MTB Components upgrade

[Botmas]

I started riding MTB about a year ago for the fun involved and enjoyed it from day one. I started out with a very entry level bike and recently started having lots of issues with gear shifts/skips and chain problems. At this stage (3 weeks later) the rear derailleur, chain and front middle sprocket have been changed to try and solve the issue. This past weekend we did a ride and on a uphill under hard acceleration my new chain snapped, rear derailleur broke off at the hanger and bent. To say the least, I am very negative at this stage about the bike although I still enjoy the riding tremendously.

 

One of my friends has suggested that I should start looking at upgrading my components to a higher level to prevent this issues. All I see is more an more $$$$ being spent that I dont really have.

 

Please tell me if it's really worthwhile spending money on more expensive stuff. Will this garentee me a more trouble free experience.

 

Johan

 

[Justin]

My first replacement would be all the cables. Shifting problems can usually be sorted out by a new set of R40 gear cables.

[geoffro]

Depending on what "entry level" bike you started with, upgrading parts can get expensive.(especially if you have to upgrade half the bike).A decent entry level mtb can be bought new for R5000 and will give you a few years of trouble free riding. I also started taking my riding a bit more serious just over a year ago and bought a good second hand Schwinn Moab2. V-brakes and all its giving me alotta "bang for my buck"!Some decent second hand deals out there as well if you know what to look for.

[Botmas]

Hi Geoffro

 

 

 

I bought a Giant Thermo1 a year ago. 4 weeks ago all my problems started. As you have mentioned there are good secondhand stuff hanging around, but I need sound advise at what to go for first when upgrading The Giant is an excellent bike for my 120KG's.

[geoffro]

Botmas, I dont know the equipment level on your Thermo1, but I think it comes out as a recreational bike and not for racing. It can still give you many years of service depending what you ask of it.If it is only a year old I am not sure how much distance or wear and tear you have put on it. I have a friend who trains on a Giant boulder(Altus or Alivio RD) and it has been going for about 5 years already.Your bike may need some minor adjustments as wear takes place. I would not spend too much money on the bike upgrading parts as buying a complete higher spec bike almost always works out cheaper.You dont even need middle of the range equipment to have fun, BUT bike maintenance is very important!PM me if you have any other questions and I will be happy to explain in more detail.