Here is my dilemma. I need a new bike. I ride everyday, all day no matter what. To and from work, shopping, stress relief, everything. I have a '97 Trek Y3 and a '99 Trek Y3. The '97 is beat up REAL bad, the '99 much less because it has been my spare. The rear shock on the '99 needs replaced. The '97 needs a major overhaul. I think it needs a complete rebuild including some replacement parts. The '99 needs a serious tune up and a new rear shock. The shocks do not interchange from bike to bike so I can't mix and match to make one good bike. For the amount of money I would spend to repair the '97 I can most likely buy a new Specialized Rockhopper Disc or Sport. I would have a new shiny bike or I could fix up and ride what has been my best friend and loyal companion for 11 years now. I honestly feel as if I am letting my Bike down by not fixing it up and continuing my relationship with it. When do I give up and get a new bike? I want to hang it on the wall as a piece of art so I can think of all the memories I have had with it. Is this weird? With the '99, it has always been a spare and the love is not there. The frame is used but not beat but I just don't want to ride it anymore. I think I want something new, or do I? My girlfriend picked out a Kona Eighty-Eight for me last week at the bike shop and it is awesome. But it is a cruiser and it is also my daily rider. I will always want a mountain bike but I am really digging the ride on this classic looking bike. I can't live with just one bike. I would really like to get a Rockhopper for around $500, or maybe a Trek 820 for $225. I dream about the Orange Specialized Rockhopper Disc with 29s. I have the money for any of these, but what do I do? Rebuild, go new, what? Please help me.

Buy a new bike.

For your last two questions, please provide photos so we can see which one is shiniest .

East Hill

I would take the best parts of the Y3's and make one good one. Instead of focusing on not being able to make one perfect do the best you can. Buy the new bike and scan eBay and alike for the Y3 parts you still need when the money becomes available. Or, just box everything up with the money for the new bike, send it to me and let me deal with the stress for you. I'll keep you posted on how I'm doing and you can look into this new thing I here all the young kids talking about called walking.

The old Y bikes are pretty inefficent. Pick up a Rockhopper.

Well, I picked up a used but well taken care of Trek 3700 with some upgrades on it for $200.00 delivered to my house. It is nice. I am happy with it. I plan on getting my '99 Y3 fixed up now, or do I? I still feel the desire to pick up the Specialized Rockhopper 29 though. My girlfriend is supportive of me but I don't want to push her. I did sell some of my cowboy boots to make up for the money I spent on the bike so now I have less boots and one more bike...........Touchdown!