Over the past few years I've taken a bit of a break from trail riding. During that time my bike was reduced to town commuting duty, and was kept outside. I hated to leave it outside all the time, but the options were to keep it outside and let things fall apart a bit while still being able to use it, or let it sit inside and never use it. Now I'd like to get back onto the trails a bit, but the bike is going to need some work for me to trust it.
It's a 2003 Kona Cinder Cone.
The things that are in okay shape for now:
- Frame: in decent shape
- Seat post: Recently replaced with a new cheap one.
- Handle bars: Whatever it came with. Sun faded, but okay.
- Shifters and brake levers: Seem to still be in okay shape XT
- Cranks: Though they're stock and heavy.
- Fork: Stock Marzocchi.
- Brakes: Avid BBs. Needs new pads, which I have, but are otherwise okay.
What needs work:
- Wheels: Out of true and I was told by a shop I'd be better off replacing them.
- Tire: Crunchy.
- Front derailleur: Just doesn't seem to be working well.
- Rear derailleur: Bent. Still shifts, but not very smoothly.
- Cassette: Small gears are starting to wear.
- Seat: Makes my junk go numb on anything more than about half an hour long.
- All cabling: I'm just going to assume that a year and a half of snow and rain haven't done it any favors.
- Chain: Worn out
I can't replace everything at once, and an entirely new bike is out of the question for now. I was also looking at what is available in the local shops, and it seems that the components on most of the bikes in the sub $1200 range aren't as good as what I would put on it if I do incremental upgrades on my own. I figure I can spend about $200 a month on upgrades. So for purchase order I'm thinking:
1. Brake pads, handle bar grips, and cables. That will take care of the safety stuff.
2. Wheels and tires.
3. Drivetrain: Derailleurs, cassette and chain. Though if I'm doing all that I figure I might as well do cranks and chain rings also.
3. Seat and any other remaining odds and ends.
4. Move everything over to a new frame and fork.
One thing I'm not sure about is where to spend money. I'm guessing that wheels are a good place to spend extra. Is there a pretty significant jump in quality from a set of $200 wheels to a set of $400 wheels? Would it make more sense to go with an LX or Deore rear derailleur instead of XT and put that money elsewhere?
Any other general thoughts about this plan? Does this make sense? Or would it be better to save extra money and then buy a new or new used bike instead of doing the upgrade thing?
It's a 2003 Kona Cinder Cone.
The things that are in okay shape for now:
- Frame: in decent shape
- Seat post: Recently replaced with a new cheap one.
- Handle bars: Whatever it came with. Sun faded, but okay.
- Shifters and brake levers: Seem to still be in okay shape XT
- Cranks: Though they're stock and heavy.
- Fork: Stock Marzocchi.
- Brakes: Avid BBs. Needs new pads, which I have, but are otherwise okay.
What needs work:
- Wheels: Out of true and I was told by a shop I'd be better off replacing them.
- Tire: Crunchy.
- Front derailleur: Just doesn't seem to be working well.
- Rear derailleur: Bent. Still shifts, but not very smoothly.
- Cassette: Small gears are starting to wear.
- Seat: Makes my junk go numb on anything more than about half an hour long.
- All cabling: I'm just going to assume that a year and a half of snow and rain haven't done it any favors.
- Chain: Worn out
I can't replace everything at once, and an entirely new bike is out of the question for now. I was also looking at what is available in the local shops, and it seems that the components on most of the bikes in the sub $1200 range aren't as good as what I would put on it if I do incremental upgrades on my own. I figure I can spend about $200 a month on upgrades. So for purchase order I'm thinking:
1. Brake pads, handle bar grips, and cables. That will take care of the safety stuff.
2. Wheels and tires.
3. Drivetrain: Derailleurs, cassette and chain. Though if I'm doing all that I figure I might as well do cranks and chain rings also.
3. Seat and any other remaining odds and ends.
4. Move everything over to a new frame and fork.
One thing I'm not sure about is where to spend money. I'm guessing that wheels are a good place to spend extra. Is there a pretty significant jump in quality from a set of $200 wheels to a set of $400 wheels? Would it make more sense to go with an LX or Deore rear derailleur instead of XT and put that money elsewhere?
Any other general thoughts about this plan? Does this make sense? Or would it be better to save extra money and then buy a new or new used bike instead of doing the upgrade thing?
