Upgrading my bicycle.

yarocin
yarocin Posts: 29
edited June 2008 in MTB workshop & tech
Hi!

I've got 2002 Specialized Rockhopper with v-brakes and manitou fork (I don't remeber the model). I would like to upgrade wheels, fork and brakes. Is it worth of effort, because
I have some concerns about my frame stiffness. When I have front biggest chainring and 3rd sprocket at rear, during acceleration chain rubs front deralieur. I tried to adjust my deralieur, but I don't see much effect. Rubbing is still there. I think that the frame is not stiff enough at the bottom bracket. This is only an idea.
Please, could anybody give some resonable advice?

Chris

Comments

  • pittpony
    pittpony Posts: 1,057
    Sounds like your front deraileur is out of alignment. Frames will flex a little but I doubt that's the cause of the problem. Check out Park Tool for how to adjust properly.

    What is your budget for the upgrades? It may be worth looking at a new bike as those are 3 major upgrades that will go on a 6 year old frame. You can get some cracking bikes for not much cash these days
  • tjm
    tjm Posts: 190
    Or maybe the bottom bracket is worn/loose?

    Before upgrading I would check things fairly carefully. What else is worn? chainset & BB, chain, cassette, tyres,saddle etc? All these things might be just £20-£30 each but they don't half add up.
    It might be cheaper to upgrade yours but you could find that it is cheaper to just get a new bike.
  • bluechair84
    bluechair84 Posts: 4,352
    I'll give you some Pros and cons for some of the upgrades you mentioned then you could decided what will suit your riding style:
    Wheels - I think these are an underestimated upgrade. You won't notice an increase in 'strength' until you break your currnet ones, but a lighter wheel will allow you to accelerate quicker, it will be easier to keep a good cadence (pedalling rhythem) and it wil make the bike livelier on the trails,changing direction and stopping and starting on tough technical rock gardens will be a completley different experience. I personally think this is one of the first places to upgrade a cheap bike and will have the biggest impact. If you put in the miles or enjoy flowing singletrack this is the place to start.
    Forks - You can get some real descent forks for real cheap these days. Without knowing your fork I couldn't say where an upgrade would start but Suntour's basic forks have been raved about this year. It will give you more control on technical descents and a stiffer fork will hold a better line. If you ride to find the ultimate descent, then your OE heavy wheels and a new stiffer fork is the best option giving you the most control.
    Brakes - can be a monetary black hole. If your shifters are combined pods, and your wheels aren't compatiable you will need new wheels, new shifters AND your brakes. Don't go for cables discs however tempting the price as without more regular maintenance than V-brakes they will deteriorate. But there are some amazing cheap hydraulic discs. The less you spend generally the more weight and less power but if you ride in all weather you NEED hydraulic dics. You won't know how on Earth you lived without them. If you're a singletrack and mileage guy then discs won't make as much an improvemenet to the overall ride as forks or wheels but ride through muck and weather, discs will serve you very well.
    Finally, think about a new chainset - they have to cope with a lot of torque and they WILL flex - possibly leading to the chain rub you mentioned. I would recomend Shimano XT, a stiffer chainset will give you more feel for the bike, better pedalling efficeincy, more direct gear changes and a bigger smile. Don't go for anything ISIS, not because it's bad but because it will die out as a standard before any of the other breeds. I don't know anyone using ISIS.

    Let us know what you choose
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    More likely the crank flexing.

    Looking at a miniumum of 300 for these upgrades, more likely 400. And for 500 can get a new Rockhopper, which would be better in every area anyway!
  • yarocin
    yarocin Posts: 29
    Thanks, this website is very helpful. I adjusted my front derallieur, but I haven't tested it yet.
  • yarocin
    yarocin Posts: 29
    Hi,

    Chainset is new, except bottom bracket. I bought new crankset deore, casette deore, chain SRAM. Additionaly I bought new tyries. I spent about 100Ł for spare parts.
    I think about upgrade, because I don't need another bicycle. For upgrade I would like to spen 500-700 pounds.
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,667
    pends how much you want to spend at the end of the day but i went the route of building a custom and ive spent inexcess of well over £1400 on all new parts..
    modding great in it.. :lol:
  • yarocin
    yarocin Posts: 29
    Hi!

    I have tested my front derailleur, but I am not happy. There is no rubbing on the biggest chainring with the smallest sprocket, but I can't drop the chain to the smallest chainring. I tried to adjust wire tension and it helped. However when I released the wire tension I couldn't use the biggest chainring with the smallest sprocket. It is annoying but I handle it.
    Is there anything I can do with my derailleur?
  • tjm
    tjm Posts: 190
    It is a bit hard to diagnose remotely - probably best to take it to your local bike shop and get them to look at it.
  • yarocin
    yarocin Posts: 29
    Hi!
    Your bike looks wonderful! I am astonished! My question is: Why did you decide to build hardtail? I am still thinking about upgrading my old bicycle or buying new one, but I can't decide: hardtail or susser?

    Chris
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Depends on your budget and where/what you ride.