Originally Posted by a2psyklnut
Durable as in, not spending top dollar for let's say an XTR derailleur when an XT costs half as much and only weighs a couple grams more.
Instead of buying ultra-lightweight tire with thin sidewall rubber, I sacrifice a weight penalty and get some beefier treads.
In lieu of an expensive saddle with Titanium or Scandium seat rails, I stick with a cheaper one with chromoly rails.
Instead of a set of Mavic Crossmax SL wheels, I use some Sun Rhyno Lites with XT hubs.
etc., etc., etc.
Ask yourself this, "What do I NOT like about my bike?"
Then ask, "What will it cost to replace it?"
Then figure if it's worth it.
When I first started, and I don't really know why. I had a hang-up with cranks. I eventually bought a set of Race Face Turbine LP's in Powder Coat Red w/Black anodized rings.
Did they improve my riding? Not really enough to where I really noticed, but they made me LOVE my bike. The cost was worth every penny.
Then, I moved to stems. Instead of the stock generic one that came on my bike, I got a KORE. Again, it didn't REALLY change the way the bike felt, maybe made the steering a "little" stiffer, but not significantly. BUT, I thought my bike was the COOLEST! Again, worth every penny.
I refused to buy an expensive seatpost for years. Never could imagine spending nearly $100 for a seatpost. Well, after going through 3 or 4 $25 to $40 ones, and having some extra money, I broke down and bought a THOMSON Elite seatpost. Now, I can't imagine NOT owning one. They last forever!
If you've got the cash, then upgrade at will. However, if money is tight, then just replace stuff as it breaks.
Very well said and i will take all that advice. Thats really what it comes down to. the love of the bike. I mean i ran with all the people at the trail and some had really expensive bikes and others had walmart bikes. they all made it up and down the hill. I am just the kind of person that likes changing things. My prob is just finding the right parts that will fit my bike. I dont want to buy anything that will not fit. It would also be embarrassing to go somewhere and they ask 170mm or 195mm or 1 and 1/8, and i dont know what the hell to say. That why i come here, but sometimes thats no help at all because people usually say" GET another bike, that bike you own sucks!" But hey its my bike and ill do what i want, thats my point.
I understand that some bikes might be better in some ways but i feel like i can make my bike better. I almost went to the shop and bought another bike, the guy at the shop convinced me otherwise and said to be patient and i can get my bike running the way some expensive bikes do. He said its all conditioning and practice and i think its true. what do you think? I feel i have gotten 20 times better than when i started in february.
I just saw a rock shox rear shock with lockout and adjustability, that would be nice but will it fit? Thats my main prob. My bike didnt come with the measurements and stuff to replace stuff. What to do? I know i have much to learn.