upgrade recommendations...

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by 45acpguy, Jul 1, 2018.


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  1. 45acpguy

    45acpguy Member

    Location:
    Granada Hills, CA
    Name:
    Dave
    Current Bike:
    Intense Tracer Enduro
    Happy Sunday evening everyone! I was hoping for some good input from you more experienced riders on this forum. As mentioned in my intro post, I’m just getting back into riding after about a 5-6 year hiatus.

    I still have my 07 Specialized S-Works M5 FRS. Back in 2011-2012, I dumped a few $$ into the bike. Some of those upgrades included a new Marzocchi Corsa “Superleggera” 100mm fork, rebuilt the fox float R rear shock/brain. Also threw on some Hayes “El Camino” hydro disc brakes, Chris King nothreadset, new cables, blah-blah....

    After being in storage for 5 years, I took it in for a full tune up last week. Had the shop bleed the brake system, put on new pads, slapped on a 2017 S-Works carbon 720mm bar and got a new pair of Specialized “bennies” flat pedals too.

    I’m giving some serious consideration to converting it over to a 1x11 drivetrain. Everything priced out around $600-650ish (including labor). I guess my question is... would you consider this a waste of money? I know the bike is old- 11 years now, but I love the bike and $600 is a lot easier on the wallet than $2500-$3,500 (or more) for a new bike!
     
  2. Runs with Scissors

    Runs with Scissors iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    West Anaheim
    Name:
    Mark Whitaker
    Current Bike:
    Giant XTC with pedals
    If the bike is what you enjoy riding, and you just want to have "better" parts, then by all means go 1x11. If you have (or are willing to work for) the stamina and strength a 1X takes, then yes. Do it.

    If you just want to ride - and that is not meant in a negative way - then stick with what works for you.

    Bottom line? If you're not having fun on your bike, it's not worth it.
     
    Danmtchl, scan, Faust29 and 1 other person like this.
  3. Voodoo Tom

    Voodoo Tom MTB Addict

    Location:
    Castaic
    Name:
    Tom Kokkinakis
    Current Bike:
    Mango one, black one, Ti one
    I’d say ride it the way it is and have fun. That’s too much coin to spend converting to 1x.
     
    Sidewalk, Danmtchl, scan and 4 others like this.
  4. mtnbikej

    mtnbikej J-Zilla

    Location:
    Orange
    Name:
    J
    Current Bike:
    SC Chameleon SS, SC Hightower
    A lot of things have changed since you bought your bike in 2007......wheel size, 1x gearing, better geometry, better disc brakes, dropper posts(yes, I said that).

    I don't like dumping a bunch of money into older bikes.....but that is me. I'd run it as is until things need replacing, then look into a new modern rig. Others may disagree.

    With that said, you can get into a 1x11 system for way less than $600.....if that is what the shop is charging you.....run away.

    XT 11 Speed shifter: $40
    XT Rear Der: $70
    XT Cassette 11/42: $63
    Race Face N/W Ring: $40

    You can use your existing cranks. Shifter will come with cable and housing.
     
    Sidewalk, Danmtchl, scan and 9 others like this.
  5. 45acpguy

    45acpguy Member

    Location:
    Granada Hills, CA
    Name:
    Dave
    Current Bike:
    Intense Tracer Enduro
    They’re getting me mostly on the labor. They recommend new cranks. Apparently, the 1x ring would create some odd gap (??) Not exactly sure what they meant. They said it wasnt the “right way” to do it.
     
    Danmtchl, Faust29, Voodoo Tom and 4 others like this.
  6. Mikie

    Mikie Admin/iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    NW Arkansas
    Name:
    Mikie Watson
    Current Bike:
    Ibis DV9 / SC Hightower
    Just to contrast and confuse.
    I have a 2012 Yeti that came 3x10.
    I converted it to 1x11 and like it more than ever! Never thought I would say that. Climbs great!
    If you are bent on saving money and want to upgrade and don’t want to drop the bucks for a new or slightly used bike then go for it on 1x11 upgrade. Choose the Front ring carefully so as to get the most climb without spinning out on the top side.

    Side note for me is I went Grip Shift on all my bikes. A little more pricey but to me it’s worth it.
    I hope I’m helping!

    Mikie
     
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  7. Mikie

    Mikie Admin/iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    NW Arkansas
    Name:
    Mikie Watson
    Current Bike:
    Ibis DV9 / SC Hightower
    Are you comfortable working on your own bike?
    These guys on imtbtrails are pro’s at putting bikes together. They can tell you exactly what parts to get and how to assemble them. Save some bucks if you are mechanically inclined.
     
