Decent fork/wheelset, or complete overhaul?
 

As of last year (Around September) I have owned a Giant XtC SE3, it's basically a midrange XC bike. I have been using it for more than that, basic DH and lame jumping (faceplants ;)) To be honest it isn't my vision of a perfect bike and i'll tell you why.

The forks are horrible (Manitou Axel Elite) They feel like they are made of elastic bands, fashioned to look like metal. I have them converted to 100mm, but I can still bottom them out by pushing down. Also the entire fork flexes if I shake the bars from side to side (like a tankslapper).

The wheels are going, they wobble 1-2mm from side to side, even when tightened to max. Think the hubs are done.

The rear mech slips under acceleration, think its been dinged, looks to be bent toward the wheel slightly.

Stem bolts are almost threaded, and are loosening constantly = dangerous.

The rear disc is totalled, bent and locks the wheel every rotation, have to disengage brakes to cycle, also they have been spitting out bolts like nobodys business, requiring constant attention.

The seatpost is stripped, so the seat freely tilts, which is very annoying.

I also dont really care for the geometry, its putting too much weight on forks = bobbing and endos when going downhill. Its also very slow, and the front wheel is WAY harder to lift than the rear, and so wheelies, and hopping over obstacles is hard. Kinda weighs a lot for a hardtail.

Should i sell it and buy a better mountain bike, i paid £650 for this, and im selling my roadie for £350 giving me ~ £700 to spend. I have been offered a Giant VT2 for £1250, but im not sure id much like another Manitou fork. Or should i sell my roadie, and use the £350 to upgrade slightly? Id prefer a full suspension to be honest if i were changing bikes.

Thanks for the help!

wow...everythings gone wrong...with 350 you wont be able to fix all those problems...just get a new bike :P

Exactly what I was thinking, I can get a bike worth over £700 and pay it off monthly, to the LBS. But they only offer Giant, Trek and the odd GT, so choice is limited. There is also a Halfords nearby which can order most brands in, including Kona :). Interested in the Kona Coiler, £1500 though. Opinions please!

Kona Coiler is a great bike. I almost bought one myself. But the LBS had a frame that was way too big and it would have taken them forever to order a new one. So I went somewhere else because I needed a bike soon.

ya the coilers are nice, but i've always found kona to be alittle overpriced

I'll take a trip to Halfords ASAP and report back on whats available.