Posts
6
Joined
5/20/2014
Location
Saint Louis, MO
US
Edited Date/Time
8/18/2014 7:46am
Opinions please, mountain biking standards have changed since I bought my last bike. I haven't used my 2000 Marin Muirwoods in almost 10 years, although it's definitely serviceable after dusting it off. I could pay less than $200 to overhaul it and its 26" wheels, steel-frame, and pad-brakes, or I could spend about $800+ to get a new aluminum 29er with disc brakes.
Is overhauling a bike that noticeable?
I'm 5'11" so I understand I'd be comfortable on a 29er. Would that, the aluminum frame, and disc brakes be such a noticeable difference that it would be worth the big difference in cost?
And are the components, bearings, etc, on the 14-year old bike something to be concerned about? Maybe that's reason enough to get a new one.
I'm big on re-using things, plus I'm cheap, and the bike has some sentimental value from my old riding buddies. So I don't want to just throw it in the garbage and get a new one. But I don't want to spend a ton if I'm not going to notice a huge difference.
Thanks everyone!
Is overhauling a bike that noticeable?
I'm 5'11" so I understand I'd be comfortable on a 29er. Would that, the aluminum frame, and disc brakes be such a noticeable difference that it would be worth the big difference in cost?
And are the components, bearings, etc, on the 14-year old bike something to be concerned about? Maybe that's reason enough to get a new one.
I'm big on re-using things, plus I'm cheap, and the bike has some sentimental value from my old riding buddies. So I don't want to just throw it in the garbage and get a new one. But I don't want to spend a ton if I'm not going to notice a huge difference.
Thanks everyone!
- brakes will be a really noticeable difference compared to modern discs. especially if the old brakes are cantilever brakes and not v-brakes. do know which style your bike has?
- the condition of your tires would be something to consider as well, as they could be dried out/cracked etc. you can probably find good deals on 26-inch tires these days.
- finding replacement parts could be difficult, but it could be a fun challenge depending on how you look at it.
if you think you'll be riding on a regular basis and getting into longer, more aggressive off-road riding, considering a new bike should probably be a higher priority.
- The brakes are v-brakes, so if I read your comment right that's at least something going for me.
if you get the bike up and running, share some pics and a ride report here. if you do get more into it and get a new bike, you can always turn the marin into a commuter w/ some slicks.
Ride report:
After not having been on a bike in nearly 10 years, as the adage goes you never forget how to ride a bike. I didn't have time tonight to get out to the burbs, so I just tooled around some parks here in the city. No clip in pedal fails or front brake only mishaps, so I'm considering it a success. I also didn't realize what great shape my legs used to be in, just a couple of sprints up a hill and they were burning!
Meeting some friends in Brown County, IN this weekend. Looking forward to it. Wish we had realized sooner there's some women's MTB event this weekend so trails might be crowded.
The shop was Big Shark in St. Louis. Not sure if this is against forum rules to plug them, but I was really pleased with the service and work they did. I gave them the opportunity to upsell me to a new bike, but they discouraged it, so kudos to them.
Pic:
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