[guppygould]

I think this is the right section for my post but I apologise in advance if it isn't.

I have a Giant Terrago that's probably 4/5 years old (with v-brakes) and I'm going to be upgrading it. I was wondering if there is a specific order for changing parts and stuff.

Here is what I have planned:

• Bashguard (e.thirteen supercharger?)
• New forks to replace the Suntours (Fox possibly?)
• Replace the V's with some hydraulic discs (8 inch?)
• New Frame (Reign 06/07)

Those are just what I have in mind. Somewhere in between all that I'll change the wheels, seat and handle bars. The bike is pretty much stock apart from tyres (Dmr Moto RT's soon to be changed to something else) and some ODI lock-on rogue handle bar grips. I think the Shimano Deore's will be suffice for gears but what do I know? The bike will be mainly used for XC and a bit of freeriding.

Any pointers/suggestions for pats or anything is greatly appreciated,

Leo

 

[sanjuro]

I would get a new bike. If you are serious about replacing the fork, brakes, wheels, and the frame; you get a much better value buying a complete bike, than big chunks of it.

Each part will cost way more separately, and there are compatibility issues which you might not have realized before, like an 8 inch rear rotor is very unlikely to fit a XC frame.

Also upgrading a mediocre frame is never a good idea. The Terrago, from what I can find on the internet, looks like a $400-500 bike. The frame might strong enough, but not very light and possibly out of alignment. No matter what parts you put on it, it still might ride like crap.

I would keep riding your current bike as is, and save your money for a much nicer complete bike, used or new.

 

[guppygould]

Thanks for the advice. But I have a problem that I forgot to mention in my above post (sorry.) I am 15 and I can't get a decently paid job in the next 6 months and even then I won't be working full time due to school. SO it would take me forever to save up for a complete.

Each part will cost way more separately, and there are compatibility issues which you might not have realized before, like an 8 inch rear rotor is very unlikely to fit a XC frame.

My local shop has some 8 inch rotors that fit so it isn't realy a problem although I might opt for some smaller ones if they increase performance or don't make as much of a hole in my pocket.

 

[sanjuro]

Thanks for the advice. But I have a problem that I forgot to mention in my above post (sorry.) I am 15 and I can't get a decently paid job in the next 6 months and even then I won't be working full time due to school. SO it would take me forever to save up for a complete.


My local shop has some 8 inch rotors that fit so it isn't realy a problem although I might opt for some smaller ones if they increase performance or don't make as much of a hole in my pocket.

I figured you were tight on the cash, but there are no few short cuts.

For example, lets say you switch to a rear disc brake. A new wheel is about $150 (but not a good one), the brake about $75, and labor around $25. That is $250, which is a 1/3 of the way to a decent DJ/hardtail.

BTW, an 8 inch rotor will probably hit the chainstay as well as potentially breaking the frame (and voiding the warranty).

That is the real problem with upgrading that bike. If you were to put an 125mm fork on, you could break the frame and void the warranty to boot. There are a lot of ways you could break that bike.

I think you focus on making some loot. Why not bug the local shop to let you sweep up? That is how I started in the industry.

 

[guppygould]

Yeah I see where you're coming from. Maybe I'll just have to wait a couple of months 'till I can get a job. Looks like I might end up saving up for a DMR rhythm, Identity P-45 or something along those lines.

Thanks for the advice,

Leo

 

[binary visions]

I don't have anything to really add to what sanjuro said, but I do second it

It can be downright dangerous to make expensive upgrades to a cheap frame, because more often than not, you end up using the frame way outside its intended use.

If you are looking to save money, check out the classifieds section here. There are lots of quality used parts for far less than new prices.