Mountain Biking - Upgrading Questions!

I'm looking to upgrade my 05 Marin B-17. Everything is currently stock. I am not concerned about weight, it is no issue (to an extent, I am only 5'3" and 135 lbs riding a 19" frame). What can I upgrade to increase durability, since this will probably be the only upgrades I will be doing for quite a while? I was thinking about having the rear derailleur upgraded, since its only a Shimano Alivio. What is the difference between the SRAM components and Shimano components? From what I can tell, SRAM looks to be more durable, but I am not sure. Any ideas are welcomed, I'm open for all suggestions. Thanks a lot.

-Paige

for some reason.. most downhill bikes i see come with sram components.. so i guess sram is more durable than shimano..

If you alivio rear derailleur is working fine, replace it once you've broken it.

As far as Shimano and SRAm is concerned, think of it as Microsoft Windows and Linux. Windows is more popular but Linux's much better performance, cheaper, but less popular.

Ricardo

Unless a part is not working properly don't replace it.
Their isn't as much operating differences as you might think between the different levels of components.
Ride it until something breaks or wears out - then upgrade.

Unless a part is not working properly don't replace it.
Their isn't as much operating differences as you might think between the different levels of components.
Ride it until something breaks or wears out - then upgrade.

+1

A comfortable saddle is very important, so that is often a worthwhile upgrade. Other than, that spend your money on accessories, you will get more bang for your buck!

I am not concerned about weight, it is no issue (to an extent, I am only 5'3" and 135 lbs riding a 19" frame).

If you're only 5'3", why do you have a 19" bike?

A smaller frame that fits would be a good upgrade!

Well, seeing that it has worked out well so far, and i don't have the $700+ to buy a new frame and just scrap this perfectly good one...that isn't a very well thought out investment. For your information, this frame fits perfectly well, so therefore you are out of line.

Well, seeing that it has worked out well so far, and i don't have the $700+ to buy a new frame and just scrap this perfectly good one...that isn't a very well thought out investment. For your information, this frame fits perfectly well, so therefore you are out of line.

From the sounds of it, a 19" frame is way too big for most 5'3" people. I really don't think his comment was out of line, and after all, YOU are the one asking for what to replace, and he happened to think you should replace the frame. Nothing wrong there, you asked for it.

For your information, this frame fits perfectly

I find that hard to believe. Bike fit is extremely important and I'm having a very hard time believing a 5'3" person fits a 19" bike.

I wholeheartedly agree. A 16 inches frame is more suitable for that size. Those three inches are one BIG difference.

Ricardo

The bike I replaced with the Marin was a 17.5", and felt small. I felt cramped. As far as I can tell, none of you have seen me and my bike, therefore I do not believe that you are in the position to make those assumptions. I am not ignorant, I know that a 19" frame is not typical for a shorter person, but I also know that I have worked at a bike shop now for a couple of years, and what people feelcomfortableon is most important. I believe I asked about compenents, not judgements on my choice of frame size. Now if possible, can we guide this thread more in that direction? Thanks.

I'm open for all suggestions.
Perhaps you should consider saving the money until you need the upgrades, i.e. things begin breaking, etc...
perhaps more detail on what is wrong with your current components would help you get the answers you are looking for.

For your information, this frame fits perfectly well, so therefore you are out of line.

No it doesn't, stop kidding yourself.

The bike I replaced with the Marin was a 17.5", and felt small. I felt cramped. As far as I can tell, none of you have seen me and my bike, therefore I do not believe that you are in the position to make those assumptions. I am not ignorant, I know that a 19" frame is not typical for a shorter person, but I also know that I have worked at a bike shop now for a couple of years, and what people feelcomfortableon is most important. I believe I asked about compenents, not judgements on my choice of frame size. Now if possible, can we guide this thread more in that direction? Thanks.


Obviously you're the expert here, with your shop and fit experience. Why do you need to ask US what to upgrade? :rolleyes:

annnnnnnnyyyyyyways guys, since this post isnt very productive anymore i thought id ask a question that i had after Ranger posted. I was thinking about how he said a saddle would be a good upgrade since its pretty important to be comfortable on the bike. I have never purchased a new saddle; just riding the one that came with my hardrock. How do you get a feel for one when you go to the bike shop? Do you just sit on a display one or something?
Thanks

Any ideas are welcomed, I'm open for all suggestions.

Instead of investing money in components, spend all of it on HGH (human growth hormone).

That way you'll grow into the bike that you have and won't have to ride a bike that is too big.

I cannot believe how rude you people have been. HGH, what kind of suggestion is that? I have now come to the conclusion that the people on this site (or at least ones that decided to be smart-a**es) have trouble being confronted. Thank you for the people who decided to give WORTHWHILE suggestions, instead of sarcastic ones. I have appreciated them. To everyone else, congratulations. You have officially led another person away from these forums. Job well done.