khunter0211

I was looking for an entry level mountain bike to have some fun on. I was looking though craiglist and ebay. Eventually I found a 06 gary fisher tass in near mint condition on craiglist. I picked up the bike yesterday and paid $340. Im already thinking about a new saddle, possible better rear derailleur. Any suggestions would be nice. Price range on saddle about $50 and rear derailleur around $100.
Im really excited and went on my first ride today around town. I dont have a helmet or lock yet so I rode safe and keep bike in the house for know.

Here are some pics.

cobba

Nice bike but how tall are you?
The bike has a very small frame and you seem to have the seat post extended a fair way, it makes me think that a bigger sized frame might of been a better.
What rear derailleur does it have and what's wrong with it?
The bike when new would of come with a Shimano Deore LX fitted and they are good derailleurs, the chain on the bike looks a bit rusty which will make changing gears a bit rough.
What's wrong with the seat?
If you haven't ridden a bike in a while you'll probably get a sore butt, this will happen with all seats to a certain degree till you get used to them.

surreal

I had the same exact thoughts about the ride as cobba did. If shifty is crappy but the R.Derailer isn't obviously broken, replace the chain and cables/housing before you replace the derailer. If it's still weird, look at the cassette. Of course, it's very possible that you just want to replace the derailer for upgrade's sake, and i applaud that move. It looks like the bike still has the original LX on it; if so, you can grab an XT rear derailer without swapping the shifters. XTR derailers would be out of your range, and totally not worth it. SRAM rear derailers will require new shifters, and anythin "better" than the lx (x9,x0) will require more than $100 to upgrade. Jensonusa is currently seeling XT r.derailers in most flavors at a "market price" of 75beans. Not bad. If i *had* to upgrade my R.derailer, i'd get a low-normal XT. That being said, as a proud owner of 2 LX R.derailers, i couldn't be happier with the LX. They're cheap, strong, and good. And, being that yours is already paid for, that makes it extracheep and verygood.

-rob

kenhill3

The bike is a prime candidate for a disc brakes upgrade. Brake mounts are already there on frame rear and the fork. Hubs are rotor-ready. Your brake levers will work fine with mechanical disc brakes. Have fun.

khunter0211

I have a 15.5' bike frame and Im 5'7 with a 29 in inseam. The bike shop said I could go to a 17.5 but I felt more comfortable on the 15.5. It rides really well and the seat post is high, too.
Your right the chain is a bit rusty, I will have to change that. The bike shifts ok and hasnt slipped on me yet and yes since i havent ridden in a while any seat will probably hurt at first.
The disc brake ideas sounds good. I guess I bought a new toy and am already wanting to jump the gun and do upgrades that really are necessary right know.
What are your thoughts on disc brake upgrade worth the money or keep the stock v brakes?

couleeman

Nice score on that Tass!

I had the previous model year (2005) and really liked the bike. It spec'd out the same except for the brakes. The Shimano LX rear derailleur was bombproof and dead-on reliable for me. The front deore was not quite as dependable but I never had so much trouble that it was worth replacing.

IF you have upgrade-itis, I recommend a chain rehab or replacement, then brakes and then the fork (in that order).

This bike is certainly worth a set of hydraulic brakes like a juicy 3 or I know you can score a set of very decent shimano deore (like a br-m485 or 6) on ebay for <$100 or so. My Tass had the Hayes Sole and a Nine of the front (never did figure out how it got there but I certainly didnt argue). They worked well but were a bit fussy to align once in awhile.

The Manitou fork lasted and held up fine but never felt as solid as the Rockshox models that Ive tried (like a REBA, TORA or even the DART). Im 200# so that may figure into this opinion a bit.

ed 

+1...I had one of those on my Fisher HKEK and it just about caused my junk to fall off. It puts alot of pressure up in there causing stuff to just fall asleep.

green814

Congrats on the new ride!

As far as upgrading, I would make sure everything is tuned and running good first to see what you MAY NEED. Then make a list of what is needed to have a properly tuned bike, and get that first. Try the seat, but each person has their own preference, so if needed get a new saddle.

After the "Must Haves", make sure you have all the needed items to perform any needed repairs. Seat bag, tube, patch kit, chain tool, extra chain pins, pump/co2, water bottle/cage, and HELMET.

Even if you don't plan on riding trails, some of these items may be needed. After that, have fun upgrading the rest of the bike till your hearts content! If that is possible.

Have fun,
Chris

born2bahick

That's a good price on a good bike! I've got an 05 in my stable. Very serviceable ride. New ones are pretty pricey.

khunter0211

Just came in today.

I will be cleaning the chain with simple green then installing a sram powerlink for easier removal in the future, also buying a chain tool. then adding some progold prolink chain lube.

I want to upgrade the saddle because my butt goes to sleep. Where do you guys buy your seat did you go to LBS and test some out or go by others reviews?
So you think going iwth the hyraulic route would be better then going wiht the bb7 with the Avid Speed Dial 7 Levers 08' levers. I didnt know that i could find them for around $100 on ebay.

Also playing on getting these essentials soon.
As far as forks that will be down the road that is a larger investment.
thanks for the help guys.

khunter0211

So this is what i was thinking aobut for a disc brake setup for my tass.
160 mm BB7's both front and rear
Shimano XTR brake cable set
Avid Speed Dial 7 Levers 08'

How does this setup look any suggestions or comments are welcomed.

khunter0211

Also I did the chain removal and added the powerlink for quick future cleaning. I put in mineral spirits aand scrubbed with brush to remove rust. The let her dry and applied triflow and put a rag on chain to make sure it was dry to the touch. What a difference she rides much better now.

kenhill3

Fine choice of components. For mechanical discs, BB7 is the shizzle.