k_allison510

I was wondering if its better to start upgrading my Trek Marlin 29er or wait until next year and just buy a better equiped bike? I guess what I am really trying to find out is if this bike is worth putting the money into or if I should save that money and put it towards a new bike when the '12 models come out.

pablosnazzy

are you racing? do you get paid to ride a bike? if yes, then yes, you need a new bike, no matter what bike you have you need a better one.

if no, then....

are you having fun? do you like your bike? if yes, then upgrade parts as needed, when they break. there will ALWAYS be better stuff out there, and the new stuff isn't always better. (10 speed sucks)

if no, then upgrade parts that hold you back or you don't like. tires make a huge difference in handling and feel. get good tires. if you don't like the shifting, get new shifting stuff. etc.

unless you have lots of money. then just get a new bike every year so you can impress everyone with your awesome new expensive bike. (hint: no one cares what you ride)

k_allison510

Lol, I am just having fun on the weekends. I didnt mean to get a new bike every year, just wait and save and get a better one next year that would be better to put the money into, if that makes any sense. I like the bike and it does great for what I am doing. I just wanted to see what you guys thought would be more economical.

3speed

I also thought you meant get a new bike every year. That is what the thread title says...

But anyway, I say just upgrade as needed. My understanding is that that's a decent bike and as long as it's working fine then go with it and just ride the hell out of it. If something is getting worn out or breaks, then replace that with something newer/nicer. Maybe upgrade related parts as the situation presents itself. Say your RD wears out, maybe go ahead and upgrade to a better RD/Shifter combo if you feel like it.