is it worthwhile to upgrade?
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is it worthwhile to upgrade?
I have a 2000 Specialized Hard Rock A1 Comp FS. I got it at the end of the year clearance. Think I paid around $440 for it way back then.
This one:
2000 Specialized Hardrock A1 Comp FS - BikePedia
I use it to get to work and shop and it has served me well. I don't put more than 4 miles a day on it. A few years in I changed out the knobby tires for some smoother ones which made the ride easier. But still it feels clunky.
I'm considering switching to a lighter hybrid. I liked the Kona Dew, around $500. Or possibly something simpler like an 8-speed. But I'm not sure that it would be worthwhile to make a purchase.
Does anyone have any pros and cons? Exactly what would I gain by getting a Dew or equivalent?
This one:
2000 Specialized Hardrock A1 Comp FS - BikePedia
I use it to get to work and shop and it has served me well. I don't put more than 4 miles a day on it. A few years in I changed out the knobby tires for some smoother ones which made the ride easier. But still it feels clunky.
I'm considering switching to a lighter hybrid. I liked the Kona Dew, around $500. Or possibly something simpler like an 8-speed. But I'm not sure that it would be worthwhile to make a purchase.
Does anyone have any pros and cons? Exactly what would I gain by getting a Dew or equivalent?
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I think it's time to go bike shopping and test ride a few.
I don't think the Kona is that much different. Your bike appears to have Front suspension, by your description of your riding, not a necessary feature to have. I can imagine that fork being tired at this point, it was an inexpensive fork to begin with and they don't age well.
I don't think the Kona is that much different. Your bike appears to have Front suspension, by your description of your riding, not a necessary feature to have. I can imagine that fork being tired at this point, it was an inexpensive fork to begin with and they don't age well.
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4 miles a day? I wouldn't bother changing it out unless you have a burning desire to spend your money. If you really want something new though, go for it.
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For short distance commuting and grocery getting I wouldn't think you'd need to upgrade. What is clunky about the bike? Is it the shifting? The components are entry level and might not age well. Have you ever replaced the chain? You could spend about $100 on a new chain, some basic tools to maybe replace bottom bracket, overhaul hubs, maybe new cables. All that might freshen up the ride.
I wouldn't upgrade an old entry level bike with a new entry level bike. If I was going to spend $500 I'd look around on Craig's list for a quality mid range or even older upper end bike.
I wouldn't upgrade an old entry level bike with a new entry level bike. If I was going to spend $500 I'd look around on Craig's list for a quality mid range or even older upper end bike.
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Worthwhile? No.
Should you do it anyway? That is the question.
Should you do it anyway? That is the question.
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4 miles a day x 75 days/year or so is 300 miles x 16 years ---4800 miles -
Time for a new chain, cassette , maybe even a new middle ring and shifter housing plus true the wheels-
I used to put about that many miles per year on my primary road bike and it would always need these things
Thenn it wont feel clunky anymore
Time for a new chain, cassette , maybe even a new middle ring and shifter housing plus true the wheels-
I used to put about that many miles per year on my primary road bike and it would always need these things
Thenn it wont feel clunky anymore
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When I got back into cycling about 10 years ago, my wife and I got hybrids. Mine had one level up shifters/derailleurs than her's, but otherwise they were close to identical. I loved mine, she hated hers till it got stolen, and she got a used bike with the same shifters I had. She loved it. I forget what mine were, but there were mid-low level Shimano, and had a very nice feel. Different wheels and tires also make a huge difference in how clunky a bike can feel.
My point is that weight is unlikely to be what you're feeling, and getting another similar hybrid that might be a couple of pounds lighter probably won't be a dramatic difference. If you basically like the bike you have, follow DMC707s advice if you haven't done that recently. Do it yourself and it won't cost that much. If you think you might like newer, higher level wheels and components, try looking at lightly used hybrids on Craigslist.
My point is that weight is unlikely to be what you're feeling, and getting another similar hybrid that might be a couple of pounds lighter probably won't be a dramatic difference. If you basically like the bike you have, follow DMC707s advice if you haven't done that recently. Do it yourself and it won't cost that much. If you think you might like newer, higher level wheels and components, try looking at lightly used hybrids on Craigslist.
#8
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A 4 mile commute is very short and the benefit of a new bike is unlikely to change much other than time due to the 700c wheels and gearing. I have 6 years experience with the Dew Plus, disk brake version of the Dew at that time. Last year it got road bars and gearing, crank and derailleurs, and is ridden daily to work and back (38 mile round trip) by my son. The bike is very capable for commuting, touring, and other activities. The Dew has the same frame. If you plan on riding longer distances, the change in wheel size alone will be worth it, however if that is not in the plan, keep what you have and do cable replacement and maybe even go as far as I did with replacing the derailleurs and possibly the crank.
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Replace all worn-out parts (chain, cables, maybe chainrings or sprockets), get KoolStop brake pads, and keep riding it. I am not a fan of suspension for general riding on roads or smooth trails, so a plain fork might serve your needs better than what's on there, assuming you can find one of the proper configuration and dimensions. My elder son's first adult size bike was an early 1990s HardRock, and it is a great general beater/commuter.
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My point is that weight is unlikely to be what you're feeling, and getting another similar hybrid that might be a couple of pounds lighter probably won't be a dramatic difference. If you basically like the bike you have, follow DMC707s advice if you haven't done that recently. Do it yourself and it won't cost that much. If you think you might like newer, higher level wheels and components, try looking at lightly used hybrids on Craigslist.
