Upgrades for Dual suspension

[syconate]

Hey guys, I have a 2002 Specialized Hardrock Uno and I want to make it a bit nicer to ride when climbing. I am upgrading the r/derailluer and cassette to XT soon. I have about $500 to spend on it what should i look at upgrading tyres, wheels, hubs? Rear shock?

Any ideas?


Nate

[topher]

Loosing some weight in the wheels will make it easier to climb his etc. If you posted up a full spec list we could help you more!

[hdtvkss]

i agree, ligher wheels are the way to go and should easily fir into your budget.

im not sure how the coil rear shcok in that performs, but maybee a rear shock with a stable pedaling platform will make it a bit nicer to climb in? thats probably out of your $500 price range though.

[...jim]

I wouldn't stress on upgrading the rear derailleur unless it's rooted...you'll wear it out soon enough.

Go the wheels. Either look to a new set, or if you've got a decent set of hubs look to getting them rebuilt with lighter rims and double butted spokes at yer LBS.

If you're really after the ultimate weenie savings go UST rims, stans goop and conventional kevlar beaded tyres.

Or do it yourself if you're able to follow instructions - if you can program a vcr to record when you're not there, you should be albe to build a wheel - or so I've been told.

Then go climb a hill (again and again and again, because ultimately it's your fitness that will help you climb better - far more than any wheelset).

[syconate]

The derailleur is pretty knackered and I have got a new XT lined up for about $90, cassette is also shagged. The rims that i have are the original ones that it came with. Black alex rims, not sure of the hubs. The bike slows down really quick ie when you stop peddling on the flat it doesn't roll far before it slows up, also takes a long time to get it up to speed on the flat.

Is it worth getting new hubs on these rims or getting a new wheelset?

Any ideas, brands? cost?

Thanks

Nate

[JohnJohn]

I have about $500 to spend

Take a week off work, book accommodation somewhere hilly and go and ride your bike. A lot. This will improve your climbing more than any amount of money you spend on your bike.

[Bodin]

The bike slows down really quick ie when you stop peddling on the flat it doesn't roll far before it slows up, also takes a long time to get it up to speed on the flat.

Take a week off work, book accommodation somewhere hilly and go and ride your bike. A lot. This will improve your climbing more than any amount of money you spend on your bike.

JohnJohn's philosophy on riding is cool and his experience in the world of MTB is dependable, but IMO, a week in the mountains riding wheels that hardly spin will probably do more to destroy your love of MTB than anything else I could imagine.

I vote for serious wheelset lovin' - if your wheels don't spin freely, then that is the first thing you should be doing something about. If a good service doesn't sort them out, then you need to replace them.

[syconate]

Thanks for the advice Bodin.

If I could get holidays i would be out riding as much as physically possible but my boss is a spastic and declined my holiday request and instaed gave them to someone else :mad:

I guess there is some things a woman can do for her boss that to get her way that i am not prepared to engage in. :eek:

[scratchy]

the setup will depend a lot on how nice it is to climb. Most people when they are starting out focus on the descent setup. Handlebar height makes a big difference.

Oh and what the other say. Wheels if you shed some weight that's all good.

[hdtvkss]

i dont want to hijack somone elses thread, but what is the relationship of handlebar height to climbing ability?

from my experience, lowering the handlebar height has a most noticable effect on making the bike ness able to be thrown around the techy stuff, but i have suspected that it infact does make a bike a better climber.

is there a ratio of seat to handlebar height that is considered ideal, or as most things, is it down to the induvidual riders body in general?


tks!

[syconate]

Hey guys, got a Brand new XT rear derailluer for $77 off Ebay last night.
I went for a rapid rise long age, i reckon its worth a go even if it is backwards.

Does anyone know if i can get a shifter/V brake combo that will work with 8 speed thats compatable with rapid rise derailluer? If so where would i get them, cost?

[Mo]

i reckon you should invest in some decent wheelset...
i've replaced my front one and it's just beautiful...no need to go crazy with weights unless you are a weight weenie, go for durability... nice rolling.

some time ago i was interested in mavic 819 with dice hubs. but i invested in some dice roulette + MTX rims, Not light but bomb proof.

[topher]

MTX rims would most possibly make his wheels heavier than they were before. 819rims are good if you can afford them! Make sure you get a reasonable hubs and a good wheel build!

[Syphanx]

What about a new rear shock with a Platform Pedal set-up? certainly make it better on hills as it will eliminate the "bob".
You can buy the 5th element air shock from www.speedgoat.com for about $510 incl. postage. And the Fox RP3 is about $525 incl postage.

So that's always an option to consider.

[Bike_freak]

All good advice, but i will have to go with the New wheelset.

Get something really nice, so you can move it from bike to bike. Also get some bolt-on skewers instead of the quick realses, it will save weight and will make your wheels more theft proof:)

As for your new deraileur and Cassette, i HIGHLY reccomend you get a new chain at the same time, and possibly look at even getting new chainrings (atleast look to see if they are worn).

The question about the shjifter/brake combo for 8 speed, are you talking about the new Dual control type shifter (the paddle the moves up and down), or the 'old' Rapid fire type shifter/brake lever? If the dual control, then no, it's only 9 speed. If the other, don't bother, it means you can't adjust the position of the brake levers/shifter and if you ever want to upgrade to hydro disc brakes, you will need new shifters.

Not sure if it has been said or not, but with your new wheels, get some light weight, fast rolling (this is important) tires. Tires with low rolling resistance will probably be the best upgrade you can do to your speed (besides training more).

Good luck with the weight savings:)

[syconate]

Thanks for the advice guys i appreciate it.

I am getting new wipperman chain and new chain rings as well as the cassette and derailluer.

Looks like its a new wheel set ASAP. I would love to replace the rear shock but i may have to suck up to the minister for finance before that happens!

Nate

[Bike_freak]

Also, make sure to come back here for advice before you buy the wheelset. :)

[Mo]

MTX will definetely make is heavier but with a nice rubber combo, everything will be fine....
i run ritchey excavaders (470g, total weight: 1.1kgs) and they do not feel any heavier, but they track so well (gyroscopic effect)
im not fussed by weight, i went for something durable, feels good and a bit multipurpose....