Upgrade Advice Needed for XC HT

steelo

I have an '07 Rockhopper and during the last visit to the LBS they identified a stretched chain (Shimano HG-73), worn headset (1 1/8" standard), worn middle chain ring (Shimano FCM-442-8 Octalink), and to replace the cassette (Shimano HG-50) with the chain.

So they recommended a few upgrades which at the moment stands at;

Cassette - Shimano XT (£35-40)
Chain - SRAM (£15)
Middle Ring - Shimano LX (£15)
Headset - Cane Creek S3 (£30)

For a XC hardtail are these good enough upgrades, money not too much of an issue but I do want a full-susser at some point during the summer so need to keep the HT running but not excessively 'blinged-up'!

What alternatives would be recommended for a Specialized Rockhopper?

uk_mr_brownstone

If it was me, and I'd not really noticed any particular problems with the bike I wouldn't bother upgrading if I knew i'd be getting a new bike in a few months anyway

steelo

New bike yes, but a second bike to my Rockhopper. Everyone in my riding group wishes they kept their old hardtails as well as having a full-susser. I see a new bike as another 'string to my bow' so to speak. Which is why I want to keep the rockhopper running in good order!

Sikora

If your getting rid in a few months anyway, why not look at cheaper alternatives? A standard rockhopper is mainly Deore - front chainset isn't even that i dont think.

Try having a look on www.chainreactioncycles.com. Even if you go with the items suggested by the LBS, you'll save a few quid compared to their prices by going mail order.
Did the bike shop give you a price for labour? Maybe get a quote for that before mentioning that you'll supply the parts yourself.

Edit

Started replying before you stated that you'll be keeping the bike :roll:

steelo

My LBS is priceless when it comes to advice and help, especially when I wheel the bike in with a niggly issue, they have it sorted there and then.

I'd much prefer to keep them in business then buy from t'internet.

They will fit free-of-charge, as its their incentive for buying parts through them instead of self-sourced parts.

A new bike is on the wish-list, but may not happen. I'm actually quicker than most on full-sussers in my group, and I wouldn't say i'm particularly fitter. The full-sus bike will be mainly for all-mountain riding anyway (like a spesh enduro) so the rockhopper will still be my regular XC wednesday night steed!

artillerydave

all upgrades ok except LX middle ring, these are notoriously soft and you would be much better for an extra few quid going for a raceface or middleburn ring, they will still shift sweet but last a hell of a lot longer.

Salsa

artillerydave wrote:

all upgrades ok except LX middle ring, these are notoriously soft and you would be much better for an extra few quid going for a raceface or middleburn ring, they will still shift sweet but last a hell of a lot longer.

Agreed, or go for the cheaper Deore steel middle ring like I did when my XT needed replacing.

uk_mr_brownstone

If the LBS is fitting it the S3 should be great- very smooth. I've fitted one before (used a proper press) but no matter how much fettling it still creaked really bad under heavey breaking :?: Probably needed the frame / forks crown faced as the only thing I can think of is that the cups or race wasn't on perfectly- but when it works it very smooth

Unless you're planing on dropping weight with future upgrades it might be worth going for a deore/LX cassette if it's significantly less than the XT at your LBS. But then if you can afford it, why not the XT!?