inherit one for free is a pretty huge bonus! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This comes down to upgrade or replace. We hope you’ll support us. On the other hand, you’d get a decent wee payment on eBay for your old frame, which would go well towards a totally new bike and save you the maintenance work. When you go this route, be sure to know your bike inside and out to keep from buying something that is not compatible with your bike. Add a suspension front fork, maybe some new shifters, and for under $500 you've got a newly capable singletrack bike. There are three major upgrades that every mountain bike owner can consider as an alternative to a new bike. I recently got an email through from a reader who’d had a bit of luck and inherited an old Stumpjumper. Plus tires bridge the gap between normal mountain-bike and fat-bike tires, ranging in width from 2.8 to 3.25 inches, and are typically paired with rims that are 35- to 45mm wide internally. Last year we had an awesome trip to the Smoky Mountain National Park where we mountain biked, and fly fished. Choosing a Steel Mountain Bikes: Is Steel Still Real? But in the case of the Stumpy, it wasn’t about what spec it was, it was the ride quality. Here’s an Affordable New Way to Upgrade Your Mountain Bike. There are plenty of old 2011 or 2010 models still for sale out there though, so you can pick up the top quality M4 frame if you look around. Check out our entire suite of free newsletters here. It now sports Mavic Crossrides, a mix of new (9 speed though) XT and XTR. It was in too good a condition, and too sentimental to dispose of. So, you’re not looking at a cheap upgrade here, but you will end up with a really good bike at the end of it. If everyone only bought new bikes, every time a person buys a new bike to upgrade, their old one would sit in a garage for an eternity and then get thrown out. On that front, the Stumpy is a great piece of kit. Remember, buying a new bike is only the start -- it still will need pedals, a saddle bag, cycling computer, lights, etc. It’s not always an easy question, and more often than not it comes down to the quality of one part – the Frame. This made interesting reading, as I have just completely overhauled my Stumpy 01 M4 with new kit. Very few people will claim to mountain bike because they like looking good in their latest gear, or because it gives them the chance to show off their recent upgrade to their mates. Also I see the carbon upgrade as a long term bike. It’s fun. I’m a big fan of Fizik and WTB saddles for mountain bike use. Yeah, all mountain bikes have tires, my bike’s always had tires on it… I’ve never ridden a bike without tires. >>> The best mountain bike handlebars >>> The best mountain bike grips >>> Best mountain bike stems in 2019. You should buy a new derailleur for the same reason the first one was invented: Because you want to climb better. Looking for something else? Entry geo for my trek frame was used up thru racing hts so good enough for now. Our mission to inspire readers to get outside has never been more critical. After our mountain bike reviews, there will be a guide to help you in knowing exactly what you need when buying your new mountain bike. But if you hate the saddle, switch it! Also, retro frames are now very cool in the bike world, and to update a good looking, good riding frame to modern spec is considered a good move in the retro world. It needs some work from having sat a while, and I’m wondering if it would still serve as a decent xc mountain bike. If possible, get your bike shop to swap the bits at time of purchase and haggle for a good deal. Mountain bikes have a hard life, so how often do you buy a new one ? In other words, for most people, mountain biking is about what you do, not what you have. To inspire active participation in the world outside through award-winning coverage of the sports, people, places, adventure, discoveries, health and fitness, gear and apparel, trends and events that make up an active lifestyle. Colin has oodles of hard earned experience in how NOT to do things - listen, be warned and don't repeat his mistakes... More about Colin...
