Giant XTC4 - advice sorely needed!

Tazzfalcon

Hi all,

Here is my Giant XTC4 from '04 I think, photographed just this week.

Basically, tragically, it's spent the VAST majority of its life in a shed. Now I'd like to get it sent from where it is currently, to where I am now, so that the rest of its life isn't spent in a shed!

Anyone got any advice on the condition?
Any obvious problems anyone can see with a Alu bike like this having been in a shed this long (since 2006 effectively)?

There doesn't appear to be much in the way of corrosion... some of the nuts and bolts and the chain appear a bit rusty though, and the rear sprockets... ?

Anyone want to suggest any obvious upgrades that I could put in place relatively cheaply that would enhance the bike for road use? I'm particularly keen to do something about the MPH disc brakes which are VERY temperamental and very aggressive (if memory serves)













Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks, Tazz

p.s. as I say, I don't have the bike on hand currently. Anyone know if you're able to 'lock' the fork?

The Spiderman

First of all, I`d clean the chain with degreaser and then lube it with a decent chain lube.(Not WD40 or GT40!)
Then lube all the gear shift cables,check operation of brakes.A bit of light wax lube round the fork stanchions and compress them a few times.

I cannot remember if the Manitou Axels on my old Rockhopper had a lock out but they aren`t the greatest forks in the world.Ride them as they are and see how you get on with them.

My XTC came with MPH brakes.They work OK if fettled but are not the most progressive and can be a bit of a faff.

Again I`d ride the bike as is for now but something like Shimano Deores would be a significant improvement.

You`ve a good frame there so new brakes and something like a Rockshox Tora or Recon (with lock out) would reap a massive improvement, but I`d always suggest getting used to it as it is and seeing how it feels first.

If you are going to use it predominantly for road use, and don`t mind compromising it for off road use I`d invest in carbon rigid forks (Try Exotic via carbon cycles or On One) and a pair of slick tyres.

Tazzfalcon

Thanks Spiderman!

That's exactly the type of advice I was after!

I think that was always my main problem with the brakes, they seemed to be either 'on' or 'off' like a light switch which made for some very abrupt and nervous stops!

Are modern disc brakes better in this regard - can you really modulate the braking?

Was this the fork you recommend?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/eXotic-29er-R ... 1356wt_954

The Spiderman

Forks, similar but you need the 26" wheel version: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/eXotic-Rigid-Carbon-MTB-Bike-Fork-Disc-Specific-42-5cm-/200728326066?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item2ebc572fb2

Brakes,I`d go for these: http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/mtb-parts/brakes/disc-brakes/shimano-disc-brakes/shimano-deore-m596-disc-brake-set-front-rear.html

I have 2 sets of older XT brakes and both are much more progressive than the old MPH brakes.The latest Shimano brakes are very good and on a budget the 596 is what I`d go for.

Otherwise condition looks good from the photos.Now I have a Giant Anthem, I keep thinking about roadifying my XTC along similar lines...........