RockHopper Comp Upgrades?

rscosworth

Guys,

I have owned by RockHopper since 2009 and has served me well, I would love a FS setup but for the amount of use I give it I can't really justify it.

The bike is pretty standard at the moment cept for a couple of things;

Rear wheel got buckled and the standard hub was rebuilt with a steel rim/spokes which seem to weigh a tonne.
Tyres are currently Kenda Tomac which are extremely grippy but feel like the slow down my uphill progress.
Gears intermittently slip.
Avid Juicy 3's don't seem to offer much bite at all these days.

I currently do red trails with the occasional black and wonder what upgrades would best suit me with a budget of 300-400?

Thanks
Ross

supersonic

Which model Rockhopper? (ie Comp, SL, etc). Are any of the other parts worn?

rscosworth

2009 Comp

Chain could probably do with replacing as its a bit rusty.

supersonic

I'd certainly get a new chain - though if the rest of the parts are overly worn it might slip. Still worth a go.

And certainly new wheels. New lighter wheels will really transform the feel of the bike. Decent sets can be had from about £100. New tyres and tubes will improve this further.

Nothing much else needs doing! A better fork could be considered, but the Tora SL is a decent unit, if somewhat heavy.

rscosworth

Thanks, what wheel sets would you recommend and from where? Also which tyres are fast, grippy and light?

I will need to have a look at how to fully reset the gears, they are just a little bit hit or miss at the moment.

Thanks
Ross

cooldad

Set of these
http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/WBWTBDEOREP ... s_wheelset
Some of these
http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/TYSCJIMLT/s ... lding_tyre
One of these
http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/CASHHG61/sh ... 1_cassette

And a nice new KMC chain off Ebay.

cooldad

Or a whole nice new groupset that someone posted a few minutes ago including decent brakes.
http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/GSSHM595/sh ... e_groupset

rscosworth

Would this groupset be considered as an upgrade to my current setup. Also how easy to fit the crank, never done this item before.

Thanks
Ross

supersonic

It's an upgrade yes, mainly due to it being newer, but probably no lighter than what you have. I'd hold off until it is completely worn out.

The Rookie

For a 2009 bike, I'd seriously consider looking at getting good used parts, right now lots of people will be upgrading their bikes from Christmas presents/sales buys and will be putting older stuff out to sale.

For example the son has a pair of Spesh P1 wheels for sale having just fitted his new (to him) 'bling' red metals, sub 2kg the pair, all straight, couple of minor scratches but no gouges, after £50 plus postage at cost, I'm sure there will be similar about.

Simon

rscosworth

Hey guys,

As it happens I went out for a ride today and snapped the chain, so that definatly needs replacing. What am I looking for on ebay? Is this suitable? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KMC-X9-Cycle-Chain-9-Speed-full-silver-shimano-sram-/290562403567?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item43a6de6cef

Should I also replace the rear cassette?

Thanks

supersonic

Get the chain for now - if it slips, change the cassette and maybe chainrings.

ANy 9 speed chain will work.