Mountain Biking - New bike now or wait?

I'm thinking of buying a new mtn bike, my current one is a 1995 Voodoo. I really like the frame but I'm not sure how well it fits.

The problem is that I haven't ridden off road much in the last 2 years, mainly due to injuries, and this year its been the weather.
So it seems silly to think about a new mtn bike.

However, I am retiring next year and planning to move to a location where mtn biking is more accessible than here in Ohio. Since I want a frame comparable to my Aegis and want a really good fit I'm talking a higher end bike. I'm thinking of an IF frame.

So do I spend the money now, while my income is higher or do I wait until I move and see what kind of riding I'm doing?

Before I do anything I plan to have the fit of the Voodoo evaluated.

But I'm spoiled by my Aegis, I don't want a pretty good fit, I want a perfectly fitting mtn bike.

And if the fit of the Voodoo is out of whack a better fitting bike will encourage me to ride offroad more, right.

Any pros or cons on waiting vs. doing it now?

Kathi

I don't know but HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Originally posted by lovemyswift

So do I spend the money now, while my income is higher or do I wait until I move and see what kind of riding I'm doing?

I would wait. Not only would it be best to figure out what kind of riding you'll want to do but also what the terrain and environment is like. Mountain biking often requires that you really consider specific equipment/components for the type of riding environment.



Originally posted by lovemyswift

Before I do anything I plan to have the fit of the Voodoo evaluated.


Good plan.


Originally posted by lovemyswift

But I'm spoiled by my Aegis, I don't want a pretty good fit, I want a perfectly fitting mtn bike.


Well, if you'll be doing XC... psst... Pro Axe... ;) Although fit is still a high consideration with MTBs you'll probably find that in some ways it needs to be more lax because you tend to move around on the bike more with a MTB than with a RB.

I would buy the bike now if Funds will be limited later. You will kick yourself if there is something that you really want and you can't end up getting it because of income later. My father is going through the same thing. He retires this year and he is buying up everything that he ever wanted so that he has is paid for when he retires. (The best was the look on my mom's face when he came home with the Mustang. That was funny.)

Stateman.
That's exactly how I feel! Even though I have a pretty simple lifestyle and no debt my salary is going to be cut to 68% of what it currently is. Plus, when we move we are going to get sticker shock on housing costs. Also, I'm going to be paying in one month for health care what I've currently paid out in 6 mos.

The funny thing is I feel the bike fits but something is wrong. So after I made this post I went in the garage and noticed the stem. Never paid much attention to it before. Its very long! If I measured correctly it is about 100mm. My road bike stem is 80mm. So tomorrow I'm taking it to the bike shop to have them check the fit. Maybe it just needs a shorter stem.

I find it funny, because I'm so picky about those things, fit has to be perfect, however, when I bought this bike it was the closest fit I ever had. I was riding a 48cm Cannondale and a Giant mtn bike that was to big so being very stretched out was not unusual to me. And since I'm more of a roadie I pay no attention until we do 60 miles of rails to trails in W.Va. or Pa. on the mtn. bike, then I really ache.

We'll know tomorrow if a shorter stem is the answer.

Kathi

Kathi,

If you are that concerned about fit, I would definately consider a custom bike. There are many builders that will discuss with you your riding habits, type of riding, get your measurements and weight and budget (of course) and will make a frame to your exact specifications. You will find the cost is not "out of the ballpark" for a high quality frame. Also, you will also have the same appreciation for a "One and Only" type bike that you have for a not so common frame like your Aegis.

Brew Frames comes to mind. Seven makes an aluminum frame and there is a slight upcharge for custom. Matt Chester makes incredible Ti custom frames. Heck, if you're sold on IF, I think they offer a custom frame program. There are many others too.

The best thing is to find someone local, or almost local where you can go and speak to the builder in person and have them take your measurements.

L8R

I decided to keep the Voodoo. The fit was checked and it's actually good. Turns out the stem was waaaaaay too long. It was something like 112 mm. My shop put a nice little Ritchey 90 mm stem on and man what a difference! The bike is so responsive now. Also, the brakes were adjusted so I don't have to squeeze so hard to stop, almost killed myself with them and I can shift a lot easier now. I'm just surprised that no one noticed that super long stem.

I feel like I have a brand new bike. Now I want some new wheels for less weight. Any recommendations for nice light wheels for a super light weight (under 110) ? The bike currently weighs around 26-27 lbs.

Can't wait till the rain stops and I can do some off road riding!

Kathi

Here's an update to this post. Last summer I did a lot of searching and found Titus Bicycles. They were very interesting to me because they claim they make bikes for small riders. No one keeps Titus in stock in this city so when I was in Denver at Christmas I found an XS RacerX. I didn't get to bring it home until mid April and by then I was heavily into road riding. However, I did get 200 miles on it on paved roads in Denver and the Katy Trail in Missouri.

Today was my first mtn bike ride and the bike is absolutely awesome! It corners so easily, climbs like crazy and was so much fun I can't wait to ride it again.

I'd heard that a full suspension frame could be too heavy for a small rider, but not this baby, it's so easy for me ride. So if anyone asks if a new bike will make one ride more the answer is yes! The combination of a good fit, full suspension and lightweight made my mtn. biking experience so much fun. I can't wait to mtn bike again.

Kathi

i'm glad that you enjoy it

Very cool. Glad you got hooked up with a sweet bike.

Congrats!