calling all mountain bike experts
#1
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calling all mountain bike experts
I have a 97' Marin bobcat that has done me stirling service for years now..
however- last night I managed to snap two teeth off the largest front cog last night, one off the centre front and the rear cogs are now seriously worse for wear..
my mileage has rocketed lately; and I ride hard and very very fast.
99% On road tho.
I think I put too much strain on the gearset..
I recently broke some pedals to give you an idea of how much force I exert uphill
I have had a brief look at replacing the gearset- but I dont know where to start.
was hoping to bag some XT/XTR bargains on fleabay- but again- I dont know exactly what I can fit on the bobcat.
I'm half tempted just to say sod it- and buy a 2nd hand bargain from ebay and be done with it.
HELPPPPPPPPPPPPPP
however- last night I managed to snap two teeth off the largest front cog last night, one off the centre front and the rear cogs are now seriously worse for wear..
my mileage has rocketed lately; and I ride hard and very very fast.
99% On road tho.
I think I put too much strain on the gearset..
I recently broke some pedals to give you an idea of how much force I exert uphill
I have had a brief look at replacing the gearset- but I dont know where to start.
was hoping to bag some XT/XTR bargains on fleabay- but again- I dont know exactly what I can fit on the bobcat.
I'm half tempted just to say sod it- and buy a 2nd hand bargain from ebay and be done with it.
HELPPPPPPPPPPPPPP
#2
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Blimey mate - it it's original '97 kit, I'd say it's done jolly well. Just buy the best stuff you can afford. XTR is an unnecessary expense IMO - XT is just as good in the value stakes. Chainrings are fragile bits of kit but I've had reasonable life out of the Middleburn stuff.
Cheers
Kav
Cheers
Kav
#3
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Blimey mate - it it's original '97 kit, I'd say it's done jolly well. Just buy the best stuff you can afford. XTR is an unnecessary expense IMO - XT is just as good in the value stakes
Go for XT....will prob last longer as well and weighs only a few extra grams
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Originally Posted by chrome
I have a 97' Marin bobcat that has done me stirling service for years now..
however- last night I managed to snap two teeth off the largest front cog last night, one off the centre front and the rear cogs are now seriously worse for wear..
my mileage has rocketed lately; and I ride hard and very very fast.
99% On road tho.
I think I put too much strain on the gearset..
I recently broke some pedals to give you an idea of how much force I exert uphill
I have had a brief look at replacing the gearset- but I dont know where to start.
was hoping to bag some XT/XTR bargains on fleabay- but again- I dont know exactly what I can fit on the bobcat.
I'm half tempted just to say sod it- and buy a 2nd hand bargain from ebay and be done with it.
HELPPPPPPPPPPPPPP
however- last night I managed to snap two teeth off the largest front cog last night, one off the centre front and the rear cogs are now seriously worse for wear..
my mileage has rocketed lately; and I ride hard and very very fast.
99% On road tho.
I think I put too much strain on the gearset..
I recently broke some pedals to give you an idea of how much force I exert uphill
I have had a brief look at replacing the gearset- but I dont know where to start.
was hoping to bag some XT/XTR bargains on fleabay- but again- I dont know exactly what I can fit on the bobcat.
I'm half tempted just to say sod it- and buy a 2nd hand bargain from ebay and be done with it.
HELPPPPPPPPPPPPPP
With the age of the bike, I would think the bottom bracket will be square tapered axle is it? If so any crankset for square taper fit will work. XT/Xtr are always good quality so you should be alright with them. Are the chainrings you have at the moment seperate ie. possible to replace the 1s you damaged without replacing whole crankset? This may not work out to be cost effective but worth a look. As for your worn rear cassette just put on a new 1 for all the price of them. How many sprockets on the rear?
Hope this is of some help to you. Any Qs just ask should be able to help you (hopefully!)
Grant
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it has an annual service. thats the only real maintenance it gets these days..
It probably has about 2500 miles on it total now.. maybe a bit less.
I caned hell out of it at college.
And when I was out of work.
Then it got put in the shed for a couple of years.
Just recently been doing about 6-7 miles a day 6 days a week... and some leisure riding of 5+miles.. its showing its age at last tho
longevity from the replacement bits is preffered
XTR/XT stuff seems pretty cheap via ebay- but I have no idea if I can strip off existing mech/cassette etc and replace with 9spd xtr kit.
