Mountain Biking - Upgrading, need some tips

Hey Everyone

Ok, I've got a Motobecane 700DS which is a great bike for the money, but Im looking to upgrade.

The main reasons are its weight, pedaling effeciency (SP?) and it is soooo mushy/bouncy climbing/rebounding from jumps/drops.

I want something that I can find used (or an older new model) for under 2,000.

So far I am having a hard time figuring out which one is going to stay stiff climbing, and then descend real fast and be really responsive and fairly lightweight. (I know Im describing everyones dreams, but oh well haha)

This bike will be used for me to enter some races, but mostly just as an all around good #1 bike for me to XC on (I will use the motobecane for hucking/rain/whatever)

I don't really want to buy a bike only to discover that 9/10ths of the components don't work with the bike that well and I have to upgrade them all. I plan on probably upgrading the tires and rims, but other than that I don't want to put any more $ into it.

Now suggestions for me pleeeeaase???

First I'd get a shock with some kind of Stable Platform valving, because that suspension design is not the best for xc. I'd keep the cranks and replace the chainrings to a 9 speed system. I'd run the Deore deraillieur until it breaks or wears out and then replace with something higher and also 9 speed. Fork I would go with a Maybee a Rockshox sid or Fox Talas or Marzocchi Z1 SL or Marzocchi Marathon S.

That's what I would go with for upgrading.

Bike wise RM element, Specialized Stumpy FSR, Specialized Stumpjumper, Kona Kula, Kona Kikapu Deluxe.

Go find something that fits YOU...spend @ a $900-$1200 for a good frame...go used if ya have to...THEN upgrade to components you KNOW will work...

All the bikes out there for $2000 or less have some kinda short-comin' in my opinion...If they have good shocks, they have crappy brakes...if the brakes and fork are good, the wheels are pringles...and so on and so on...

My bike started as a $800 LBS Schwinn...but IT FITS ME GREAT...I've changed everything, though...and still have a couple more pieces I want...but right now @ $1900-$2000...I have a ride that does everything I want and FEELS GREAT...as I get better/stronger/braver, it's meeting my expectations...

WHY SPEND ALL THAT ON SOMETHING YOU'LL NEVER GET $500 OUT OF??? Because...I'm using pieces that fit ME...I'm FAT or at least heavy at 220 (on a good day), so STRONG pieces were more important and LIGHT pieces...

For $2000 and some research/planning/bullsh**ing, you can build up a wicked rig...there are some 5-6 inch bikes out there now for pretty cheap...and ebay has some wicked deals...my road bike is almost ENTiRElY ebay!!! And components aren't badly priced if you'll hunt 2003 closeout deals NOW...

With a good frame, a closeout fork, a good air shock, some ebay wheels, and some closeout drivetrain pieces, you'll have an awesome ride...and if you plan and pinch, it should be less than $2000...

I know when i build my next ride (I've promised myself a Titus Loco-Moto when I hit 180 pounds...I'll wonder if they'll still be makin' em' by then!!!)...this is what I'll do...I may not e-bay so much, cause my fat arse is rough on stuff...but I ain't fraid to ride last year's fork...unh-uh...not me

when I hit 180 pounds...

If I ever make it down to 180, call 911, I'm on my way to death! I haven't weighed less than 190 since High School!

L8R

Thanks for the advice.

Im a fairly big guy too, (6'2 190), but Im very lean, I just have a muscular build, which is part of the reason I want something that will make climbing a bit easier.

I think I've decided on a Santa Cruz Blur frame and after that Im just gonna keep my eye out like you suggested.

yeah us guys that are over 180 have a different need for sure.met a man on a trail ride that offered to let me try his litespeed but i was too heavy(he told me id probably break the BB on my first climb)we were talking about how i keep breaking components while riding (i do not freeride, huck,whatever.my largest jumps are no more than 4')or frames and how we larger people have to upgrade the stuff on our shocks(i have heaviest spring for my manitou and a 1250' spring on rear shock)he suggested looking into freeride compatible components even though weight is gained.i have found that heavy on der.,bb.,etc. and lghter on wheels, tires has been a good solution for me.i got a monoque frame and have replaced all else on it so it weighs less than 30lbs now(that may sound like a lot for xc but it beats the h%#@ out of carrying my piece of crap (break a der or frame etc. and tell me you didnt say that)out of the woods for 5+miles.it has really helped with my lung power too and leg strength.the gearing makes a difference too.an advantage to being big is we can go downhill real fast compared to the lightweights who are getting their teeth jarred from the beating their body is taking while bouncing over rocks and roots and not just plowing thru the rough stuff.yeah being heavy has its special needs but it is well worth it when you find the right fit for you.i did it one piece at a time and have been real happy so far

We have the advantage of gravitational pull !!!