Originally Posted by
essiemyra
I have a 2011 specialized vita bike that I use for commuting just about year round and also for short tours. It needs a whole new drive train. Which the guy at the bike shop says should run me $200 dollars. he said the shifters are near the end of their life and the front hub is causing vibration in the fork. Which is all fixable.
What does he mean the shifters are near end of life? They either are working or they are not. Is the shifting still okay? Are they sticking on some gears? Is it not shifting into certain gears? Are they seizing? If it's just the shifters, you can likely find a used set of 8-sp trigger shifters for $50. Is the cassette worn? Chain? What exactly comprises the 'drivetrain' according to your LBS?
Originally Posted by
essiemyra
His suggestion was that I might want a new bike (his suggestion Giant Escape or Liv which the store he works at sells). His reasoning was that if you are going to put $300.00 into fixing this bike up you might want to spend the difference and have a brand new bike. So I would have no issues for a few years. That being said it is hard to make up my mind in such a short time as I am going on an overnight bike ride in two weeks and was not planning on buying a new bike right now. I was never under the impression that bikes are a disposable item, but that is how this whole idea is making me feel.
Bikes aren't disposable like that. They do require some regular maintenance, and some parts do wear out, like your brakes, chain, and cassette. Replacing those things aren't all that costly, and depend the amount and type of riding you do, you can go quite a few years before replacing.
Originally Posted by
essiemyra
So I am not asking what to do. I am asking what would you do and what is the reasoning behind it.
I would find out exactly what I need to replace. I'd need more information on the shifting, as this seems to be the big issue. As for the front hub, it may need to be cleaned and repacked--a job that is quite simple to do, but you do need a cone wrench. The shop may charge you $30 for something like this. Also, if your cups/cones are pitted, cleaning and repacking isn't going to solve the problem. You may actually need new front wheel.