What should I do next?
 

Well, as of right now, I've got a Specialized Hardrock Pro... I've already swapped out the rotors for Avid Wavy's, I've got an Easton EA70 Stem that I just got and some Avid SD-Ti levers (neither of which are on yet). I'm already planning to get new tires since I've already worn out my Ritcheys... so beyond that, what would you guys upgrade next? Something relatively cheap for now as I have a few other things in mind that I really want that are keeping me from splurging on a new set of wheels. I have a cygolite HID headlight, Shimano M-520 clipless pedals, Avid BB7 disc brakes... Any suggestions? I want something that I'll actually notice but not something that's going to break the bank.

new CF handle bar?

I was thinking about that, actually... simply because it'd be replacing everything at once. I could get the EA70 carbon bar to go with my stem. :p The only problem is that I wanted to get it all done on Friday and if I bought the bar, I'd have to wait til it came in.

and yes, I'm going to pay the LBS to do it all because I can't be hassled to remove and re-install my grips. I'm lazy, sue me.

well.. if you dont want to wait.. what parts of the bike could you replace that doesnt have a wait period?

I could do the bar, but none of the LBS's carry CF bars that I know of... on top of that there's no way they could match the price I can get online... almost anything else is replaceable. Other parts on my bike are Deore drivetrain, Truvativ Blaze ISIS cranks, Specialized BG saddle (low-end, not one of the nice ones). I'm actually considering a Fizik Arione or Gobi saddle... they're $130 but I've heard they're absolute heaven on the backside.

well.. what are you waiting for? start ordering!!!

as we speak, I'm broke... so I can't be ordering anything until I get paid on Friday.. :( Being broke sucks.

indeed.. :(

Bah... surely someone else has some ideas. I'm seriously thinking about forgoing the new Logitech speakers for my PC and getting a really nice set of wheels... hrmmmm :p

I said it once and I'll say it again 500 dollar wheels on a 700 dollar bike just doesn't make sense to me. Save it for that road bike you want :D

Thomson Elite seatpost. Last post you'll ever need!

Chris King Headset. Costs a lot but will outlast your bike.

ODI lock-on grips.

New pair of gloves.

Don't know what fork you have, but unless it's a good one, I'd save my bucks for a new one. The single best upgrade I made on my bike was upgrading my Judy TT to an MX Pro ETA.

Yeh, if you have the money, i would recommend the fork aswell, if not, maybe the seatpost, headset or some bike gear that you can wear rather than ride..

I have a Marzocchi MZ Comp. It's kinda heavy, but it does the job for now. Also, a new fork will cost almost as much as a new set of wheels. Plus I'm lucky to ride off road twice a year. Basically my MTB is going to be my ride anywhere/anytime commuter. I'm going to get a road bike to ride when I'm riding for the sake of being out riding. I'm actually leaning towards the saddle since my butt spends so much time on it. I'm kinda curious if any smaller riders have ridden the Fizik Arione or Gobi.

my odi heads rounded after just being tightened enough so that they wouldn't slip. Me no like ODI.

That kinda stinks... maybe you got a bum pair? Realistically, I can't see myself needing to remove my grips again anytime soon unless I buy another bar.

yeah... what he said.. user error? :p
but anyway, I'm getting new tires, I'm having my stem and levers put on... I could always get a new set of Crank Bros pedals... My shimanos are kinda cheezy lookin. I'm gonna have to take pictures afterwards since I've added a fair bit of stuff since the last time I've taken any pics... I'm just lazy.

I tightened just enough so that the grips didnt slip. Okay? (Lets get that straight). I did not seem to "overtighten". The next second, my allen key slips, I take the key out, look in the head and it's rounded. ARgh. Maybe I did get a bum pair.

Because I've opened them lots, I rounded one hex hole.
Replaced with a small phillips screw, same thread, size.

Ive had my Ruffians for over a year, no roundage yet. Next time pay attention when your tightening it :D

*snap snap* back on track here, folks! Give me suggestions on how to blow about $100 or so on my bike. I'm already getting tires (suggestions anyone?) so that doesn't count. With the new stem, I may need to get a new bar to adjust my riding position a little bit, though I do already have a riser bar.

fork. most definately.

I'd do the fork thing if I wanted to blow $400 and was actually planning to ride off road more than once a month. For the most part, this is a commuter bike that I take off road when I find time. Hence why I run semi-slicks on it. As of right now, I've been fine with the MZ comp on the front, minus the fact that it's a friggin boat anchor.