How to upgrade bottom of range MTB

[Cheese]

Thinking of upgrading my Merida 8 speed MTB.

 

Wanted to upgrade to 10 speed. , however some people say rather do the shocks. I have heard it is a coil spring. What is benefits of upgrading the shocks. Just the wait or does bike handle different?

 

What is your opinions it is 29er with hydraulic brakes.Merida.

[ValeYellow]

Fork definately, you will save weight as well as have a more responsive front end that will handle a lot better. Look at something like a Rock Shox Recon Gold or Reba, cant go worng and a good starting point. Overtime you can upgrade the rest IMHO

[Red Zone]

Agreed, go with a new fork, the Recon is a very good option, air sprung, you will get a much more plush ride out of it. You probably have an elastomer shock on your entry level bike, they are pretty rubbish, just a bouncy rubber stick really.

 

Going to 10 speed with a decent groupset will also give you a more enjoyable ride, nicer more confident shifting.

 

My advise, new shock then upgrade to 10 speed, then new wheels, then new brakes, then new frame, this way your significant other wont notice that you actually have a new bike.

[TK-Sp3cialiSt]

IMHO having a couple of extra gears will make less difference than upgrading shock or getting a better set of wheels.

[GerrieTruter]

 

 

My advise, new shock then upgrade to 10 speed, then new wheels, then new brakes, then new frame, this way your significant other wont notice that you actually have a new bike.

 

LOL, good one.

[droo]

My upgrade timeline, in order:

 

1. Tyres

2. Fork

3. Wheels

4. Cockpit

5. Frame

6. Groupset / brakes

 

The groupset is the bit that will make the least difference to your ride IMO. Shimano's entry level stuff works, so replace it last or as it breaks.

[jaco369]

sell it and buy a better bike. dont necesarally have to buy new. some good 2nd hand deals.

 

IMHO, upgrading the groupset, wheels, and especially fork is going to cost you the same if not more.

 

and you would get a higher level frame with better geometry.

 

my 5 cents

[DJR]

My honest opinion is that it will be more cost effective to sell it and buy a new or 2nd hand complete bike with all the bits you want.

[_Pat_]

I agree with DJR, depending on the grade of your bike. For lower end specs it always ends up been cheaper to buy a new bike.

 

10 Speed - Plus/minus R2500-R3500

New fork - R2000- R4000

 

Look at the cost of the upgrade vs the price of the bike.

[jaco369]

have a look whats on the hub right a this moment...

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/87660-merida-big-nine-tfs-900/

 

for a bit more

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/89651-scott-scale-960-2013-large/

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/85396-momsen-sl729-medium-2012-9-months-old/

 

and even more

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/89584-cannondale-flash-1-29er/

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/86668-merida-bignine-carbon-xo-edition-2013-price-drop/

[Cav']

sell it and buy a better bike. dont necesarally have to buy new. some good 2nd hand deals.

 

IMHO, upgrading the groupset, wheels, and especially fork is going to cost you the same if not more.

 

and you would get a higher level frame with better geometry.

 

my 5 cents

I agree, (add 5 more cents)

[Super Sywurm]

Thinking of upgrading my Merida 8 speed MTB.

 

Wanted to upgrade to 10 speed. , however some people say rather do the shocks. I have heard it is a coil spring. What is benefits of upgrading the shocks. Just the wait or does bike handle different?

 

What is your opinions it is 29er with hydraulic brakes.Merida.

 

I would upgrade the tires, then the shock to an air shock (Rockshox) and then the wheels.

[Super Sywurm]

sell it and buy a better bike. dont necesarally have to buy new. some good 2nd hand deals.

 

IMHO, upgrading the groupset, wheels, and especially fork is going to cost you the same if not more.

 

and you would get a higher level frame with better geometry.

 

my 5 cents

 

I wanted to upgrade my Merida with a Rockshox, that would have cost me R3000 to R3500. If I traded my bike at my lbs for a new bike, I would have gotten a new bike with the upgraded shock for about R2500 - R3500 more.

 

Upgrading is expensive.

[jaco369]

Thinking of upgrading my Merida 8 speed MTB.

 

Wanted to upgrade to 10 speed. , however some people say rather do the shocks. I have heard it is a coil spring. What is benefits of upgrading the shocks. Just the wait or does bike handle different?

 

What is your opinions it is 29er with hydraulic brakes.Merida.

well i think we can safel;y say.... DO NOT UPGRADE.

 

sell and buy a good 2nd hand one.

 

got it? good

[TK-Sp3cialiSt]

Upgrading will land you with a bike you want to own, not all ready deals will be exactly what you want and you will then end up with having to change parts anyway

[Cheese]

Thanks Guys,

 

Well is either shocks or New bike then .

Will see what I can get regarding shocks and then compare whith cost of new(2nd hand bike)