Mountain Biking - Should I have bought a new frame instead of........

I just basically upgraded everything on my 96 Zaskar LE to XTR components. Im wondering now if i should have gotten a new frame and then got some not as good components.

Isn't it a bit too late to ask?
;)

just curious. Is that a response telling me that i should have?

Actually, no. I don't know anything about frames. :D Though I think the difference between performance of XT vs XTR is very little compared to the price unless you're a pro...

Not really. It's 6 of one half a dozen of another.

I neither commend you nor condemn you.

Personally, I would have gotten a new complete bike.

However, the Zaskar is a very nice frame and definately worthy of upgrading. It's just with me, I tend to get a new bike every other year, so I constantly considering resale value. You now have an old frame with used components (no matter how new). To a buyer of a used bike, they'll look elsewhere for a newer frame. To you, I'm sure the bike is awesome!

My father-in-law upgraded his bike to full XTR against my recommendation. For what he paid for components, he could have bought a new complete bike. However, he loved his frame and fork. No problem, his money not mine!

BTW, did you upgrade your fork as well? What'd you get?

L8R

the new fork is a Marzocchi X Fly 80

I'm a fan of upgrading old frames, and a2, quite frankly, you are a bike pimp...casting off older bikes for brand new shiny ones...disgusting!!! (j/k)

The Zaskar LE frameset is gorgeous...keep it going till it breaks...well...that's what I'm going to do with my Kona!! :D

Cheers

Rich

I am a bike pimp! Is admitting this my first step to recovery?

When you work at a shop (albeit only part-time), and stare at new bikes day after day, you tend to want the best. I try not to be a snob though. It's difficult sometimes I must admit.

I have noticed that I no longer have "the love" for my bikes that I once had. They have become objects or tools. Something to be purchased, used and sold. It's kinda sad in a way.

I used to go into a shop, any shop, and look around and be in heaven. I wanted each and every bike, my imagination ran wild. I pictured myself riding each and everyone. I would spin a wheel and be in awe at the simplicity and complexity of it. I would look at the new paint jobs and be amazed that a liquid could be applied to a metal tube and the result is a work of art. I loved the smell of new rubber tires, grease and degreaser. I respected the owner of the shop and envied him for being able to be surrounded by such magnificent machines and wished I could own a shop. I was amased by the skill of the mechanic who dissassembled a hub with such expertise and fluid motions I thought I was watching a choreographed presentation. The ebb and flow of hopeless customers (like myself) who went there for the shop expertise, and to be a part of a larger community. The conversations were always intriguing and delitefull and plans for upcoming rides were discussed with wonderment and excitement. Jokes were told, pizza's were ordered and beer was consumed (after hours of course!) It was like I was part of a family, not a thing like my own. It was a family were there was something exciting going on. It was alive, and I was alive for being part of it.

I forget about those feelings, and wished I could have them back. The day to day wears on you, and now it's just a place with bikes where I turn wrenches for fun!

L8R:cry: :cry:

i agree that you have an awesome frame worthy of upgrade. full XTR w/ X-fly's? how much does your baby weigh now? must be 23lbs or less? 96 model...hmm...was it the anodized blue one? i couldn't afford one of the Zaskars when they first came out (frame), but i've always wanted one...

happy riding :beer:

Originally posted by a2psyklnut

I forget about those feelings, and wished I could have them back.

to me it doesn't seem like you have forgotten one bit. reading what you wrote just amazed me. you seem to have a special love for bikes. i know you were writing about your past but i believe once in love is forever in love

this one:beer: is for you

This is my frame:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1859646300#DESC

I can't wait till GT's comeback this year, with even more cool stuff planned for 2004.

I can't wait till GT's comeback this year, with even more cool stuff planned for 2004.

*giggle* Yeah! Me too Fubes! I hear they're coming out with a city version of their mountainbikes... something called a 'Huffy'. Souds pretty cool! *giggles*

j/k, I couldn't resist!

Originally posted by a2psyklnut

I have noticed that I no longer have "the love" for my bikes that I once had. They have become objects or tools. Something to be purchased, used and sold. It's kinda sad in a way.


I agree with kramer :)

You definately haven't lost it mate, may I join in that :beer: ?

Rich

Originally posted by Rich


I agree with kramer :)

You definately haven't lost it mate, may I join in that :beer: ?

Rich

sure thing:beer:

let's not have too many though or we'll end up like this

Originally posted by fubar5
I can't wait till GT's comeback this year, with even more cool stuff planned for 2004.

The Rukus I-Drive I saw at InterBike was Awesome!

Working in a shop can take the love, though. I worked in one for two years when I was in college 5 or so years ago. Just started really riding again last year. There is some validity to the fear that working in a shop will stop your riding, so be careful.