New bike...or build on my current frame?

[skipper]

I've got a Felt Q520, all stock except the clipless pedals. I've been riding a little over a year now and progressed pretty quick. I guess my bike hasn't been holding up to some of the beatings i've handed to it. My rear derailer is rather cheap (Shimano Alivio) and even though I have my LBS adjust it and tune up the rest of my bike, the chain still loves to get all sloppy and skip off the cog from time to time causing me to have to slow down. I feel that new front and rear derailers would really allow me to rip a little harder on the bike. A new fork would improve the ride as well (Suntour XCT? i believe). If I replace the front and rear derailer I might just as well get a new crankset and do the whole drivetrain, but that's $$$. Obviously, all these upgrades would cost over $600, or the price of the bike when it was stock.

I really want to begin racing this upcoming season. I don't have the money for a $2000 bike at this time. I don't see any point in spending $1000 on a new hardtail, as the components wouldn't even be that much of an upgrade. If I was going to buy a new bike, I'd want something really spectacular- more powerful brakes (hydraulic I'd prefer), etc.

What do you beginner racers suggest? Upgrade the drivetrain and replace the fork with something in the $250 range? Or save for a better hardtail? A FS is kind of out of the question, since one in my price range really wouldn't be much of an upgrade.

Right now the bike has low end shimano components, suntour fork, wtb wheels and tires, and felt seat, handlebars, etc. Shimano clipless pedals that I'll continue to entertain unless there's really something better out there.

My passion for riding and racing has really increased recently, it's just a shame that I feel my bike holds me back sometimes.
Thanks for the help!

 

[bonefishjake]

If you sold your current bike for $300 and put the other $600 or so you're willing to spend, you could probably find yourself a really nice and well equipped used hardtail. Have you considered that option?

 

[DanBrodeen]

New bikes come with warranties. They are nice to have, I learned that the hard way. Trek 6700 is a super fast hardtail or the GF Hoo Koo E Koo. Look around this time of year, you might find a leftover 2009 or a demo at a real low price.
Are you going to start out at Cat 3?
Good luck!

 

[pooriggy]

I really want to begin racing this upcoming season. I don't have the money for a $2000 bike at this time. I don't see any point in spending $1000 on a new hardtail, as the components wouldn't even be that much of an upgrade. If I was going to buy a new bike, I'd want something really spectacular- more powerful brakes (hydraulic I'd prefer), etc.

Don't let the current bike keep you from racing if thats what you want to do. You bought an entry level mountain bike, save your money until you can get the bike you want. If I can be so bold you probabley dont really know what bike you want at this point.
Keep riding and race next season, at this point your bike is not going to hold you back as much as your fitness & experience will. Once your fitness and experience improves you'll figure out how to pay for that $3,000 29er hardtail.

 

[Robson]

Iggy is right. Just race and see how it goes. I raced cat 3 first time this year on Niner Jet 9 (FS 29er) and Motobecane fanthom Pro (HT 29er). Niner is better bike but my racing performance was the same on both bikes. Better bike will make a difference when you move up to CAT1.

 

[Chris26er]

If racin is your main deal, I would start off with the Giant 29er. Its perfect for the H2h series and is pretty inexpensive with great components

 

[smufguy]

Funny thing is, I am in the same dilemma with my gf's Schwinn. She cant afford a new bike for 1200 bux either, but she rides a lot on my old Schwinn.

Custom Build kits are the second alternative. They, sometimes, include a fork as well, but mainly concentrate on wheels, driveline and steering. http://www.jensonusa.com/store/build_kit/ for example has different set of kits for different budgets. I have another link at home on my pc which i can updated when I get home which runs you around 600 bux for wheels, driveline, brakes and steering components.

The bike's performance is directly related to the rider's performance. But the paradox is, once you reach the limit on the bike truly, then its time to upgrade to either a different bike, or components.

Choose wisely.

 

[NJ-XC-Justin]

the fork is the biggest thing. find a used reba on MTBR for $200 and watch your bike feel totally new. then race the bike as is, no worries. save up and drop the 2 grand the year after next.

 

[smufguy]

This is also a good link... the one i was talking about >>>> http://bobs-bicycles.com/product-list/components-54/build-kits-197/

 

[walter]

This is also a good link... the one i was talking about >>>> http://bobs-bicycles.com/product-list/components-54/build-kits-197/

In my opinion, this isnt that great of a deal. You would pretty much be up grading from crap to "better" crap. The X9 rd is good, the fork is low end Marzocchi and the rest of the stuff is standard OEM parts. It states the fork is already cut to 7.5 inches which means it came off another bike or it is a return. $700 in upgrades to a low end bike is a substantial down payment on a new bike.

I agree with Justin and Iggy. Maybe look for some used deals to get you by, but if you want to race, race what you have and see how you do. You will be surprised at what people are riding at races. I did my first race this year on my rigid single speed and beat half my class. Ride what you have, replace stuff as it breaks and save for a new bike.

 

[smufguy]

Hey Walter, I agree with you 100%. In all honesty, I am against upgrading bikes, esp with suspension components. Main reason being a possible change in the bike geometry and the second reason being a possible additional stress load on the frame (for which the frame might not be built for). For example, taking my FSRxc and building it up to be an all mountain bike, I am sure I will probably break my bike trying to do what an 'all mountain bike' can do.

My suggestion to my gf, ergo my dilemea, is purely due to her skill level and her commitment to increase that level. For her, a $700 investment is like getting a better bike, but with limited amount of cash that she has (with the sale of an 08 Safirer at Effingers for $1600, we are tempted to put it on layaway till next year).