One thing I did not mention is that I weigh 105 lbs. I think a 5 lb difference in bike weight would be very noticeable, all other things being equal.
But I am finding it difficult to determine bike weights. It seems that most manufacturers do not publish that information.
I've checked out craiglist, kind of difficult in my college town because the prices are still high for nice used bikes. Also being a small female the pickings are slim.
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With that info, bike weight in my opinion will only be really noticeable if and when you have to lug it up stairs.
You read similar in size to my wife when we got married, so with that, bike fit is important, 700c wheels are not well suited to design a well fitting bike for those close to 5'. Even 5'-2" . Another reason to stick with 26" wheels.
My wife would be best with a road bike that has 650c size wheels.
Sometimes these are advertised as xs road bikes, a few mfgs have been making them for a while and do show up on the used market. Sellers may not know what they have, tires will be marked 650x 23 for example.
Is there a bike co-op in your area?
You read similar in size to my wife when we got married, so with that, bike fit is important, 700c wheels are not well suited to design a well fitting bike for those close to 5'. Even 5'-2" . Another reason to stick with 26" wheels.
My wife would be best with a road bike that has 650c size wheels.
Sometimes these are advertised as xs road bikes, a few mfgs have been making them for a while and do show up on the used market. Sellers may not know what they have, tires will be marked 650x 23 for example.
Is there a bike co-op in your area?
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Yeah, it needs maybe $150-$220 worth of work done.
One thing I did not mention is that I weigh 105 lbs. I think a 5 lb difference in bike weight would be very noticeable, all other things being equal.
But I am finding it difficult to determine bike weights. It seems that most manufacturers do not publish that information.
I've checked out craiglist, kind of difficult in my college town because the prices are still high for nice used bikes. Also being a small female the pickings are slim.
One thing I did not mention is that I weigh 105 lbs. I think a 5 lb difference in bike weight would be very noticeable, all other things being equal.
But I am finding it difficult to determine bike weights. It seems that most manufacturers do not publish that information.
I've checked out craiglist, kind of difficult in my college town because the prices are still high for nice used bikes. Also being a small female the pickings are slim.
Regarding bike weights, realize the frame and fork are a very modest part of the weight. The wheels and tires are a big part, and make up a disproportionate sense of the weight since they are rotating masses. The components (derailleurs, brakes, etc.) are also a major source of weight, and dropping pounds here means spending a lot. Your best bet might be to get a good used mid-level road touring bike that can handle wider tires for commuting and maybe a rack.
Edit: I posted before reading what repechage wrote. I think we're giving similar advice. Being in a college town may raise prices a bit, but if you're looking for a decent quality bike in a very small size, you're not going to be competing with a lot of people. Have patience, and test ride some bikes to figure out just what you want. You have a bike that works for now, so take your time. And +1 in looking for a bike with 650 tires. They'll be less common, but will serve you better.
Last edited by Kevindale; 12-26-16 at 09:39 AM.
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maybe buy an older Stumpjumper or Schwinn KOM and built it up right?
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There is the N+1 rule to consider.
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If you find a bike you enjoy riding, you may find you will ride it more.
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I'm replacing the chain, the cassette, the cables, the brakes, the tires, a new seat, and tune up + overhaul. It will be like a new bike. Bike shop guy will even touch up the paint.
I also tried a Jamis Coda Comp Femme. It's steel. Could get it for cost minus the money for all of the above.
Or I could keep the old one and get the new one, too.
Or I could just keep the old and keep looking at new ones until I am really sure about what I want. At this point is it like being a kid in a candy store. Everything is so "ooh aah."
Forget n+1, I could see this becoming (n+1)!.
I also tried a Jamis Coda Comp Femme. It's steel. Could get it for cost minus the money for all of the above.
Or I could keep the old one and get the new one, too.
Or I could just keep the old and keep looking at new ones until I am really sure about what I want. At this point is it like being a kid in a candy store. Everything is so "ooh aah."
Forget n+1, I could see this becoming (n+1)!.
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I'm replacing the chain, the cassette, the cables, the brakes, the tires, a new seat, and tune up + overhaul. It will be like a new bike. Bike shop guy will even touch up the paint.
I also tried a Jamis Coda Comp Femme. It's steel. Could get it for cost minus the money for all of the above.
Or I could keep the old one and get the new one, too.
Or I could just keep the old and keep looking at new ones until I am really sure about what I want. At this point is it like being a kid in a candy store. Everything is so "ooh aah."
Forget n+1, I could see this becoming (n+1)!.
I also tried a Jamis Coda Comp Femme. It's steel. Could get it for cost minus the money for all of the above.
Or I could keep the old one and get the new one, too.
Or I could just keep the old and keep looking at new ones until I am really sure about what I want. At this point is it like being a kid in a candy store. Everything is so "ooh aah."
Forget n+1, I could see this becoming (n+1)!.
Hmmmm --- that activity will get the old steed up and running good to be sure --- I was even going to suggest some narrower , more street specific tires if you were currently still using MTB style tires --- all that would give the old boy a new lease on life. I enjoy getting more life out of older equipment
But I just looked at the JAmis you mentioned - those look like quite capable commuters as well
tough decision
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