Upgrading my bike

skipper

skipper

New Member
Fell out of riding as often as I used to, but I am back at it and happier than ever. My bike continues to take a beating and I can only tune it up so many times. I've had the front and rear derailers replaced (at no cost) a couple of times as they were bent and I guess overall shot and not working smoothly. This is what I get for a $600 hardtail. I have a Felt Q520, with entry level Shimano components.

I'd like to start with the driveline and replace the crankset and derailers, possibly adding a bashguard in the mix. Then I'd move onto a new front fork. After all is said and done, I'm obviously looking at spending more on the components than I did on the bike in the first place.

I can't afford to spend more than $1000-$1500 on a new bike. I've been into bikes my whole life, and often get attached to what I'm riding and would rather build on it than replace the whole piece. That said, I guess my question is would it be completely ridiculous to dump money into an entry level bike or just bite the bullet and save for new?
 
Use that as a back-up and buy a frame for a build. Not worth dumping big money on an entry level bike. Eventually, you will want to replace the frame as well.
 
Yea i would agree with loggerhead here, use it as a back up bike and build something up on the side that you will def enjoy. You got plenty of time to build it up and im sure now your funds can expand too 😀
 
What frame do you have new some of the "entry level" frames are the same as the next up but with a different component mix...oops did not see that you listed the felt as the maker I would check to see if they use the same frame for different models that should give you a range to max out on with upgrading it..
 
I'm going to play Capt. Contrary to AE and loggerhead a bit here. Drivetrain, wheelsets (same diameter naturally), seats, handlebars...etc can be swapped from one frame to another, usually. So you could reuse the parts and put the stock stuff back on this bike when/if you upgrade the frame.
If you look at the singlespeed pic thread for example, you'll see some three or four hundred dollar frames built to the hilt. Plus, if you run out and buy a new bike in the price range you mentioned, the components probably aren't going to be substantially better than what you have.

That said, buying an entry level bike and upgrading isn't the best plan fiscally. I did that, and ended up replacing enough components to double the original price. So I essentially paid for two sets of everything. And if you do upgrade, try to keep in mind future compatibility and plan ahead. I ended up buying a few 9 speed components, then went 2x9, and now kinda wish I'd gone 2x10 but wasn't about to toss all the new stuff.

Also consider used, mountain bike values drop horrifically and you can get some screaming deals if you overlook some scuffs.

Last, Norm once said something like, if you're upgrading, buy good not just better. Might be a relatively small difference price-wise for a lot better part.
Good luck.
 
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