    Danmtchl, Faust29, Voodoo Tom and 2 others like this.
  8. mtnbikej

    mtnbikej J-Zilla

    Location:
    Orange
    Name:
    J
    Current Bike:
    SC Chameleon SS, SC Hightower
    Race Face Aeffect 1x cranks: $99

    As long as you use a 32t ring, your XT cranks are fine. Even then, you can get a 30t that fits. No need to spend extra money you don't have to on an older bike. It will work fine, you don't have 142 or Boost spacing on your frame.
     
  9. herzalot

    herzalot iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Laguna Beach
    Name:
    Chris
    Current Bike:
    2020 Revel Rail,Yeti SB 130 LR
    What problem are you trying to solve by going 1x11? In what way will it make your bike better or help you enjoy riding more?

    I wouldn't bother unless the 3x system you currently have is causing you all kinds of problems. You really can't beat the versatility and range of a 2x or 3x system, and the weight isn't that big a deal.

    My new bike came as a 1x11, but I miss my 2x10.
     
    Danmtchl, Faust29, Voodoo Tom and 5 others like this.
  10. mtnbikej

    mtnbikej J-Zilla

    Location:
    Orange
    Name:
    J
    Current Bike:
    SC Chameleon SS, SC Hightower


    ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

    100%

    ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
     
    Danmtchl, Faust29, Voodoo Tom and 2 others like this.
  11. mtnbikej

    mtnbikej J-Zilla

    Location:
    Orange
    Name:
    J
    Current Bike:
    SC Chameleon SS, SC Hightower
    Danmtchl, Faust29, Voodoo Tom and 3 others like this.
  12. 45acpguy

    45acpguy Member

    Location:
    Granada Hills, CA
    Name:
    Dave
    Current Bike:
    Intense Tracer Enduro
    I hate confessing this, but a problem I had when trail riding was catching myself in the wrong gear and throwing my chain
     
    Danmtchl, Faust29, Voodoo Tom and 4 others like this.
  13. herzalot

    herzalot iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Laguna Beach
    Name:
    Chris
    Current Bike:
    2020 Revel Rail,Yeti SB 130 LR
    Wanna modernize your bike a little? Get a lighter saddle and a shorter stem! (Shorter stem only if that doesn't make you feel too cramped or too upright). You already got wider bars, which will compensates a little for shortening your stem. The bike will ride way different - and most likely better - with a shorter stem. A whole lot cheaper and noticeable than changing to 1x 11.
     
    Danmtchl, Faust29, Voodoo Tom and 2 others like this.
  14. Runs with Scissors

    Runs with Scissors iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    West Anaheim
    Name:
    Mark Whitaker
    Current Bike:
    Giant XTC with pedals
    Chain shouldn't drop unless you're cross-chaining to the max, or the chain/cassette is worn excessively. If you go 1x, make sure you use a new chain and a narrow-wide chainring. New cassette, too.
     
    Danmtchl, Faust29 and Mikie like this.
  15. herzalot

    herzalot iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Laguna Beach
    Name:
    Chris
    Current Bike:
    2020 Revel Rail,Yeti SB 130 LR
    Well, yes - eliminating a front derailleur will stop you from throwing your chain. I still had to add a chainguide to my narrow-wide chainring to keep it from bouncing off, but it has been flawless since then.

    So, if you are still hell bent on changing to 1x11, I believe @mtnbikej is steering you in the right direction. Ironic, for a guy who has no derailleurs!
     
    Danmtchl, doublewide, Faust29 and 3 others like this.
  16. herzalot

    herzalot iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Laguna Beach
    Name:
    Chris
    Current Bike:
    2020 Revel Rail,Yeti SB 130 LR
    Chain can drop pretty easily shifting down to the lowest chainring while the rear suspension is doing its thing, and/or under a lot of strain. The low stop should prevent it, but not always. I agree - a double shift from the biggest chainring to the smallest can easily lead to dropping the chain.

    For clarity - I am talking about the front transmission - not the rear.
     
  17. Runs with Scissors

    Runs with Scissors iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    West Anaheim
    Name:
    Mark Whitaker
    Current Bike:
    Giant XTC with pedals
    I'd recommend splurging on the Shimano Deore XT Shadow + derailleur. Having the clutch helps immensely.
     
