Mountain Biking - Is this frame good enough to build up?

I would like to build up my bike as I go. This means occasionally getting new parts like crank, BB, brakes, ect. I was wondering if I should get a better bike to build up, or would my bike be good enough?

I don't want to build up a bad bike, though I could swap components onto a new frame.

Here is the frame I have, not sure if it's the same components in the photo http://austink5.net/albums/bikes/DSCN1200.jpg

So, do you think it is worth building up gradually?

I would like to build up my bike as I go. This means occasionally getting new parts like crank, BB, brakes, ect. I was wondering if I should get a better bike to build up, or would my bike be good enough?

I don't want to build up a bad bike, though I could swap components onto a new frame.

Here is the frame I have, not sure if it's the same components in the photo http://austink5.net/albums/bikes/DSCN1200.jpg

So, do you think it is worth building up gradually?

It's decent...it's never going to be a superlight XC racer or a crazy durable hucker, but it will make a decent all-around trail bike.

What parts should I replace first? I'm thinking of BMX pedals, or a better derailer. I was also thinking of making it SS. Would that be bad for trails? If it would, I would probably make the front SS.

What parts should I replace first? I'm thinking of BMX pedals, or a better derailer. I was also thinking of making it SS. Would that be bad for trails? If it would, I would probably make the front SS.

What don't you like about the bike right now? That's where I'd start.

If you go SS, you will need a tensioner to handle the chain grow issue associated with a dually. I think making it a SS would be limiting your trail experience. You would end up hopping off on the steeper climbs and you'd spin out on the DH sections. If you don't want all that extra crap...save some coin for an internally geared hub, or maybe just go 1x8/1x9 with it.

What don't you like about the bike right now? That's where I'd start.

If you go SS, you will need a tensioner to handle the chain grow issue associated with a dually. I think making it a SS would be limiting your trail experience. You would end up hopping off on the steeper climbs and you'd spin out on the DH sections. If you don't want all that extra crap...save some coin for an internally geared hub, or maybe just go 1x8/1x9 with it.

I think I'm going to go 1x8. There is not really much I don't like about it, though I would like better pedals, and a derailer that does not hang so low. I sometimes use it in a skatepark. I was wondering, what kind of handlebars can I buy for a MTB? Is it better to have wider or shorter ones?

Thats what I'm thinking of doing, ditching my Granny gear and my 3rd gear.
I don't know yet though.

Use it in a skatepark?
Sounds like you need a Trials Bike or a Dirt Jump bike....

Use it in a skatepark?
Sounds like you need a Trials Bike or a Dirt Jump bike....

I just occasionally use it there. About your front gears, I personally would keep the largest gear, or get something between 2nd and 3rd. I never use my granny gear, but my friend likes it when he does wheelies around the parking lot on my bike.

Do you think it's a good enough frame to build up? Do you think I need a better fork?

I just occasionally use it there. About your front gears, I personally would keep the largest gear, or get something between 2nd and 3rd. I never use my granny gear, but my friend likes it when he does wheelies around the parking lot on my bike.

Do you think it's a good enough frame to build up? Do you think I need a better fork?

It sounds like you are itching to spend some money on this bike.
Its not what we like, but what you like. I will say this:

Ride the bike.
Replace/upgrade parts that break.
Ride the bike.

So, I should not upgrade parts that still work?

So, I should not upgrade parts that still work?

Well, you shouldn't but I do it all the time, haha.

Do you not like your fork? If not...replace it.

Universalcycles.com has a freakin' schweeeeeeeeeeet deal on 2008 Fox Vanilla R's right now for $364!!

For the 1x8, keep the middle ring. Ditch the outer and inner. Buy a chainguide or a bash with some sort of inner retainer like a jumpstop by N-Gear, or a Blackspire inner guide plate.


YOu will most likely drop your chain w/o this stuff.

Why would I need a inner retainer if I only have one front ring? Wouldn't the derailer keep it on?

Also, would I need to replace my whole crank if I want only one front ring?

I wish I could buy the Fox fork, but even $350 is a lot for me. It took me a few months to save the $350 I have now, and thats going towards a new SLR.

If you keep the derailleur, you won't. Would be easier to toss the derailleur and get a chainguide though.

You mean the front deraileur?

Yes.

Why would I need that if the rear deraileur will keep the tension up?

Why would I need a inner retainer if I only have one front ring? Wouldn't the derailer keep it on?

Also, would I need to replace my whole crank if I want only one front ring?

I wish I could buy the Fox fork, but even $350 is a lot for me. It took me a few months to save the $350 I have now, and thats going towards a new SLR.

I ditched my front derailleur.

Mine with an inner ring:
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h28/chelboed/Bike/DSC01043.jpg

Someone else's with a jumpstop:
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h28/chelboed/Bike/sav1og.jpg

I would like to build up my bike as I go. This means occasionally getting new parts like crank, BB, brakes, ect. I was wondering if I should get a better bike to build up, or would my bike be good enough?

I don't want to build up a bad bike, though I could swap components onto a new frame.

Here is the frame I have, not sure if it's the same components in the photo http://austink5.net/albums/bikes/DSCN1200.jpg

So, do you think it is worth building up gradually?

NO!

Why would I need that if the rear deraileur will keep the tension up?

The RD won't keep it tight enough all the time. Without a either a guide/derailleur or pure SS it will come off the ring with frustrating regularity.

NO!
Why not?

Also, will I have to replace my whole crank to have a SS up front?

Why not?

Also, will I have to replace my whole crank to have a SS up front?

nah

Thats great! So, I can just take off 2 chainrings and add a bash guard?

Thats great! So, I can just take off 2 chainrings and add a bash guard?

And some sort of inner retainer. (jumpstop or guide ring) Unless you're just going to block the FD. Then you don't need a bash either. Just the FD. I'd do a Bash and a Jumpstop if I were you.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h28/chelboed/Bike/DSC01043.jpg

I'm probably going with something like this!

I'm probably going with something like this!

Outer (http://jensonusa.com/store/product/CG406C00-Shimano+Saint+Chainring+Guard.aspx)
Inner (http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=4039&category=58)


Is your crankset 4 arm or 5 arm?

You really, really need to post a picture of your crankset or give the make/model before you pull the trigger on these though. You may have incompatibility issues.

Here's a pic for ya from the other side:
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h28/chelboed/Bike/DSC01055.jpg

That looks great! I wish I had a hardtail so I can do SS.