New groupset or new bike?

[Justin]

Hi

 

 

 

I currently have an entry level 'goose. So, it is riddled with entry level components. I have no problem with the wheels or frame really, just the components get little niggles quite quickly. And being half way on a 80km race with the derailleur starting to slip is no fun!

 

 

 

So, the question is, is it worth while upgrading the groupset, or should I just buy a whole new bike?

 

 

 

I have been looking at the following...

 

Shimano XT M760 V-Brake Groupset 9 Speed from CRC - R3800.

 

(http://chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=30706)

 

 

 

The way I see it is that looking at a bike with XT components and a cool shock, I will have to fork out about R14k (which means I will probably not have the mula any time soon). However I will be able to upgrade the components, and then perhaps later the fork as well.

 

 

 

What do you guys think? What should I do? Pls help!!!

 

 

 

 

[Daxiet]

 

Just keep in mind if you plan to upgrade the fork in the near future, you are committing to V-brake and V-brake forks are rare.

 

So if you were to upgrade, it would be groupset, wheels (disc hubs), brakes (disc) and then at a later stage the fork.

 

Fork is important, a descent fork saves you plenty energy, plus in many cases drops the weight of you entry level bike.

 

In short an upgrade path is a difficult path. In your case you have a couple options, go for the V-brake groupset. Then when ready convert to disc wheels, disc brakes and normal shifters. Alternatively do goupset,brakes,wheels and weight on the fork.

 

On the buy new option, you can get a new 2010 Merida Matts 80 for R9K - 9.6K. This bike is excellent value for money. SLX crank, SLX FD, XT RD, Deore Disc brakes, Deore shifters, Rockshox Dart 2.

 

Or you could hunt down a good used MTB, but you may need to replace worn parts that will add up to the cost. Unless you find one where the seller has already replaced the worn parts.

 

Daxiet2009-08-09 12:41:58

[GoLefty!!]

Upgrade to Shimano SLX.

 

Anything more an you've over capitalised and you wont get the value at resale.

also, go disc brakes.

 

[Justin]

Big difference between SLX and XT?

[Red Zone]

IMO upgrading will cost you more in the long run, but if you dont have the cash to buy a complete bike, new or second hand, go the upgrade route. It can also be quite fun sourcing and fitting new bits to the bike.

[Justin]

Yes, upgrading will be more expensive in the long run, however the "long run" can be stretched over a long time!

[Red Zone]

Thats the way I feel, but you just need to make sure that your basic package is ok, I had a Trek Mtb that I was going to upgrade (fortunatly it got stolen) but I would have had to replace absolutly everything over time, except the frame (which wasnt great anyway).

[tabasco]

it can be cheaper to buy a new bike with a good group set then to upgrade piece by piece. with the new bike, you gettin more value for your money. Perfect example are the Raleighs. Do the maths and see which option is better.

[AndreZA]

Most bike does not come with complete groupsets. So if you want a complete set, you would have to spend more to upgrade some parts. Take time and replace one part a month. Some are not expensive so 2 parts can be purchased. Also look in the classifieds. Some peoples junk are other's gold.

[Justin]

Most bike does not come with complete groupsets. So if you want a complete set' date=' you would have to spend more to upgrade some parts. Take time and replace one part a month. Some are not expensive so 2 parts can be purchased. Also look in the classifieds. Some peoples junk are other's gold.[/quote']

 

 

 

Good point. Perhaps instead of getting a complete groupset, acquire the parts one by one starting at the most troublesome.

[AndreZA]

Get the parts in groups but don't install it untill a group is done. Like group 1 = front and rear derailleurs, shifters and cables. Group 2 = brake levers, calipers, hoses and discs. Wheels will proberbly be in here aswell. Group 3 = casette, chain and cranks.