Claud Butler, upgrade or buy new

dan_casper
dan_casper Posts: 14
edited July 2014 in MTB buying advice
I have what i believe to be a 2003/4 Claud Butler Cape Wrath. The bike is in good working order and i am happy with the feel/handling of the bike, other than the suspension. I want to replace the stock Suntour forks with the rockshox 30 TK Gold
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/roc ... k-ec056151

just wondered if its worth spending this sort of money on the frame or if i would be better off saving up and buying a new package deal? Is the frame worth building on? Are there better forks in that price range?

Thanks in advance for any advice

Comments

  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    It was a good bike in the day. Nice frame too. But what about the other parts, and how much would you spend on a new bike? Is yours the disc brake version?
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • dan_casper
    dan_casper Posts: 14
    I could probably only stretch to £400 really. It has a disc on the front and v on the back both in good working order. I think in the next year i would probably need the replace the crank and chain.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Tricky. 400 gets you some decent bikes - but will be heavier, and the fork not as good as that Rockshox Gold.

    I'd be very tempted update the bike. But with this fork instead:

    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2014-15-SR-SU ... 338fcb7005

    Then maybe some new parts to freshen it up like the crank, or maybe nice light tyres.

    If you went new then this is the way forward:

    http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-52 ... 93188.html
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    +1 on everything SS said.

    the swaying point for me would be if the frame has disc mounts (I have a feeling it will), in which case I'd be going the upgrade route, you don't have to buy everything (or anything near enough in my case) new....

    I ride a 2006 frame (so not much younger) see top link in my sig.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • dan_casper
    dan_casper Posts: 14
    Ok thanks for the advice guys. I was trying to steer clear of buying Suntours as they generally dont seem to have a very good rep, but the specs on the ones you posted seem good for the money.

    Yeah the frame does have disc mounts. I am planning on upgrading to discs on the back at some point down the line.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Suntour do a variety of forks - budget to high end. These are getting on for mid/high end, good fork for that cash.

    Disc wheels can be had very cheap, from about 70 quid a pair. Same with disc brakes.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • dan_casper
    dan_casper Posts: 14
    yeah i could buy them with the money i save from buying the suntours instead of the rockshox :)
    Think i will be going down the upgrade route then, thanks again for the advice.

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