Rufio

On the mtn I unfortunately ride a Gary Fisher Marlin Disc I bought last year as an intro level bike. Wasn't sure I was going to get into mtn biking. I already do Cross and road. Started to really love it as I have done with all cycling and now I'm stuck with a bike that I feel is holding me back. I'm not a great mountain rider yet but I'm not the worst. Looking to improve my bike as it's very heavy and feels generally sluggish underneath me.
Already went ahead and purchased 2 upgrades. Mavic Crosstrail disc wheelset and a Raceface ride XC crankset W/BB but now I'm stuck wondering if this was a mistake... I don't think this bike will ever get up to the level I want it at. So I'm wondering if I should sell/return my components and sell the bike and look to upgrade in the spring. Or stick with what I have and try to hash out another year on the monster? Money is a concern... Don't have a lot of cash coming in right now. Also not many expenses. Riding bikes is my life. Anyone willing to throw out their suggestion based on the 2 paragraphs of information I've given you? I understand you probably don't have a full view of the situation...
I have not mounted or used either of the upgrades. Do you think they will make a major improvement over stock components? I would like to be able to race next year.
- Rufio

Zephyr11

Wheels will make a difference. The crankset probably won't. I'll be surprised if you notice a ride difference because of a lighter crank. I seriously doubt that the Marlin is actually "holding you back," but sure, a nicer bike can definitely be fun. The Marlin is definitely worthy of upgrading, but on the other hand, over the long run, waiting and buying a new bike will probably be cheaper than upgrading everything over time (unless you're an eBay ninja!). I guess it depends on whether you want to upgrade NOW and pick out your own parts.

TRAINING WHEEL

I would take the components back and take the bike back and see if the lbs will let you upgrade the bike. He will probably give you more for the bike.

Rufio

The weight of the crank was less the concern as increasing stiffness going from a square tapered bb to an external (gxp) style crank.

ed 

I don't notice a significant difference of power-transfer-stiffness between my Truvativ square tapers and my Hone crankset. Never felt a difference in the Saint or LX either. I don't notice weight difference. I do notice difference in flex. I can run the full width of my cassette in the middle ring on a HT2 crankset w/o rubbing the chain on the front derailleur. I cannot do that with a square taper. When I put the power down, the chain will rub on the cage.

I also feel a difference in crank arm length. I swear...the miniscule 5mm of difference between 170 and 175mm crank arms "feels" huge.


TRAINING WHEEL: The OP bought the bike last year, he cannot return it...possibly trade-in though.

OP: I would keep the crankset and wheelset in their orig. packaging and take a step back and look at your budget. If you can afford a new bike, I'd do it. You need to ask a few questions though:

1. How much are you willing to spend?
2. What type of trails are you riding? (rocky like riding down a staircase, rolling/smooth, rails-to-trails, etc...)
3. What type of rider are you? (smooth and shredding across the bumpy terrain, shredding across the bumpy terrain like a bull in a china cabinet, carefully picking your way through the obstacles, sitting and spinning like a roadie on dirt)
4. How much do you weigh?


All very important decisions in choosing a new bike.