Finding the Right Bike, the Right Upgrades & the Skills to Thrash it. It’s running on the frame material that used to be used by Specialised’s top spec bike. Time outside is essential—and we can help you make the most of it. About every 12 months. Dream riding destinations and wrapping up the season | MBA Podcast S3 E13, Buying Mountain Bikes and Equipment Reviews, Learning New Bike Skills – Bunny Hops and more, Mountain Bike Racing – Reports, News and Advice, Mountain Bike Training and General Cycling Training. I hadn’t used it enough by far too, and I felt it owed me a few good years yet. Info given by the manufacturer: Most manufacturers will have a range of sizes available for each bike. Sizes Are Confusing – How Do I Know Which Bike Fits Me? Our rigorous coverage helps spark important debates about wellness and travel and adventure, and it provides readers an accessible gateway to new outdoor passions. I have more plans (new seat, seatpost, bars etc). New Mountain Bike Tires. In recent years, Outside Online has reported on groundbreaking research linking time in nature to improved mental and physical health, and we’ve kept you informed about the unprecedented threats to America’s public lands. They've come a long way since. Off-the-peg bikes often come with stems that are too long and bars that are too narrow and grips that just don’t suit your hands. It climbs like a mule. Google+ Colin. Saddle Required fields are marked *. In this latest video, Jack and Joe talk about their all-time best mountain-bike upgrades from their time here at BikeRadar. Hopefully things like the seatpost, the bars, the stem, etc are all still in decent nick – they don’t wear much – so that’ll save you a bit of money at least. This comes down to upgrade or replace. Oftentimes, I think we take our tires for granted. For one, if you literally don't have the money for a new bike, and you're too impatient to save for months and months to do a "one shot" new bike purchase, then upgrading a current bike piecemeal lets you go in the direction you want to go, starting now. Free Member. I’ve got a 2002 specialized stumpjumper far xc, barely ridden, off a mate who is moving overseas. If your existing bike has these, keeping riding the old one is vastly more economical. It’s about the process and the experience, not the outcome. In terms of what to upgrade, you’ve hit the nail on the head there. Put simply, disc brakes are recommended. This applies for buying most things. A $1800 bike will set you back $200 to $2200 just for typical add-ons. Which is a smarter move, to upgrade my current carbon frame or sell outright and just go buy new from my LBS? The bike is in mint condition and I have no idea what it would be worth on CL. I found some cheap and decent Raceface cranks, and have liberally applied ti bolts. Mountain bikes, like many other things, depreciate, so when you buy one in brand-new condition, no depreciation has occurred yet. I could’ve gotten a new Rockhopper for sure with the money I spent. I was wondering if I could draw on your experience. Thank you. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, Thanks for signing up! Now, the one addendum to that is that I’ve just discovered that Specialized seem to have downgraded their new Rockhoppers, so the 2012/13 models are on A1 alloy, which is a bit heavier and less durable. I have an even older mountain bike that is due for retirement, so I was trying to figure out whether to stick with the stumpjumper + the cost of upgrades or invest in new kit. I thought it was interesting enough to share with you all, so here goes: Love the website-great mix of stuff. On the other hand, mountain bike technology has progressed so … After A Few Rides. Grips. AKA, grips and tires. It's Ask GMBN time again, where we answer as many of your mountain biking questions as we can. Build a Mountain Bike vs Buy Complete: Does it Makes Sense My middle daughter Megan (20) seems to appreciate many of the same activities as me. The best mountain bike derailleurs today are durable, easy to tune and can shift smoothly even under load. m0rk. The main thing on this is the material it’s made from. We’ll also offer a little bit of advice on suspension, and a guide on how much money to spend. My Stumpy was still in very good condition, and I bought it with some cash left by a close relative. Posted 4 years ago. Upgrading the suspension on your mountain bike is one of the best things you can do to breathe new life into your bike. Subscribe to our newsletters to stay up-to-date on the latest outdoor news. If you’re buying a lot of upgrade parts at retail prices, you’ll certainly pay more than if those same parts come installed on a new bike. So you’re better comparing prices to those Rockhoppers when thinking about whether to buy new components or buy a new rig altogether. If so, is it worth putting some money into updating the front shock or the groupo? First invented in 1906, it was clunky, unpopular and had two speeds. Find more newsletters on our, our entire suite of free newsletters here. Subscribe to our What You Missed newsletter for the top headlines from the outdoor world, in your inbox six days a week. Ok, so after reading this you might be saying, “That’s all well and good, but I can’t afford to buy a new bike. Colin started mountain biking in the early 2000s and has haphazardly, and with barely increasing skill, dragged his bike around the majority of Scotland's trail centres since then. The upshot of that is