upgrade Stinky or buy new

[frank_n]

Guy's & Gal's out there,
I would appreciate some sensible advice on the above; I use a pretty stock 03 Stinky for recreational DH riding & generally messing around.
I want to try racing in veterans class. I know the Stinky isn't really a DH bike but I could upgrade the forks (boxxers/SuperT pro/Fox DH), shock (5th, DHX, Swinger etc.) and wheels OR flog the Stinky & purchase a DH bike. I think the difference in price would be around 1500-2500 depending on which model. Bikes being considered would be Giant, Kona, Norco, Orange, Specialised.
Its a big 'extra chunk' of money but how do you quantify the ride difference and if I buy a DH specific bike how is that going to be for messing around places like Bel Air, Kangrilla etc in Adelaide.
Cheers
Frank

[Rik]

Have you raced the Stinky in its current form? Might as well give it a go, to see if DH is your thing, then consider upgrades.
Because upgrading the Stinky would be overcapitalising the bike, but selling it and buying something new could be a big waste of money too.
For a beginner, I don't think the bike will hold you back that much, give it a go and see what you think.

[struggles]

I upgraded my stinky with boxxers mavic 729 rims and a chain device.
For me it goes better as I will never be challenging for podiums even on the best bike in the world.

I don't think I have wasted money as I can use all the new parts on a new frame when I have had enough of the stinky. Or break it. The only thing I haven't upgraded is the rear shock as nearly every frame now comes with a rear shock, so that would be wasting money.

[mikeonthebike]

If you decide that racing is your thing and sell your Kona I would add Iron Horse to the list of possible new bikes. From what I have read on other sites and heard on the grapevine their 05 bikes are going to included some great DH bikes that great value. something to keep is mind.

[®ider]

Stay with the Stinky, im saying to stay with the Stinky because as you say u want to 'mess around' i recommend keep the Stinky but upgrade parts on it..

Here is my bike, im really happy with it.. takes everything i throw at it.
http://www.farkin.net/forums/album_pic.php?pic_id=10012

Racing wise, a Stinky will not preform aswell as a DH orientated bike(as disscussed on these forums), it is more of a bike for overall, DH,DJ,Urban etc , but not the best at any of them.

[frank_n]

Thank you everyone for the great comments. as Rik suggested I think I'll give the local racing a go 'stock'. If I really enjoy it I will have a hard choice to make...I don't think I will ever challenge the podium unless the other riders have heart failure or something.
Frank

[bassmonkey]

Yeah, Rik's call was a good one. Heed the wisdom ;)

If you decide to upgrade the ol' stink though, the first thing to go are the forks -- without a doubt. DJIII's are a pretty awful match for that bike. It's a whole new ride once you get a plush fork on it. If you end up loving the DH racing I reckon you'd be better off selling the stinky and getting a proper DH sled though. You might end up wanting to upgrade almost everything on that bike in the end if you take that path, so it'd prolly work out cheaper to swing a deal on a whole new ride.

[Squidly Didly]

If you decide to upgrade the ol' stink though, the first thing to go are the forks -- without a doubt. DJIII's are a pretty awful match for that bike. It's a whole new ride once you get a plush fork on it.
Yet if you decide to upgrade you'll want to go a 20mm axle fork, but unfortuantely this means a new front wheel too. Do as Rik said and try it out stock first. If you love it, then go for a new bike as upgrading the rear shock, forks, and front wheel is just stupidly expensive with the prices of complete bikes these days.
also, Shimano 475 hubs have the weakest axles for the job. I don't think any other hub has met such failure, but feel free to correct me :)

[bassmonkey]

True, true...

You could get a new fork with quick release, and if you can find a good swap or 2nd hand deal then go for it, but if you're spending the dosh on a new fork you may as well get a good 20mm axel one, and after the cost of the new wheel build required, you may as well just sell the frickin thing and get a new bike because you're only gonna eventually want all the other things Squid mentioned aswell.