Upgrade my old bike...or buy a new one?

Ch3rryGh0st
Ch3rryGh0st Posts: 43
edited August 2007 in MTB buying advice
So, it's been a good few years since I cycled regularly, and I've let my old bike fall into a bit of a state. Normally, I'd probably just buy a new one, but I loved that bike once, and I think I could love it again...

The frame is a Diamond Back Axis TT titanium. It's mostly XT, albeit fairly old XT, and it has some decent components, such as Answer bars, Hope hubs, Sycros stem, etc.

Money isn't the major question, as I'd probably end up spending £1500+ on a new bike anyway. My major concern is whether an older frame's geometry can cope with the newer chainsets and rear sprockets, and any other components that might have advanced beyond the capabilities/geometry of my frame.

Any thoughts?

Also, assuming I decide to go with the rebuild, any recommendations of good cycle workshops in the Cambridge area would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
--
Somewhere in Heaven, John Lennon, Gram Parsons and Lowell George are jamming, and I bet it sounds just like Wilco...

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    that is the year? how many cogs on the back?

    picture?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
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  • Ch3rryGh0st
    Ch3rryGh0st Posts: 43
    It must be a good ten years old...think I bought it in the summer of 1997 (which makes me feel really, really, really old).

    There are eight cogs on the rear. I don't have a picture of the actual bike to hand, unfortunately, and I tried looking on google, but nothing useful came up.

    Cheers,

    Andy
    --
    Somewhere in Heaven, John Lennon, Gram Parsons and Lowell George are jamming, and I bet it sounds just like Wilco...
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    97 is new! you should not have any probs with anything fitting.

    but a ten year old Ti frame! get it looked over before spending any money.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Ch3rryGh0st
    Ch3rryGh0st Posts: 43
    Ah, then I don't feel so old :)

    I'm definitely going to get it looked at before spending any money on it. I was under the impression that Ti was pretty much bomb-proof -- is that not the case then? What sort of thing should I be looking out for on a frame of that age?
    --
    Somewhere in Heaven, John Lennon, Gram Parsons and Lowell George are jamming, and I bet it sounds just like Wilco...
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Ti frames can still fail, so worth getting it checked. The welds are what you need to be looking at, and any sign of stress near joins.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

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  • Ch3rryGh0st
    Ch3rryGh0st Posts: 43
    Okay, thanks for the help to both of you. I'll definitely get it checked over before spending any cash.

    Hopefully, all will be okay, as I was always very much a gentle rider :)
    --
    Somewhere in Heaven, John Lennon, Gram Parsons and Lowell George are jamming, and I bet it sounds just like Wilco...

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