Halebopp

I have a bunch of questions, and instead of doing a ton of different threads I thought I would consolidate. I'll give some quick background: I have been mostly a road cyclist these past 4 years. I really want to get back into mountain, the issue is that I am a college student and can't afford a nice rig. I have an old tiny (15 inch) Specialized Rockhopper that I bought back in middle school, (Tricked out with Acera and a Roxshox jett fork..haha). My plan: To purchase a larger frame, then hang all my old cheap components on it and then upgrade them as I find the spare cash. So...my questions.

-I want an inexpensive frame, but one thats upgrade worthy (I know, best of both worlds...). I'm thinking about one of the motobecane frames...all the reviews seem positive and they don't cost much. Any thoughts?

-I want to upgrade a few components this first go around. I've decided on shift/brake levers. I was also thinking then of getting an LX rear derailleur and then a cheap nashbar 9 speed cassette to convert from the current 8 speed. My question is this: would it be better to skimp the derailleur and get an expensive cassette, or would it be better to skimp the cassette and spend the money on the derailleur?

-Another question about the cassette: Is it easy to just swap put an 8 speed for a 9 speed? Are there ever compatibility issues with the cassettes and the frame/wheel, or am I good to go?

-I came home over winter break to find that my fork had locked up. I haven’t had a chance to do much, but I adjusted the knobs at the top (excuse my ignorance and lack of proper vocab), and that loosened it up a bit, but there still was very little squish. Is this something that can be fixed, and if so how? I really don’t want to shell out 200 bucks for a new fork at this point...

-Are there any other components that you would suggest upgrading from the old cheap hardtail parts? Anything dire and very important that I shouldn’t overlook?

-Also if anyone has any suggestions on this whole operation, I would be grateful for advice. Thanks all!

pinkrobe

Just buy a used Stumpjumper hardtail that actually fits you. $400 should about cover it.

kenhill3

+1. Not much more than the $300 you wanted to spend on a frame alone. Also you won't be able to just switch ALL of the components from one to the other, doesn't ever happen that way.

!on

you could look for old stock

frames are good from upto a decade ago (unused, ex-demo...), ie: most were made with longer travel fork & disc brakes in mind. a good frame is meant to outlast components by a long time (unless it's being used for more jumping than riding )... probably the only thing that changes is the paint job on successive year's models.

look for online sellers who do whole packages, some can do discount groupsets all-in, some also with wheels, some are last years or year befores groupsets, with minimal difference between them (if any). it's surprising who cheap you can kit it out for. some may even do you 'gear packages' that are just derailleurs cables & shifters. shop around.

depending on your fork you may get hold of service kits for them also try getting the service instructions off the net for that model.

kramnnim

I still think you should get a nice steel frame...lol.

You current derailleur will probably work with 9sp... The higher end cassettes weigh less than the cheap ones...might not be worth the extra cash for you... You shouldn't have any problems with your wheelset when it comes to swapping to 9sp. You'll need a new chain, though. And possibly new chainrings/crankset if they're too worn to work with the new chain.

Your fork uses elastomers...they tend to harden or fall apart after time. You'll probably need to replace the fork, though...as the steerer tube will probably be too short to work with your new frame. (I'm assuming you won't be getting another 15"...)

So...yeah, buying a used bike in decent condition might be your best bet.