a question

[deekrockingbeat]

Just wondering what you guys would decide.

ive got a Specialised Stumpjumper from the mid 90's but i'm thinking of an upgrade, but not the same model, maybe something under a $1,000. (my wife would not allow it and we also househunting and will have a huge mortgage) if im lucky i might get a couple of hundred for my stumpjumper, which means it would cost me around $600-700 for a newer bike.

my question is, is it worthwhile getting a new bike for around a $1,000 (and paying $700) or whether for that money i may as well stick to the old stumpy. i went and had a look at the bike store yesterday its amazing how light the bikes are compare to the old stumpy (it feels like a brick in comparison)

what do you think?

[Nobody]

Do whichever you choose. The old bike, if steel would have the advantage of a slightly nicer ride. But I don't think it will necessarily work out much cheaper in the long run to keep it. It comes down to spending the money now or in smaller amounts along the way.

However if you do sell a bike you've had for 16 years and you do get back into cycling. You may regret the sale in the future.

[silentbutdeadly]

It all depends what you want to do with it. If you just want a general duties fitness commuter trail basher then I'd think about modernising the components.

It was fitted up with reasonable gear back in the day but would be easy enough to fit up with a complete 9 or 10sp Deore V brake group for around $400 (check out Merlin Bikes in the UK). A brand name bike with these components (though in disc brakes) would cost you upwards of $1,200 today...

Given that it has a 1 1/8 head then you could also fit a modern suspended front fork if you do want to bring it up to date as a trail pounder....or go with a lightweight alloy or carbon rigid fork....

In all....modern frames are merely lighter. Not necessarily better. Or stronger. Yours is a quality Tange Prestige steel frame and well worth the effort to modernise...

http://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/Bike ... &Type=bike

[Mulger bill]

Me mate Pete C got one of the first Al framed Stumpies waaaay back in the day. It's still his favourite bike after more parts changes than Grandads axe.

Bottom line, if the frame's still in good nick and you enjoy riding it then an upgrade with newer bits won't be money against a wall.

[munga]

if you're about to buy a house, you might not have much spare time anyway. wait till later.

[deekrockingbeat]

thanks guys, i've decided to keep it. went to Lysterfield lake park on sunday the the old stumpy has still got it. (i did see some newer stumpys and yes they were nice and light but my old one is better on the wallet) i installed a new Tora on the old stumpy 6 months ago and it was doing the job well. but i also need some newer part

Bottom bracket is gone need newer ones
at least a rear tyre it was sliding abit going steep uphill (it is almost a semi slick atm)
maybe some cables and housing

other than that it was all sweet. in a way its good to have an old bike as everyone has a new one (or one under 5-8 years out there) its amazing how much fun it is on a mountain bike, more amazing ive only mountain bike twice in the last 3 years. the most amazing part is the treasures you can find at mum's shed (i might put my road bike in my mum's shed now )

anyway thanks for the tips!

[uncle arthur]

It's not about the bike!!!

I built up a TREK 4300 from a second hand frame. Cost me about $500 all up, including parts and some specialist labour. And it's a smaller (ladies) frame.

Took it out dirt bashing with some mates with far more expensive, newer bikes, and there was nothing they could do that I couldn't, that wasn't only down to my skill level.

So the moral of our story is just ride it.

[mynastydrag]

thats right! keep riding that old bike and when you finally get a new one at the right time, you'll be flying higher than everyone else.

[Gabe]

Like silent said, it depends a bit on the riding. If you start tackling technical and/or rough terrain and taking big drops, you'll want something newer and probably dual suspension. If you're going XC or light to moderate off-roading then confidence, level of fitness, and riding ability are much bigger factors. Don't make the decision to buy a new bike until you hit a wall and find that your bike actually holds you back, if you get a new bike and take on light terrain you probably won't see much of an advantage - if any.
A good/more expensive bike DOES make a difference when the going gets tough though