Mountain Biking - Should I buy a New Bike?

ok.. since i have a old rockhopper, i've been thinking about upgrading some parts, like suspension fork and suspension seat post. however, after doing some research.. i noticed that the price i am going to be paying for the fork and seat post will be slightly under the cost of a brand new bike.

so here is my delima, should i buy a new bike or not? i like cycling... cuz right now i bike to work, and loving it. but i wanna do some trail riding as well. i would like to have front suspension fork and for the rear just have a suspension seat post instead of a full rear suspension. so i'm looking at dishing out around $300-400 for a brand new bike. i like the specialized brand, so thinking about either getting a newer rockhopper with a mantau 6 front suspension fork, or a specialized hardrock.. since i've heard it's pretty cheap and good for entry level bike.

so is there any other bikes you would recommend for my purpose of riding to work, and some trail riding with small drops 2 feet or less. i want a light weight bike, so that's why i liked the rockhopper. but any other suggestions? would love to hear you suggestions. thanks!

What other brands are available to you?

The thing you need to look at is what are you getting for $300-$400. Even with the new Rockhopper, the fork you're getting may not be much better than what you've got...esp. not for the drops/trails/etc. Plus I don't know for sure, but I've yet to see one of those come with a susp. seatpost...

If your old frame is in good condition, I would upgrade the components...Look for a fork that suits your weight/style/skill...same with susp. seatpost...

However, if the frame is worn out and ready for a replacement, maybe you could fine a new frame and build it up...Granted for $300-$400, you may not get all you want, but you'll probably be able to get enough...

What other brands are available to you?
pretty much any brand out there. as long as they have good components.


The thing you need to look at is what are you getting for $300-$400. Even with the new Rockhopper, the fork you're getting may not be much better than what you've got...esp. not for the drops/trails/etc. Plus I don't know for sure, but I've yet to see one of those come with a susp. seatpost...

If your old frame is in good condition, I would upgrade the components...Look for a fork that suits your weight/style/skill...same with susp. seatpost...

However, if the frame is worn out and ready for a replacement, maybe you could fine a new frame and build it up...Granted for $300-$400, you may not get all you want, but you'll probably be able to get enough...

yeah that's what i was thinking too... perhaps i should just clean up my bike first and find out if my bike frame is still good. then go from there. i've seen some rockhopper with Mantau Six front fork.. are they not good?

If your bike is more than 4 years old, you're probably better off getting a new one and keeping the old one as your commuter and/or beater bike.

You can never have too many bikes!

I too like Specialized bikes. The hard thing is to find a bike that will do everything you want it to. If you want a burly bike, then it's gonna hurt you on XC or Commuter rides. Not that it won't work, but everything is a compromise.

I would keep your old bike and use it for commuting. Maybe buy some 26x1.5 slicks for it. Then I would buy a new bike that is more specifically suited to your style of riding. Trying to find one bike to do it all is difficult, especially with your budget.

My "do it all" bike is a full suspension bike with a 5" travel fork and 4.5" of rear travel. It's built with heavier duty parts, but can still be pedaled uphill. Mine is an Intense Uzzi SL. I also really like Math's new Specialized Enduro SX!, but we're talking $3,000 bikes!

L8R

If your bike is more than 4 years old, you're probably better off getting a new one and keeping the old one as your commuter and/or beater bike.

You can never have too many bikes!

I too like Specialized bikes. The hard thing is to find a bike that will do everything you want it to. If you want a burly bike, then it's gonna hurt you on XC or Commuter rides. Not that it won't work, but everything is a compromise.

I would keep your old bike and use it for commuting. Maybe buy some 26x1.5 slicks for it. Then I would buy a new bike that is more specifically suited to your style of riding. Trying to find one bike to do it all is difficult, especially with your budget.

My "do it all" bike is a full suspension bike with a 5" travel fork and 4.5" of rear travel. It's built with heavier duty parts, but can still be pedaled uphill. Mine is an Intense Uzzi SL. I also really like Math's new Specialized Enduro SX!, but we're talking $3,000 bikes!

L8R

one this is for sure.. my bike is definitely more than 4 yrs old. the gear on there are kinda worn.. so that's why i've been torn in between either fixing it up or just buy a new bike. but since it's gonna be my commuter... it's a hard decision. i can't wait to get off work today.. so i can go to a LBS and check out some other options.

besides.. my wife won't let me keep 2 bikes.. because we only have a single car garage port and it's mainly filled with my car parts and tools already. so when she heard i was getting into bikes... she said only 1. :( it was hard enough for her to get my attention when i was working on my civic let alone now she would have another competitor.. my bike.. haha :D

Two words,....bike hanger!

I have 5 or 6 bikes (Not counting my wife's and son's), maybe more, plus an old Chevy 4x4 so my garage is a slew of tools, parts, grease...etc.

Again, if your bike is that old, you're better off with a new bike!

L8R

Two words,....bike hanger!

I have 5 or 6 bikes (Not counting my wife's and son's), maybe more, plus an old Chevy 4x4 so my garage is a slew of tools, parts, grease...etc.

Again, if your bike is that old, you're better off with a new bike!

L8R

yeah that's what i told my wife. i told her we can get a bike rack. oh well.. we'll see. but yeah i think perhap a new bike would be better. last night my friend and i went to sportsmart and found a 21 speed MTB from Royce Union. How are they? it was light weight.. but the front forks was decent.

Royce Union = Murry = Huffy = Crap!

L8R

Royce Union = Murry = Huffy = Crap!

L8R

blah.. i guess i'll just stick to specialized or trek. my roommate got the sportmart mongoose XR200.. we swapped the seats and it was a bish to put back together! :madfawk: