Specialized big hit upgrade advice

What about the suspension do you want to improve? What are you looking to make better?

The reason I ask is that while there are tangible improvements that can be made with upgrading the suspension, it's not going to increase the resale value of the bicycle at all, and from a financial perspective you'd be better off saving the money and using it for a fun bike trip, or saving for a modern bike with modern suspension and geometry.

It also depends on how much you want to spend. Buying a fork and shock can easily run you 2.5-3k dollars if you're buying top of the line stuff, and you can make a much bigger improvement by buying a lightly used but more modern bicycle for that kind of cash. The suspension tends to be the most expensive part of a bicycle besides the frame.

In other words, unless you have some sentimental value that you place in that bicycle, don't spend a lot of money on replacing the suspension - its not bad stuff on there already, and you'll only make a marginal improvement replacing everything, while spending a ton of money that you wont be able to get back when you sell the bike. Does the suspension feel bad? Consider sending it to somebody to have a professional rebuild on it instead of replacing it perhaps.

Totally agree! It makes no sense to buy a 10 years old bike and dump a lot of money into it.

Especially if you are new to the sport, just ride the bike and have fun. I would not do anything more than sending the fork and shock for a rebuild...and bleeding the brakes, replacing brake pads if needed.

Typically, learning DH can get expensive, as you will crash and break stuff. I suggest you run this bike until it falls apart, the money you save now will be welcome when it'll be time to by a new bike in a couple of years.

Dude, it's a bigot... all you gotta do is HUCK ALL THINGS.

Don't worry about suspension. With that kind of money, you can def get like a new model(2010-2015) boxxer team though

I think the rear shock was a weird size. You could probably get new valving for it if you're worried about it(Avalanche does it).

If i were you, i'd get new brakes and a handlebar/grips that really are really comfortable. Maybe some different tires and pedals also. If you're new though, ride it until you know what you like.

If you're really into changing it
Avalanche-$179usd
Boxxer Team-anywhere from 200-800 depending on model
Brakes(Guide/saint/zee)-$200-350
Handlebar/Stem- $120

You'll be under budget and have a much better bike...but save the money and just get a newer bike. It'll be worth it in the end.

What you should do

rear shock up grade Avalanche-$179 usd

Keep the fork. That 888 is at least as good a Boxxer. Change the oil is as far as I would go as the seals still look good(.) ()

Brakes- Buy new Shimano SLX 84 bucks each (http://www.jensonusa.com/Brakes/Shimano-SLX-BR-M675-Disc-Brake)

I can't tell which model 888 that is, but the RC2X version from that ear was really nice and tunable, just a bit heavy.

What are the brakes on the bike? Whatever they are, get them dialed in and ride the bike into the ground

One other thing you may want to consider is putting in an angleset to slacken the head angle out and lower the bottom bracket. It will make the bike more stable at speed and through the rough, and it'll only cost you ~$100. Also, make sure it's in it's slackest possible setting currently.

Is the bike loose how are the pivot bearings that's a cheap maintence thing to pay attention to

Looking at the four positions for the rear shock, you are in the short travel and slack mode (B). Move it to long travel and slack, which is the lowest hole in that picture (A). The way you have it it looks like the piggyback might hit the link plate when deeper in the travel, in which case you can just flip the shock so the reservoir is down. BTW, that's not the stock rear shock. It would have come with a Fox.

That year (04) came with a swinger shock, and it's run upside down stock.
Depending on the setting, you need to flip the shock to avoid damaging it. This manual shows what you need: http://www.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/pdf/bikemanuals/2004/04_Big_Hit_Tech_Manual.pdf

Having ridden that same bike for a long time, i think it would benefit greatly from a short-shock. Stock is 8.75x2.75, and you could run a 8.5x2.5 to slacken and lower the bike a bit. (Run in the slack/low position)
You'll lose a little bit of travel, but it's a good trade for improved geometry in my opinion.

I'd probably buy a short shock, service the fork, repair or replace the brakes, and get a high roller 24 (last decent 24 available) rear and minion dhf 26 front tire. I bet you could do that for a few hundred, and save coin for an upgraded machine when you're ready.

Sandwich said:

Yep, replace the tires and brakes, make sure that the shocks are in good working order, and ride the piss out of it. SLX can be had for super cheap via merlincycles and other e-tailers. The fork probably just needs fresh oil, and the shock could be sent to Mojo or TFtuned or whatever for a rebuild if needed.

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I'd say also replace the stem and bars (with wide ones). I would never trust a used bar or stem