All Things Bikes and Tacos! (...and every vehicle imaginable)

True, also consider that many components you buy for that bike may be interchangeable with the "new" bike as well. The trick is to add components that not only add value to the bike, but also add value to your riding goals. The calculus for whether you upgrade components as you go or ride it and wait is really determined by how much time you'll invest into riding and improving the skillset.

Things to consider for investing in current bike vs. a newer build:

• Most newer bikes are now using a tapered headset standard where the top of the head tube is 1-1/8" and the bottom is 1-1/4" (yours is a straight 1-1/8" steerer tube)
• That said, all current stems are fit for 1-1/8" threadless steerer tubes so that's an immediate swap for just about any bike (Cannondale Lefty being the outlier)
• Many manufacturers use a variety of bottom bracket "standards" so not all bottom brackets are immediately interchangeable, but there are workarounds with companies such as WheelsManufacturing
• With any geared mountain bike it is ALWAYS a good investment to have a spare derailleur hanger with you at all times (and the tools to change it out)
• Newer bikes use thru-axles instead of quick-release skewers so that can limit wheel upgrades to a single bike. Some hub manufacturers make adapters to convert between the old standard of 135mm quick release to the newer standard of 142 w/ a thru-axle. Then there's Boost 148mm which is the + you keep hearing about in 27.5 and 29+
• Aluminum is aluminum... yes there are varying alloy types but at the entry/lower level of bike frames; it's negligible and you won't notice a difference.
• Presta v. Schrader valves on tubes... Presta is seen always on tubeless conversions and Schrader is older/tubed "technology" but many modern tubes also use Presta Valves. (most current pumps can do both)

 

great info, thank you! y'all are loading me down with some knowledge lol

 

@stronghammer

It's a little dated but here is a pretty good Santa Cruz in your area. I know you'd prefer a hardtail, but...

https://bham.craigslist.org/bik/d/birmingham-santa-cruz-5010-black-bike/6831635671.html

Good looking Lefty, but it is across the GA border in Woodstock

https://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/bik/d/woodstock-cannondale-carbon-fiber-lefty/6836869930.html

 

it's pretty! hahaha. I got nothing for you...I'd say just looking at brands/numbers against my GT it's a step above in a few areas but equal on some.

 

I took a second look. I'm not convinced. The axle standards are proprietary to Trek and still would need to upgrade the fork

Nice find here. Will climb like a billy goat and decent specs for the price. And it includes shoes! Haha

 

I need to get out of this thread before I spend money I don't need to right now haha

 

Actually, these are priced really well. This is my vote. Just have to spend a little more but you get a warranty and could test ride at REI probably

https://www.diamondback.com/mountain-bikes/hardtail/syncr-d42

 

Shit I’d buy that 5010 if it was my size! Isn’t that the carbon frame?

 

yeah it's 1 size too small for me too. I'm a L frame for bike..medium is too small..

 

we have an REI opening in Huntsville in the fall, and I think I'm going to hold out until then before making purchases. I'm going to check all my local shops, and REI, and make a decision then.

 

I'm not convinced it's a real listing. Classic one photo on the garage door kinda spam. Regardless I'm about to call and see if it is, if so I'm scooping it lol

 

Don't be afraid to simply order a Motobecane with great components. They usually have better components for any price-point than most big box store or boutique alternatives. You can then upgrade one component at a time until you eventually end up with a fully customized bike built for your specific interests.

My favorite bike is my singlespeed carbon hardtail that I built in this fashion over the course of eight years. It's a 21 pound rocket that started out life as a 33 pound 3x9 aluminum 29er. Now, the only original part that's still on the bike is a WTB saddle that came with the initial purchase in 2007. I used Pinkbike, eBay, and the MTBR Classifieds sections to find great upgrades over the course of that entire eight years, and then finally swapped out the frame for the icing on the carbon cake.

The key is to choose the platform based on your specific interests and future upgradability (wheel sizes, tube diameters, frame geometry, etc).

Just a thought.

 

Damn.

Double damn I just reslized it was a medium, that’s my size. Guess you’ll beat me to it

 

Gotcha. My hardtail is a medium, otherwise I’d consider selling you mine. That and I really like it still.

 

Diamondback has really upped their game. This girl I dated for a while had their full sus and had a fancy X2 on the back and everything.

@stronghammer , I can get some pretty good diamondback pricing through my work. If you are interested, I could hook you up.

 

what is your hardtail?

hm...we may talk! I'm not ready now (home renovations have my money tied up) but I know I'll most likely be buying this year!

 

My bike would be way to small for you, but its a 2016 Trek Stache 7.

I'd also support the Diamondbacks. They've def stepped up in recent years and have some fun looking geometry bikes to offer.

 

Another vote for the new Diamondback offerings. They've really stepped up their game and modernized their entire lineup -- up to, and including, a few VERY high-end bikes.

 

@stronghammer
Just a touch over the $1k budget.
https://chattanooga.craigslist.org/bik/d/chattanooga-2018-santa-cruz-chameleon/6837886685.html

 

My only complaint about diamondback right now is their Sync'r line has no "middle" option. You have the 1100 dollar bottom rack bike, and the syncr carbon top shelf hardtail, but no option of the good fox 34, etc parts on the aluminum frame option.