Mountain Biking - Reinventing my ride

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View Full Version : Reinventing my ride


derath
07-08-06, 09:23 AM
So after many years I have gotten back into cycling with a passion. I bought a road bike for xmas this year and have enjoyed it greatly.

With the addition to my stable, I have been able to turn my old Mtn bike back into what it is designed for. Off went the slicks, the fenders, the rack etc. Looking forward to taking it back into the dirt!

Anyhow, I have the urge to update it some. I don't really want to get a new bike, as this one is still in perfect shape.

Anyhow, it is a 14 year old'ish Matrix equipped Trek 950. It has great components which are still in great shape. The only downsides is that it has no shocks.

So I was thinking of doing the following.

1. Adding a shock fork. I don't know anything about them. Any opinions on what to get?
2. New headset? Guessing I will need to do that for a new threadless fork?
3. Replace the BB with a sealed bearing version. Not that it is hard, but it will keep me from having to tear down and repack the bearings.

What else should I do to pimp my ride?

-D


jhota
07-08-06, 10:17 AM
i'd just tune it up and ride it. your bike probably has a 1" head tube, and decent 1" suspension forks are thin on the ground. i think Marzocchi is about it.

suspension is for wusses anyway.

Silverfox
07-08-06, 10:19 AM
hmm what brakes does the bike have? could they be updated? Also, think about gears, i dont know what yours has, but some of the new stuff on the market really is very good, and can make a huge difference to your ride.


Maelstrom
07-08-06, 10:24 AM
hmm what brakes does the bike have? could they be updated? Also, think about gears, i dont know what yours has, but some of the new stuff on the market really is very good, and can make a huge difference to your ride.

Keeping in mind older bikes use 7 spd and lower for the rear gearing. 7 spd and lower uses a narrower spacing in the rear dropouts and cannot fit 8 or 9 spd equipment. Well, it could fit with some pulling and stretching, as long as it isn't alum.

derath
07-08-06, 10:34 AM
i'd just tune it up and ride it. your bike probably has a 1" head tube, and decent 1" suspension forks are thin on the ground. i think Marzocchi is about it.

suspension is for wusses anyway.

Thanks, yea I just tuned it up when I replaced all the road type stuff on it. I have never ridden anything with suspension so I didn't know if it is worth it. I am not the type that does hardcore downhill bombs or anything.


hmm what brakes does the bike have? could they be updated? Also, think about gears, i dont know what yours has, but some of the new stuff on the market really is very good, and can make a huge difference to your ride.

The drivetrain is full Deore LX. It is the older 7spd. Shifts flawlessly (always has) and is still in good shape.

The brakes are XTR and also still in good shape.


I guess I will just ride the thing and enjoy it :)

Thanks

-D