Mountain Biking - Build this up, or start all over?

Okay gentlemen,

Here's one for you. I've been out of the bike tech loop for about 6-10 years now, and heres what I'm currently riding. Weighs about 29 pounds.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/arborist/CIMG7874.jpg

Panther Carbonore
Shimano Deore LX
Dia Compe Power Control 7 EXA
Manitou Pro A (I think)
Speedplay Frogs
Sun Rims Rhyno Lite
Mavic X139
Pro Components Bar and stem
Aheadset
STX Cranks
Rock Ring

Now, with all the new tech that I'm in the dark about, can I update this bike for $500-800 or should I look at something used/new for $800-$1000? I have zero full suspension experience, as hard tail has always suited me fine. And I have beat the absolute crap out of this bike and it keeps on going (although its starting to creak a lot).

I'd like to shave off some weight (keep the bashring though), and get a longer travel fork of some kind. Keep the pedals too.

I use this bike for cross country, downhill, urban riding, and commuting.

Happy trails.

i would say buy a new bike

I use this bike for cross country, downhill, urban riding, and commuting.

Happy trails.

Ya kinda need to be specific about this part. When I think "urban riding" I think about someone jumping off 8 foot staircases and doing wall rides. Same misconception about downhill...I mean anyone can ride down a hill, but when I think about a downhill bike I picture something around 40lbs that has 10" of travel.


For the "all around" riding that you do...you could get a very nice NEW bike.

Check out:
Specialized Rockhopper Pro disc
Jamis Durango Sport
Jamis Dakar XLT
Trek 6700
Giant Trance 3

There are many others to look at but at the $1000 pricerange, a hardtail is probably better. You could also keep an eye on ebay for a used "like new" dual suspension ride, not that you require that.

Definately check out the new technology though.

keep those frogs - great pedals IMHO

Things haven't changed "radically" in the last 6-10 years, but there have been some incredible improvements.

Shimano vs. SRAM drivetrains. Most will say that SRAM is better, but I prefer Shimano. BTW, STX has been removed from the Shimano lineup and replaced with Deore.

Deore is somewhat comparable to SRAM SX-5
Shimano LX - SRAM X.7
XT - X.9
XTR - X.0

So in your pricerange, you will find a smattering of LX, XT, X.7, X.9 components. If you buy a new bike, you will have to lose the Girvin Rock Ring. You can buy a bash guard to replace your big ring, but I don't think you can run both together anymore. The bolt pattern is different, so your rock ring won't fit new cranksets. I think the idea behind it is most people who ride slow technical riding need a bash guard. Those who do alot of big ring riding don't use the bash guard all that much. You can also go with a 24 or 26 granny with a 36 or 38t middle ring with a bash guard...this will essentially get you pretty close to the same top end gear ratio, but you still just run two rings.

Thanks for the replies.

Urban riding -I'm more like 6' staircases if I'm feeling especially brave. This is usually just cruising around town, hopping on to and off of planters, stairs, tables..etc.

Probably scratch the downhill reference-thats inaccurate.
Thanks for the brand and model reccomendations.

And, its interesting that the rock ring is no longer compatible-I usually end up using the bash guard during the urban riding, but it comes in handy for hopping on large rocks/logs too.

It would work even better with a 24/36/bash ring. You would have more clearance.