Upgrade or New bike?

[wanderingrobots]

I am thinking that I have probably outridden the potetential of my 2003 Specialized Hardrock comp. Everything on it is pretty beaten up, with the item in worst condition being the rear wheel which has been so messed up so many times that when I was at the shop last they told me I needed to replace it. So this summer I am thinking I want to spend about 300-400 on a bike, so I am thinking should I just upgrade my hardrock or get an used bike that is much more serious. I mainly ride urban/freeride stuff but still alot of cross country in there. The thing I like about my hardrock is that I can pedal it to the trails, ride it, then ride home. I dont want a big huge freeride bike. If i keep the hardrock I am thinking that I will need to upgrade these things. Please make suggestions if you have any recomendations, I know several other people ride hardrocks

seat:desperately needed to be replaced, have replacement lined up
pedals: Same as seat
Brakes: keep the rim brakes?
Fork: Currently a judy tt, thinking a fox vanilla something or Marzochhi dj fork (200 or less)
Rims: Sun RHyno Lite XL (probably want to spend less than 150 on new rims)


Yea so any recomendation you have would be great. Thanks, jeff

[crux]

For 300-400 there is not too much that is possible, but check ebay and forums for used parts to upgrade your current ride. Also one possibility would to go single speed as this could simplify parts/cost/maintance, but thats up to you.

If interested I have a fresh x-fly fork that is up for grabs.

[stefan]

You should check into Sun Singletrack rims, cheap as heck and are quite strong.

[Tex]

I agree with Andrew, $400 isn't a whole lot to buy a new ride so you would be better off putting the money into your current steed. It's true you may be able to find something used, but at the price range it might be just as beat down as the bike you're riding right now.

At any rate, good luck and have fun on whatever you ride.

[danger!]

I bought this wheelset from JensonUsa a couple of years ago, and they have held up well. Yeah, they're machine built, but if you keep an eye on them, and have them trued if they get out, they'll be fine.

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/WH707A22-Shimano+Xt+Discsingletrack+Wheelset.aspx

[Trevize1138]

The HR frame is very much like the "P" series frames of Specialized. It's heavy but meant to take a real beating. So, if you do mostly urban and freeride it's actually a good frame.

As for the parts failing on it that's because it's a $300-$400 bike: they went cheap on the parts. You can get some really good wheels, pedals and fork for that money and put them on that frame and you'll get a bike equivalent to ones that push the $600-$800 range.

Spend $300-$400 on a whole new bike again and you'll be right back where you are now in a few years.

[Smurf]

Since I was just shopping for new bikes in your budget range, I can tell you pickings are slim. $350 will get you a new Hardrock Sport. I agree with the other guys...start upgrading, but maybe consider doing it over a couple of years. Maybe a new wheelset and disk brakes this year and hold off on the fork till next year....

[manual63]

With that kind of money, it's best to upgrade. Get new wheels and disk brakes to start off. I think complete Shimano XT hubs with Sun Rhyno Lite rims for disc are about $150.00 or so for the wheelset. About $80 or so for each Avid Machanical brake complete and you are set. Then when you get more money, upgrade other parts. Eventually, get a new frame and fork.....and so on.

That's what I would do and have been doing for a while. I still have my brake levers and stem cap off my '98 Schwinn Moab 1. Everything else has been replaced over the years. My Aluminum Schwinn frame now is Chromoly and has On-One stickers on it......:)

[steef]

I saw a late '90s carbon Schwinn FS bike at a pawn shop for $400 today. It was all LX with an XT rear derailleur. I hate the way they ride, though. My friend likes them enough that he has two of those. :eyeroll:

[wanderingrobots]

thanks for all the advice guys! i have decided to keep my current bike and am going to upgrade the back rim to sun singletracks with disc brakes on them first. after that who knows?!?!?! thanks, jeff