deltap42

Hey all, I've done a fair bit of lurking around these forums for a while now and have learned a few things here and there, but now that I'm starting to really enjoy the sport, I figured I'd introduce myself and ask a question.

First off, I biked as a kid and have always really loved biking in general, but after high school I kind of fell out of the loop on basically everything having to do with two-wheeled, manual transportation. I'm 27 now and trying to make a bit of a lifestyle change (eg, I need to lose a few pounds, etc) and thought getting back into biking would be a good way to do so.

I made the mistake of thinking all mtn bikes were basically just minor variations on a theme, and took my credit card to Target last summer and bought a Schwinn S-60 DSX for $280ish. I rode just a bit before the snow flew last year and have gotten back into it this summer. I now realize that this was a baaaaaaaaaaaad move. The bike weighs a ton, shifting is sluggish and sloppy, and I can't seem to get comfortable no matter how I adjust the seat, etc. It feels like I'm riding a tank.



SO. After coming upon your little corner of the web here, I decided that rather than try to swap out any components that I *could* swap out, for higher-quality stuff, I'd just start hitting Craigslist and hope I come across something of good quality for a decent price.

Well, last night I found what I was looking for, and this morning I went and took it for a drive, and brought it home with me. It's a 2001 (I believe) Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo, and it's in pretty fantastic condition. I paid $250 for it, and am now in the process of determining what on the bike is still stock, what has been upgraded or changed (the handlebars were swapped out, but everything else appears to be original) and what options I have for making it better.



So, my question - and it's a loaded one - is: what should be my first change? Like I said, this is a relatively new world to me, and for all I know you're going to tell me that I once again made a horrible purchase and will regret it for the rest of my life. But either way, I know this one at least has potential, and I'm willing to upgrade it until I'm satisfied.

Thanks all, any input is greatly appreciated <3

TomCat_Ford

Besides going through the bike and servicing it (greasing the wheel bearings, cleaning and lubricating the chain, etc.), I'd just worry about getting a good fit so that you can ride it and see what needs to be replaced as you go.

On that note, do you know if any fork maintenance was done? If it hasn't or you don't know, I'd look into at least checking/changing the oil. You should be able to pull up a PDF owner's manual for the fork on-line that will provide you with the proper oil level and such. You can get fork oil from many dirt bike shops (the fork probably uses 5wt).

Daspydyr 

If its a 2001 spend the rest of the year getting to know it. A fork service as Tomcat mentions is always a good idea. Its a good bike and if the shifting is crisp and it fits, ride it until the weather chases you out. You can probably get several good years of riding out of it. BUT, it sounds like you have a real hunger for good biking. Sometime next year I think you will be ready for the next step up. You will probably be able to get your money back out of it. The frame changes from 2001 to 2010 are pretty significant.

I bet you can still get some bucks out of the Schwinn, maybe $175. Use that as seed money for either current upgrades or the next bike.

Welcome to one of the healthiest addictions on the planet!

Zephyr11

If you have to ask what to upgrade, you don't need to upgrade anything. Ride it for a while, and THEN see what's not up to par. Though honestly, if it were me, I'd just make sure everything is in good working condition and replace what you break. Very nice bike for its time, but rather than upgrading it, save the money to put towards a newer bike after you ride that one for a while and decide what you want out of your next bike.