MTBJason

I have a 98 Trek zx 7000 that I purchased new. I have gotten back into riding more seriously this year after not having been on the bike much in the last 7 years. I put new Kenda Small Block Eights on it this year and it still gets around the trails fairly well considering its age.

I am looking at getting a new bike next year that will bring me the improvements of the last 10 years. Would it be worth it to upgrade the components of this bike (I love the fact that is was built in the U.S., unlike Treks of today), or should I purchase something new?

I have looked at 29ers, but the trails that I ride are more technical than wide open and I am 5'9" so maybe this is not the best choice for me. I don't need full suspension and I like the lighter weight of the hardtails (another strike against a 29er).

If I do purchase new or even slightly used next year my budget is likely going to be around $1200-1500. Considering this, would it be better to put good components on my current frame or go for the new/slightly used bike?

Svr

Not worth upgrading. You can pick up a sweet hardtail with a modern suspension fork and disc brakes for $1500.

Urthwhyte

Definitely go for a new bike with that kind of budget. Some older frames still ride incredibly well (I <3 my fifteen year old Cannondale F700), but if I had $1,200 to spend you bet I'd be at my LBS picking up a new toy

MTBJason

Ok, thanks. I was just wondering if I could have a better bike using my current frame and adding something like $700-800 in components. I probably would be better off just getting a new bike and keeping my current one for bad weather riding/commuting.

rodeopunk_je87

Absolutely...spare parts are overpriced. You won't get your money's worth.

bidaci

Run the ZX until you have more then a year under your MTB belt. Then you can decide what type of bike you want (HT, XC, AM). The major thing holding you back on you current rig is the fork. Even a cheap fork will be better then the stock one you have. The zx is an XC bike so it won''t be great for your AM duties, but for XC it is still a capable bike.

Get an inexpensive fork "no more then 80mm" and go have some fun.

commo_soulja

Keep the Trek as a spare bike, get a new bike. It's great to have a new bike after riding a 10yr old bike. Don't discount a 29er as an option. I ride technical trails on mine and it's not that heavy compared to my 26" hardtail but then again I'm not a weight weenie.

MTBJason

That's what I had in mind. I figure after a year of riding consistently, I will have "earned" myself the right to purchase a new bike.

I hadn't thought of upgrading the fork, but I'm sure the stock one is pretty shot by now. Any recommendations on in inexpensive fork?

bidaci

Since no one else answered. I would look at something like the Dart 2, not to expensive, has canti mounts and is only 80mm. I think your bike probably has 63mm forks on there so anything more then 80 will rake it out. I have a 100mm fork on a bike that came with 63mm fork stock and I will be spacing it down to 80mm as I feel it is to much of a difference. Remember your bikes geometry is old school XC geometry. Quick handling, not designed for the go big crowd.

Urthwhyte

How much of a rake out problem are we talking about? I was quite literally about to place an order for a Dart 3 to replace my seized 63mm RST fork.

never

Depends on the difference in the axle to crown measurements of the two forks.

bidaci

I can only speak of my bike. It has a 71 degree head tube. With the 100 mm fork I felt the steering is to slow. My bike is similar to the OP's it is a 97 ZX8000. Depending on your frame it will be different. Keep in mind though. A longer fork will stress your head tube more too.

MTBJason

I had looked at the Dart 2 as a replacement, but saw some harsh reviews. I will have to do some more searching for reviews to see if it is what I am looking for. I definitely don't need a lot of travel. I know the trend has moved towards the go big crowd, but with my local trails (this is Nebraska after all) I like the XC quickness.

BTW my current fork is a Rock Shox Indy.

never

The Dart forks suck. If you want to replace the fork, look for a Tora.

bidaci

Putting a $300.00 fork on this frame isn't cost effective. Might as well keep the $300.00 towards a new hardtail.

Daspydyr 

I have been keeping a couple of good mid 90's HTs alive for tooooo long. I should have been stashing the money for newer technology and geometry. By mid October I hope to have the $1500 stashed to pick up a good Craigslister.