What Next - bike bits or kit

nathj07

Hi,
Earlier this year I was bought a bike for my birthday - Clad Butler Pagan D2 2007 model (http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cla ... e-ec015387)

I really like the bike, the frame is decent but the other bits need to be upgraded. The question I have is which bits should I upgrade first? Or should I spend my money on kit for me - shorts, jacket, new helmet that sort of thing (fear not I have a helmet in decent nick it's just old but no crashes)

I don't have loads of cash and I don't want to spend more on one part than the full bike cost.

I was thinking about a new fork as I've noticed the 'topping out' phenomena - coming off kerbs which is annoying.

The type of riding I do is commuting and a bit of single track and XC with some mad stuff where I can find it.

Cheers
nathj

s.ammo

alright Nath. the easiest way of speccing ur bike is a set of decent tyres. they can really make all the difference to the feel of the bike and how it handles. if ur commuting u probably want something a bit more hard wearing , check out the maxxis minnions with a 60tpi ( threads per inch) they're a bit more hard wearing then the 'standard' which is around the 42tpi but still very grippy and they look great. the 2.35's are probably ur best bet.

also shortening ur stem ( the bit that holds ur handlebars to the headtube) measure from centre bolt to the centrebolts of the part holding ur handlebars. you probably want it no shorter then 70 mil. this will improve ur handling again. making the bike feel completely different.

what shocks do you have? upgrading shocks is expensive, and if ur just getting into it, it might be worth holding back, cos u'll probably find sooner or later that you'll want to upgrade ur whole bike, and the 300 plus quid you blew on a new shock would come in handy for a bike with a decent shock as standard.

in regards to kit, a decent pair of shorts ( the endura zyme's are wicked, great cut and length) and a couple of base layer type tops would be fine, as you can wear em under a normal t-shirt to stop u getting struck with sweat.

shin0r

I'd spend the money on stuff for yourself - gloves, shorts, shoes, camelback or what have you, and replace parts on the bike when they wear out. That bike comes with some decent kit on it anyway, there's no point in wasting money replacing good, working stuff.

If you did decide to upgrade the bike in the future it would probably be better value for money to buy a whole bike rather than upgrade the current one bit by bit.

ratty2k

s.ammo wrote:

alright Nath. the easiest way of speccing ur bike is a set of decent tyres. they can really make all the difference to the feel of the bike and how it handles. if ur commuting u probably want something a bit more hard wearing , check out the maxxis minnions with a 60tpi ( threads per inch) they're a bit more hard wearing then the 'standard' which is around the 42tpi but still very grippy and they look great. the 2.35's are probably ur best bet.

TPI is nothing to do with tyre hardness. Thats the amount of threads in the carcass of the tyre.
You probably mean with Maxxis tyres 60A and 42A which IS the hardness rating, the 42 being the softer and called supertacky.

TBh I'd keep the bike as is and buy kit for yourself. Winter is not too far off, better off buying some gloves waterproofs etc... Also, daft things like a couple of spare tubes and tools you can carry with you. Whaich then means a rucksack of some description, you can buy cheap ones with a drinks bladder for around £20 from Tesco and the like. Also some on ebay....
If you do find yourself getting more into the MTB side of it, save up and get a better specced bike next time. Then you can chuck a set of cheap slicks on this bike and use it soley for commute/ pub duties.

nathj07

Hi Guys,

It's been a while since I checked this thread - I thought I would get emails about replies but I didn't - perhaps there's a setting I'm missing.

Anyway - that's some great advice. I will probably go for kit for myself. I guess that means I have the joy of a shopping trip to look forward to - never fun when it's groceries but kit for me on the bike now that sounds like a good day out.

As for the upgrade bit, I only thought about forks because of the topping-out coming off a kerb but when I took the bike to Hamsterley it performed admirably. The idea of waiting for stuff to wear out is a good one - generally I've been happy with the performance and the kit for me sounds like a beneficial way to spend money.

As I've done a lot of hiking and stuff I already have some pretty good base layers and waterproofs - though a bit chunky so I may look for something lighter - and brighter.

So, more questions:
1. Multi-tools are great for on a ride but what is good one to get
2. What tools are essential for keeping in the shed for proper maintenance
3. Helmet recommendations - I need to wear it on the road as well as off-road
4. Shorts?
5. Gloves? I have some sealskins but they are wearing out.

I'll check back more regularly this time - oh I just saw the 'notify me' box - I'll check that.

Cheers
Nathan

ratty2k

Ok, gonna give you wiggle links (just easier to stay in on place, buy from where ever you like!)
1.Multitool
2.
Tool kit pretty good value, I use lifeline stuff and its pretty good.
3.
Helmets. Best to try 'em on, lots of folks rate the Giro Xen, the fit for me was horrible tried a Fox, much better.... Much better to go to the shop, buy on line later if you find one you like, or get the shop to price match.
4.
Shorts I like thes, they dry out pretty quickly and are tough as well. Waterproof ones are a good investment as well at this time of year.
5. Gloves, the sealkinz you mention are pretty well regarded and I'll probably try some myself soon.

nathj07

Thanks for taking so much time over the reply - I really appreciate that. This is now the basis of my Christmas present list.

cheers

ratty2k

Oh, try and get some sealskinz socks as well. You will probably still suffer with wet feet (I do..) but wet and cold is NOT good!