Component upgrades or new bike?

[andykee]

I have a Schwinn Moab 3. Everything is stock except for the pedals. This is my first season of what I would consider "more serious" riding. I mostly ride at Patapsco, but am still exploring what else is around here. I would consider myself a beginning intermediate rider. My question is this: things have started to die on the bike. Should I replace these things component by component or just save up the money for a more capable ride?

At this point, the following things need replacement (in my opinion):
-Wheelset: the rear wheel is pretty dinged up, and I am constantly getting flats back there. Looking at the Mavic Crossrides
-Tires: still the originals. They are just old. Thinking Panaracer Fire XC
-Fork: the fork has two modes of operation: bottomed out and not bottomed out. Want to replace with Marzocchi MX Comp unless anyone has a better suggestion in the same general price range.
-Drivetrain components: somethng is mechanically wrong with my front shift lever. I had it looked at by someone more experienced than me and they said it was probably just best to replace it. I'm thinking about doing an upgrade to XT shift levers and front and rear derailleurs, as well as a 9 speed cassette.

The frame is in very good shape overall. One of the cable stops squeaks a bit, but I'm not sure if that is the stop itself or the cable housing. I haven't gottan a chance to look at it yet.

So, new bike or replace the broken stuff?

Thanks!

[drevil]

Save your cash and upgrade. If you are getting in better shape and think you're going to spend more time mountain biking, look for something with more aggressive geometry with more durable and lighter parts.

Buy the little things for cheap to tide you over to the new bike, but avoid buying new wheels and especially a fork if you can. Both those things will cost significantly cheaper if purchased equipped on a new complete bike. Also, they may limit your choices, such as if you want to go 29er :)

[jabberwocky]

It will probably end up being far less expensive to replace the whole bike rather than replace all the components you have listed. It can't hurt to shop around and see whats available. This is a good time of year to be buying bikes, as most shops are starting to mark down this years models in anticipation of getting next years in.

[Buddylee]

Upgrade your current ride to keep it going and buy a new bling bike also. Don't you know you have to have at least 2 bikes, what if somethings wrong with one and you have to get out for a ride. I mean seriously, what would you do, you can't miss a ride. I know I can't! Priorities ya know!

Seriously, arguments can be made for either upgrading or getting a new bike. If you are going to do small things like shifter/tires and still be happy, thats probaby a fine way to go. But i agree with ricky, when getting into buying shocks, wheelsets, even full drivetrain components, sometimes it makes more sense to look at how you might progress over the next couple of years, save up a little and buy yourself a nice complete bike.

Or you can do like some of us, lust after a frame, get the frame... it sits for 5 minutes and you realize you must build it NOW! So run out and start buying all kinds of fancy parts you've been looking at everywhere. Then you realize, oh my god, there is something new, i have to have that too. Keep on building until your wife/girlfriend threatens to leave you cause you spend more time and money on your bike. Then in your sorrow, what do you do, buy another bike. Gotta have that SS 29er for this trail, must have 5" suspension for that trail, oh gotta have the fast hard tail for racing and don't forget, god forbid, you really have to have a Road bike. I mean what are you supposed to do when the trails are closed?

Then and only then will you be a true mountain biker. ;)

I hope this helps!


I have a Schwinn Moab 3. Everything is stock except for the pedals. This is my first season of what I would consider "more serious" riding. I mostly ride at Patapsco, but am still exploring what else is around here. I would consider myself a beginning intermediate rider. My question is this: things have started to die on the bike. Should I replace these things component by component or just save up the money for a more capable ride?

At this point, the following things need replacement (in my opinion):
-Wheelset: the rear wheel is pretty dinged up, and I am constantly getting flats back there. Looking at the Mavic Crossrides
-Tires: still the originals. They are just old. Thinking Panaracer Fire XC
-Fork: the fork has two modes of operation: bottomed out and not bottomed out. Want to replace with Marzocchi MX Comp unless anyone has a better suggestion in the same general price range.
-Drivetrain components: somethng is mechanically wrong with my front shift lever. I had it looked at by someone more experienced than me and they said it was probably just best to replace it. I'm thinking about doing an upgrade to XT shift levers and front and rear derailleurs, as well as a 9 speed cassette.

The frame is in very good shape overall. One of the cable stops squeaks a bit, but I'm not sure if that is the stop itself or the cable housing. I haven't gottan a chance to look at it yet.

So, new bike or replace the broken stuff?

Thanks!

[andykee]

thanks for the advice guys. here's my only problem at this point: i definitely can't afford to buy a whole new bike at the end of this season (although clearance prices are very tempting). once i graduate in the spring, i will (hopefully) be in better shape financially and will be able to buy a new rig. i suppose in the meantime i am stuck riding the ghetto blaster :eek:

msybe i'll at leat buy the fork, wheels, and tires. hey, it never hurts to have spare parts :)

i've got a little extra cash to burn, but unfortunately not enough to get me into a new bike that i want

[skiandmtb]

Right now there are some good sales on components. Today is the last day JensonUSA.com has free shipping on orders over $150. I'll probably get the crossrides or crosslands today myself. You can check out www.qbike.com which is a price-bot over some sites, and get a price match. Performance will also price match if you bring a printout of the deal, and they're having a sale, too.

The Schwinn N'lightened frame is a nice sturdy frame, and climbs pretty well. I presume you bought it before Schwinn went up for sale. My wife's Moab is still going strong, though I'm sure much less used that yours. If I remember right there is something unique about the headset, so if you get a fork, make sure you know the right size. I am not the one to ask about that. She's pregnant now and the bike is out in WV, collecting dust.

My $0.02
LJ

PS I now know why people have been writing 2 cents that way, there is no cents sign on keyboards anymore! Another sign how old I am getting...

[drevil]

PS I now know why people have been writing 2 cents that way, there is no cents sign on keyboards anymore! Another sign how old I am getting...
If you're bored: 2¢ (http://rmhh.co.uk/ascii.html)

[J_S]

Start with a plain new back wheel, with plenty of nice stainless spokes, and make sure it is tensioned properly before it gets ridden. The front wheel is probably fine. That said, you can get a nice pair for a little more than half the price of the Crossrides.

If you don't need two new shifters, just get one, or just get the replacement pod if you can. Or put a friction bar top sunrace on there and call yourself retro.

If you have a chain that is worn, you may have already damaged the front chainrings, so attempting to upgrade to a 9 speed setup may cause a new chain to skip on the chainrings. And then you'll want a new crank. And bottom bracket.

The fork's the big ticket item, but you may be able to reuse it if you don't chop the steerer too short. Or you could go rigid...

Fix the shifter, get a new rear wheel, and get new rubber, by all means. Big fatties.

[Brizn]

If you're bored: 2¢ (http://rmhh.co.uk/ascii.html)Ricky, you're such a geek! :D And I ♥ it! ♥ ♦ ♣ ♠ So cool!!