(would need new shifter too I suppose)
short term: I need a new crank ASAP.
Typical; if I need a hand with the car I know plenty of people who would willingly help- but with the bike I'm **** out of luck and have no idea where to start with it.
doh.
Plus I've never had to replace anything bar the pedals on the bike- it's been smashing..
Anyone fancy speccing me up some strong replacement kit for it and building it up?
OR at least I can post up current frame size/crank arm length, and post some pics as to which bits I would like to replace..
Anyone up for it?
(modding a mountain bike- what am I like?- altho' its GOT to be cheaper than moding the scoob -again )
It probably has about 2500 miles on it total now.. maybe a bit less.
I caned hell out of it at college.
And when I was out of work.
Then it got put in the shed for a couple of years.
Just recently been doing about 6-7 miles a day 6 days a week... and some leisure riding of 5+miles.. its showing its age at last tho
longevity from the replacement bits is preffered
XTR/XT stuff seems pretty cheap via ebay- but I have no idea if I can strip off existing mech/cassette etc and replace with 9spd xtr kit.
(would need new shifter too I suppose)
short term: I need a new crank ASAP.
Typical; if I need a hand with the car I know plenty of people who would willingly help- but with the bike I'm **** out of luck and have no idea where to start with it.
doh.
Plus I've never had to replace anything bar the pedals on the bike- it's been smashing..
Anyone fancy speccing me up some strong replacement kit for it and building it up?
OR at least I can post up current frame size/crank arm length, and post some pics as to which bits I would like to replace..
Anyone up for it?
(modding a mountain bike- what am I like?- altho' its GOT to be cheaper than moding the scoob -again )
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ah- cheers grant.
Will go take some measurements/photos and post up in a bit.
Rear hub is buckled as **** too
(damn downhill trail last night on the way home from the pub)
The bike has a load of new squeaks and rattles now..
the gearset I have now is pretty crappy (altho it HAS lasted years now)
I have seen a smart Marin Nail trail on Ebay for not much at all, and Im very tempted just to buy that as its a hell of a base bike (ally - no Ti tho).
My biggest problem Is that I have no tools for the bike- or any know how of what to do with the tools/new parts if I had any!
Will go take some measurements/photos and post up in a bit.
Rear hub is buckled as **** too
(damn downhill trail last night on the way home from the pub)
The bike has a load of new squeaks and rattles now..
the gearset I have now is pretty crappy (altho it HAS lasted years now)
I have seen a smart Marin Nail trail on Ebay for not much at all, and Im very tempted just to buy that as its a hell of a base bike (ally - no Ti tho).
My biggest problem Is that I have no tools for the bike- or any know how of what to do with the tools/new parts if I had any!
Last edited by chrome; 04 August 2005 at 12:58 PM.
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#8
To be honest even LX kit is good. I've recently bought a 2nd hand stumpjumper and the LX parts on that feel lovely.
Have a look at the classifieds on http://www.singletrackworld.co.uk/
Best place to buy parts is www.merlincycles.co.uk
followed by chainreactioncycles.co.uk and wiggle.co.uk
Have a look at the classifieds on http://www.singletrackworld.co.uk/
Best place to buy parts is www.merlincycles.co.uk
followed by chainreactioncycles.co.uk and wiggle.co.uk
#9
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Originally Posted by King RA
To be honest even LX kit is good. I've recently bought a 2nd hand stumpjumper and the LX parts on that feel lovely.
Have a look at the classifieds on http://www.singletrackworld.co.uk/
Best place to buy parts is www.merlincycles.co.uk
followed by chainreactioncycles.co.uk and wiggle.co.uk
Have a look at the classifieds on http://www.singletrackworld.co.uk/
Best place to buy parts is www.merlincycles.co.uk
followed by chainreactioncycles.co.uk and wiggle.co.uk
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I may be completely wrong on this but I've a funny feeling the width of the rear of the frame is slightly wider to accomodate 9 speed hubs.
If going the 9 speed route it's going to cost you a load anyway, need new block, rear derailleur, possibly new hubs to accomodate 9 speed block and therefore a wheel rebuild, new cranks/front rings, new bottom bracket, new front derailleur, new shifters, new chain, cables....
If you are hard on the drivetrain how about the Shimano Saint stuff designed for more extreme type riding and downhill. Should last a bit longer.
Upgrade / trade it in?