    Danmtchl, Faust29, Voodoo Tom and 2 others like this.
  18. 45acpguy

    45acpguy Member

    Location:
    Granada Hills, CA
    Name:
    Dave
    Current Bike:
    Intense Tracer Enduro
    I dont have any experience working on my bikes. However, I worked in a shop preforming fabrication on studio/picture vehicles for 13 years. If I had the right guidance, I’m sure I could do the work. Yeah- I’m that guy that points to the bike and calls that part a “do-hicky” and a “whatcha-ma-jigger”.... LMAO!
     
    Danmtchl, scan, Faust29 and 7 others like this.
  19. herzalot

    herzalot iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Laguna Beach
    Name:
    Chris
    Current Bike:
    2020 Revel Rail,Yeti SB 130 LR
    Then you're gonna need one of these:

    Whachamacallit.jpg
     
    Danmtchl, CBone, Faust29 and 4 others like this.
  20. 45acpguy

    45acpguy Member

    Location:
    Granada Hills, CA
    Name:
    Dave
    Current Bike:
    Intense Tracer Enduro
    Do I have to be concerned with my back wheel accommodating a 12 spd cassette? Looks like I’ll need a BB too, but those aren’t too much
     
    Danmtchl, Faust29 and Mikie like this.
  21. Runs with Scissors

    Runs with Scissors iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    West Anaheim
    Name:
    Mark Whitaker
    Current Bike:
    Giant XTC with pedals
    If you don't have a left-handed thingamajig, you're in trouble.;)
     
    Danmtchl, Faust29 and Mikie like this.
  22. 45acpguy

    45acpguy Member

    Location:
    Granada Hills, CA
    Name:
    Dave
    Current Bike:
    Intense Tracer Enduro
    That’s exactly what I’m worried about...
     
    Danmtchl, Faust29 and Mikie like this.
  23. mtnbikej

    mtnbikej J-Zilla

    Location:
    Orange
    Name:
    J
    Current Bike:
    SC Chameleon SS, SC Hightower

    Nope....fits on a standard Shimao style freehub body. If 11 spd fits.....12 spd fits.

    We put 11 spd w/ 46t cassette on our tandem with 135mm QR rear hub.
     
    Danmtchl, Faust29, Voodoo Tom and 2 others like this.
  24. Grego

    Grego iMTB Addict

    Location:
    Fullerton
    Name:
    joe
    Current Bike:
    WFO9
    I'm with Voodoo and J on this one, ride it the way it is. No matter how much you upgrade it's still an old bike. Get some miles in and start saving for your next rig.
     
    Danmtchl, Faust29, Voodoo Tom and 4 others like this.
  25. Grego

    Grego iMTB Addict

    Location:
    Fullerton
    Name:
    joe
    Current Bike:
    WFO9
    Don't forget the 11 spd chain.
     
    Danmtchl, mtnbikej, Faust29 and 3 others like this.
  26. 45acpguy

    45acpguy Member

    Location:
    Granada Hills, CA
    Name:
    Dave
    Current Bike:
    Intense Tracer Enduro
    My LBS has an awful nice ‘18 Specialized Camber Comp 27.5” on sale for $1999. I think the sticker is $2500.00 But that’s a crap load fishing gear, or a new 9” fishfinder for the boat or....? Haha...
     
    Danmtchl, mtnbikej, scan and 5 others like this.
  27. Runs with Scissors

    Runs with Scissors iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    West Anaheim
    Name:
    Mark Whitaker
    Current Bike:
    Giant XTC with pedals
    Priorities.....
     
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  28. herzalot

    herzalot iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Laguna Beach
    Name:
    Chris
    Current Bike:
    2020 Revel Rail,Yeti SB 130 LR
    Just get one of these:
    Time Bandit.JPG
     
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  29. 45acpguy

    45acpguy Member

    Location:
    Granada Hills, CA
    Name:
    Dave
    Current Bike:
    Intense Tracer Enduro
    I get fixated on odd stuff. I was on a shoot up north in the Bay area and for the next 3 months I couldn’t stop looking at tug-boats for sale... lol

    But here’s my ship....

    8470A5C1-6378-43CA-B55A-6EEC5B84526E.jpeg
     
    Danmtchl, scan, Faust29 and 4 others like this.
  30. herzalot

    herzalot iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Laguna Beach
    Name:
    Chris
    Current Bike:
    2020 Revel Rail,Yeti SB 130 LR
    Cool! It's a little smaller than the one I recommended.

    Oh and as you might know (from being in the business), the Time Bandit ain't no old tug!
     
    Danmtchl, mtnbikej, Faust29 and 2 others like this.
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As a former Amazon Associate I continue to get screwed trying to stay qualified as an Amazon Affiliate. So I quit!


Want to donate to imtbtrails?