Have you ever regretted spending extra money up front for a better build?

[Kerrigan911]

Hey All,
Been riding hardtails forever and looking to jump into a full squish. My question is have you ever regretted spending extra on a build that is above your current ability?
For instance Bike A for 2300 and gets me a marzocchi z2 with deore drivetrain and wtb wheels, Bike B for 2800 gets me a dvo diamond d1, gx drivetrain and stans wheels. both have a fox float dps shock
Im riding older technology so pretty much any new bike will be an upgrade for myself.
thank you for any help and insight.

 

[Steve Vai]

Always add $1,000 to what you plan on spending and get that bike, it's the one you actually need.

 

[jdog]

Always add $1,000 to what you plan on spending and get that bike, it's the one you actually need.

Also this.

 

[Kerrigan911]

Always add $1,000 to what you plan on spending and get that bike, it's the one you actually need.

that is actually really good advice, appreciate the response.

 

[Glenn Rides After 4 PM CST]

When I bought my 2016 pivot Mach 429 trail. I regretted not spending the extra money on a better build. Even with those bikes you get what you pay for.

 

[A Potted Plant]

I haven't been exposed to the finer things in life so I don't regret things I know nothing about

 

[Soundguy]

Hey All,
Been riding hardtails forever and looking to jump into a full squish. My question is have you ever regretted spending extra on a build that is above your current ability?
For instance Bike A for 2300 and gets me a marzocchi z2 with deore drivetrain and wtb wheels, Bike B for 2800 gets me a dvo diamond d1, gx drivetrain and stans wheels. both have a fox float dps shock
Im riding older technology so pretty much any new bike will be an upgrade for myself.
thank you for any help and insight.

The DVO and Stans wheels are 100% worth the extra.

 

[JonF]

There's a clear point of diminishing returns for every bike and trim level. You really have to break each one down to find it but once you do, its a sweet spot of features for that bike. Usually any additional you spend from the lowest trim (but usually you should avoid that one) yields good linear upgrades since you're getting those options at oem cost built into the bike. If you're compfortable with a trim below that and budget is a hard limit, do it as most of the bike shop grace components are excellent regardless of trim level (again, except the lowest). But if you have any thoughts about upgrading components, spend as much as you can now as upgrades after the fact will cost you more.

 

[sundaydoug]

Hey All,
Been riding hardtails forever and looking to jump into a full squish. My question is have you ever regretted spending extra on a build that is above your current ability?

Depends on the specific builds. In your example though, the GX drivetrain and Stans wheels are worth the extra $500.

 

[Kerrigan911]

thank you all for the fantastic responses.
I ride mainly allaire, clayton and mercer. main choices are the giant trance 3 and fezzari cascade peak. you just get a lot more with the cascade for the difference in price.

 

[SmooveP]

When I bought my 2016 pivot Mach 429 trail. I regretted not spending the extra money on a better build. Even with those bikes you get what you pay for.

I think this response is probably more reflective of the majority on this board. However, the main downside to this approach is depriving yourself of the pleasure of upgrades. If you bought a complete bike that was perfect, what would you do with your spare time and money?

 

[a.s.]

I’ve often regretted not spending enough. Upgrading sub-par parts gets costly. You spend more in the end. Also, don’t discount the benefits of purchasing from your LBS, especially if you’re not mechanically inclined.

 

[JonF]

Also, dont discount availability in these bizarro times. Unless you've checked stock, a bike you can buy is always better than a bike you cant.

 

[stb222]

You can always upgrade over time. Spend money to get the better option in your frame and the suspension. All of the other parts are expendable. Oh, and save money to replace the Sram stuff with shimano.

 

[tonyride]

Never. I have regretting NOT spending the extra $$ for the better build because the upgrades always cost than the initial upfront cost.

 

[Magic]

Oh, and save money to replace the Sram stuff with shimano.

This.

 

[Soundguy]

This.

No.

 

[Kerrigan911]

I’ve often regretted not spending enough. Upgrading sub-par parts gets costly. You spend more in the end. Also, don’t discount the benefits of purchasing from your LBS, especially if you’re not mechanically inclined.

luckily im mechanically inclined. Bigger issue is supply. Most LBS just have zero inventory because of covid. i would love to check out a bunch of different brands and models in person but thats just not an option right now.

 

[Bike N Gear]

Oh, and save money to replace the Sram stuff with shimano.

Just not anytime soon.

 

[carvegybe]

You can always upgrade over time. Spend money to get the better option in your frame and the suspension. All of the other parts are expendable. Oh, and save money to replace the Sram stuff with shimano.

Only have shimano XT and rode Eagle GX once on a demo - felt nice but I like XT better. I hear the upper end of Eagle drivetrains is great but Shimano provides better performance at mid-range levels. Is that an accurate summary?