lighter, more durable material that makes for a better ride. First up: wheels. Now I wouldn’t have upgraded any old frame, and I admit it’s partly sentiment involved. If the stock grips are … These 10 upgrades, each for $100 or less, are all guaranteed to have a massive impact on your bike’s performance: 1. The downside of buying a brand-new bike is the simple fact that you are paying the absolute highest price for that bike. It’s not always an easy question, and more often than not it comes down to the quality of one part – the Frame. And as I stand and look at my Stumpy glistening with new parts, I feel a sense of pride that I bucked the disposable trend of modern life and hung onto a bit of classic, good old fashioned fun , Your email address will not be published. Your rear derailleur is a technological marvel. Maybe also a seatpost and front derailleur, but cranks and forks are large-ticket items. So, if the Stumpy you’ve just inherited has the M4 alloy, which is likely (it certainly wont have the M5), then it’s about equivalent to a 2 year old Rockhopper. Anyway, hope that helps, and let me know how you get on with it! Making a financial contribution to Outside Online only takes a few minutes and will ensure we can continue supplying the trailblazing, informative journalism that readers like you depend on. It’s stiff as a board, but livelier than any carbon frame I’ve ridden. You’ll want to read on to get some tips on how to get the most out of your new mountain bike. On that front, the Stumpy is a great piece of kit. 3. We've singled out some key upgrades that'll give you change from £100 - and we've named the bits that you shouldn't bother with. When you do decide to perform a major overhaul on your bike frame, you'll want to know what's available. Almost certainly you’ll want to overhaul the groupset too. (They’re the best cheap mountain bike upgrades you’ll find.) Full XT all-over will give you a great spec and will cost another 2 to 3 hundred. Benefits and downsides of buying a used mountain bike The Global Mountain Bike Network is the best MTB YouTube channel, with videos for everyone who loves dirt: from the full-faced helmet downhill mountain biker … I don’t know the full range off the top of my head, but old Stumpjumpers, I believe, were M4 alloy. Granted, I’ve spent nearly a grand in pound sterling on it. To buy a mountain bike with reliable disc brakes, expect to pay at least $450. The frame will have have a code for the type of material and what model the frame is on it, so it’s worth a little look. Whether it is a fork or rear shock, you will be amazed at the technology these days in suspension, and how having a quality product gives you the confidence to … Specialized made a bit of a tech leap and upgraded their frame material, and the new Stumpjumper frames are M5. New bike day: Know when it’s time to upgrade an old bike to a new one. Recovering from the Big Break: A Femur Fracture, The Best Mountain Bike Trails in the Alps, Strider Balance Bikes: Review of The Pro & Classic Models, FiveTen Impact Low & Freerider Long-Term Review, Adjust Your Brake Lever Position Like A Pro, Clean Bike Snacks for Health & a Clear Conscience. The only thing to consider is that, at that age, it’ll be the old Stumpjumper spec. With all the standards that have changed since 1999, I'd need a frameset, not just a frame, and on the bikes I was considering, a new crankset too. After a few rides, consider getting some new rubber. I understand I'd need a new set of wheels to accomodate this as well. The fork will be hugely out of date, and most likely a bit past it’s best anyway. Saying that, that depends on you being able to find the old models. Seat post u might as well expect to order a new one with new frame cause every "better" frame always seem to have a bigger post than entry frames. While we love to advocate using the local bike shop, we know there can be deals out there on both new and used parts from online retailers. Great articles. Ideally, I'd like to upgrade to the new 11-speed Shimano 105 5800 or Ultegra groupsets. A bike components maker called PNW recently launched a program to buy back used parts, refurbish them and sell them again at a discount. The M4 alloy was inherited by the Rockhopper range, and that’s what makes the Rockhopper such a good buy these days. Which is why my bike has upgrade everything but seatpost lol. Frame material, and I bought it with some cash left by a close relative admit! Geo for my trek frame was used up thru racing hts so good enough now. Could draw on your bike frame, and that ’ s what makes the Rockhopper,. Brand-New condition, and most likely a bit of advice on suspension, and that s! Many of your mountain biking is about what spec it was, it wasn ’ t used it by! 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