idleuser

So here's my current plan: upgrade my 2000 Trek 4500 with pretty much all new components which will amount to approximately $800 (might be a bit high in price but I don't buy used normally). It currently has a Marz MX Comp ETA fork, so that'll most likely be staying.

The alternative is to buy a New '06 Specialized Stumpjumper hardtail w/o disc brakes. ($1250)

If I go the first route, this is my list of components that I'd be entertaining. What do you guys think? I'm not going for a relatively light bike but I do want something that will make the bike somewhat raceable in rookie races.

So here's the list so far. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated, good or bad.

Seatpost - Raceface Deus '06
Wheelset - Mavic Crossride
Rear Der. - Shimano XT M750
Cassette - 9spd SRAM PG970, 11-32T
Chain - KMC MZ9000 MTB / ROAD 9SP CHAIN (some generic chain I guess)
Seat - Serfas Stinger Race RS
Brake Levers - Avid SD7
Shifters - Shimano LX pods
Crankset - Shimano LX M580
Pedals - CrankBros Eggys (C or SL, not sure)
Tires - Kenda Nevegal (other suggestions for hardpack and road riding?)

New cables and housings
New v-brake pads
New grips (not sure which)
New Bar (flat maybe?)

What do you guys think? I know I could search the ratings/opinions of individual components separately, but It'd be interesting to hear of any opinions on the setup as a whole.

It's a relatively long post so I thank whoever responds, haha.

Tag1

Have you ridden the Stumpy? If you absolutely love the feel of your 4500, upgrade the hell out of it. If the Stumpy feels as good or better, then go that route.

Namenda

Given the choices you listed, I'd buy the new Stumpy, and keep the 4500 as a beater. And I'm not saying this to disparage Trek, since I have a 4500 myself (2005). I just really like those Stumpy frames, and they can make the most of any upgrades you want to throw at them later on.

Pheard

Do all the parts on your 4500 work? does it roll forward? if the answer is yes, leave the bike alone. If your yearning for a nicer, newer bike. Go ahead and get the stumpy.

free_pizza

Go for the stumpy, you'll get a sweet frame, plus similar components to what you wanted to upgrade your 4500 with, plus you can use the 4500 for a backup bike or a commuter...

idleuser

Yeah that's true. I forgot about that whole commuter/beater aspect of it. I thought it'd be fun to put on those parts myself to get a feel for building a bike. But I have ridden the stumpy and I do like both of them equally. Hm...

nodnerb

If that's the case, You could do the same build list, only buying a new frame to your liking instead of putting it all on the 4500. You will probably spend about as much as the stumpy would cost(depending on what frame you pick), still get all the parts you want and the experience of building it. Then still have the 4500 to commute etc. Only problem is, then you'd need to buy a new fork for a new frame too.