KH1

Hi all
I have decided to upgrade my 2005 Giant Yukon instead of buying something new.
I would greatly appreciate some help with fork sizes and some suggestions on gear changers.
What size forks do I need to replace the standard Suntour sponges that are in the bike now?
Also what would be a decent replacement shifter set for the Acera shifters?
Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers

kramnnim

Any fork with a threadless 1 1/8" steerer would work...make sure it has disc tabs...you'll probably want to stick with a 100mm travel fork.

Shifters...you currently have an 8 speed setup...there aren't really any current 8sp shifters that would be much of an upgrade...unless you get an old model...might be able to find some NOS XT shifters on ebay...

If your chain and cassette are going to need to be replaced soon, you might be better off converting to 9 speed...then you'd have a lot of options, just depends on how much you want to spend...

KH1

Thanks for your very helpful response.

I have already replaced the cranks with hollowtech Deore XT's - not sure if they are compatible with a 9 speed setup.

I have looked at the Rockshox Tora 318 - I wasn't sure if they would fit but it sounds like they probably will.

You are right about the budget. I really need to have a think about which parts are priority and which are just on a wish list.

Time to go hunting on ebay

kramnnim

Yeah, those cranks are designed for 9 speed...and the Tora should work fine.

[bEn]

Fork- Rockshox Tora 318... one of the best 100mm forks going around... will fit your bike for sure... just don't go above 100mm.

Shifters- 8 speed is hard to find these days... but search around and you should fine some.. I bought some new 8sp Shimano Alivio's for my Yukon on eBay and they work great!

Glad to see someone with another Yukon Here's my '05:

KH1

Hey Ben
Nice bike
Looks like you upgraded the wheels and brakes as well? Nice fat grips you got on there too. I think I'm going to get rid of the bull horns - they are bit too dangerous in the tight single trail stuff.
I will post a pic of my Aussie 05 Yukon up tomorrow - different colour for us.

BearSquirrel

I used to have a 2004 Giant Yukon. I upgraded it and eventually broke the frame twice. I now ride a Karate Monkey.

If he wants to stick with 8 speed, you can still get X-9 8 speed shifters, of course he would have to upgrade his derailleur as well. But moving to SRAM shifting is an UPGRADE.

If you're going to upgrade the fork .... UPGRADE it. Don't screw around, get a Reba with a remote. Another upgrade to consider is replacing the front brake with a BB7. MX2 brakes aren't very good. BB-7s are MUCH, MUCH better.

[bEn]

Yeah, stock wheels were crap, as well as brakes, they failed for me. The DT Swiss one's i got seem to be holding up ok, and yeah, BB7 brakes work well, i recommend them. Oury grips btw, they're chunky as and show no signs of wearing...haha

P.S. I'm from Oz too

KH1

I ended up picking up a set of 302 Tora RS off a carbon Apollo Expert C. They have Rebound & Preload adjustment with remote lockout. They went straight on without the need for spacers or any cutting. A lot easier than I expected the job to be.

I'm thinking a new set of wheels next and for now I'll stick with the shifters. They still work - just a bit clunky.

Where in Oz are you from Ben? I'm in Melbourne. I ride at Lysterfield on Saturdays and 4 or 5 road rides up and down the Mornington Peninsula each week.

BearSquirrel you must have given your bike a hiding! The main reason I decided to stick with the Yukon was because the frame was so strong. Maybe the 2004 model has a different frame to the 2005?

Here are the pics

[bEn]

Nice upgrade KH1, should work well on the trails.

P.S. Check ur PM's.

KH1

Got some new grips today - so the bullhorns are gone. It's a masterpiece in the making now......
Only 200 more parts to upgrade

KH1

A big thankyou to everyone who made suggestions on the upgrade path. I think the bike is pretty much complete now. It has turned out as follows;
2005 Yukon $700 (When New)
Fizik Alliante Seat $100
07 Deore LX Cranks $125
Shimano 505 Pedals $50
07 Deore LX Front Derallieur $50
08 Rock Shox Tora 302 $250
08 Deore LX 9 Speed Rear Derallieur $50
08 Deore LX 9 Speed Shifters $60
08 Avid BB7 Brakes & Rotors $120
08 Avid Speed dial 7 Levers $30
08 Deore XT 9 Speed Cassette $65

Total Spend Including the bike from new $1600

Hopefully the above info is helpful for others considering upgrades to their bike.
All parts were bought on Ebay and include delivery.

kramnnim

$1600...?

I guess it's true when they say its cheaper to just buy a new bike... A new, $1699 hardtail: https://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/B...lite&Type=bike

I'm guilty of doing the upgrade thing, though... Installing the parts yourself will (usually) increase your mechanical skills...and is almost as fun as riding...

KH1

$1600 AUD which is still about $1500 USD......
You are spot on - the DIY part is pretty cool. Especially when you realize you are capable of doing the work and the satisfaction when you get it right.