If going the 9 speed route it's going to cost you a load anyway, need new block, rear derailleur, possibly new hubs to accomodate 9 speed block and therefore a wheel rebuild, new cranks/front rings, new bottom bracket, new front derailleur, new shifters, new chain, cables....
If you are hard on the drivetrain how about the Shimano Saint stuff designed for more extreme type riding and downhill. Should last a bit longer.
Upgrade / trade it in?
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Yeh thats right the freehub on rear will only b long enough to take whe size of cassette on it at the moment unless its spaced! As for labour costs nae too sure I build all my bikes myself but as I'm slightly out the way of nottingham this aint much help to you.
Saint certainly wouldnt break easy but might work out a bit costly given the age/value of the bike.
Grant
Saint certainly wouldnt break easy but might work out a bit costly given the age/value of the bike.
Grant
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hi guys.
GRaz- some interesting points.
Didnt realise about the 9spd restrictions tho.
saint crank is £130 on http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...x?ModelID=3404
the saint rear mech only works with a saint hub too.. http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...x?ModelID=3410
hm.
nice idea tho.
tbh- I think Im gonna hold out for the nail trail bike via ebay.
It will certainly work out cheaper than hi spec bits..
here's some pics of my shagged drivetrain:
front chain rings are:
42/34/24
4 teeth half gone, two missing on outer ring,
four half gone on middle ring,
one missing and two half gone on inner ring. nice.
7 spd rear cassette
Shimano aceraX crank (yuck) - looks to me like its all one peice.
acera/atlus (not sure which now) front and rear mech's.
frame is still in resonable nick.
GRaz- some interesting points.
Didnt realise about the 9spd restrictions tho.
saint crank is £130 on http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...x?ModelID=3404
the saint rear mech only works with a saint hub too.. http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...x?ModelID=3410
hm.
nice idea tho.
tbh- I think Im gonna hold out for the nail trail bike via ebay.
It will certainly work out cheaper than hi spec bits..
here's some pics of my shagged drivetrain:
front chain rings are:
42/34/24
4 teeth half gone, two missing on outer ring,
four half gone on middle ring,
one missing and two half gone on inner ring. nice.
7 spd rear cassette
Shimano aceraX crank (yuck) - looks to me like its all one peice.
acera/atlus (not sure which now) front and rear mech's.
frame is still in resonable nick.
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what would you fellas in the know offer for a late 90's XTR crankset (no broken teeth), shifters, cables and front and rear mech.. ??
its this guy:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...DME:B:RTQ:UK:1
Sounds like he has other XTR goodies- but he wont give a price on the bundle.. help!
its this guy:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...DME:B:RTQ:UK:1
Sounds like he has other XTR goodies- but he wont give a price on the bundle.. help!
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okk Andy. I didnt know that.
Back in the day (mid 90's) all I knew was that XTR were the daddy allegedly
Thanks for the input.
Got my eye on a couple of Deore equipped bikes on ebay as we speak.
Works out cheaper (rather than just upgrading the bits seperately! ) amazingly
Back in the day (mid 90's) all I knew was that XTR were the daddy allegedly
Thanks for the input.
Got my eye on a couple of Deore equipped bikes on ebay as we speak.
Works out cheaper (rather than just upgrading the bits seperately! ) amazingly
Last edited by chrome; 04 August 2005 at 10:16 PM.
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just found myself a SWEET ride..
spec:
Frame
7005 aluminium E-XC with Edge EX top and down tubes
Forks
RockShox Duke XC with U-Turn 63-108mm
Rear Derailleur
Shimano Deore XT
Front Derailleur
Shimano Deore
Shifters
Shimano Deore
Chainset
TruVativ Firex 44/32/22 with outer and middle alloy rings
Bottom Bracket
TruVativ ISIS Drive SL
Chain
Shimano HG-53
Freewheel
SRAM PG-950 PowerGlide II 9spd 11-32
Headset
WTB Momentum AL threadless
Stem
3D forged four bolt threadless
Handlebars
Double butted alloy with 1" rise
Front Brake
Magura Julie hydraulic disc
Rear Brake
Magura Julie hydraulic disc
Brake Levers
Magura Julie hydraulic disc
Rims
Mavic X-223 disc 32h
Front Hub
Pro Disc double sealed 32h
Rear Hub
Pro Disc double sealed 32h
Spokes
DT 15 guage black stainless
Tyres
26" Slicks and Bontrager XC Tyres
Saddle
WTB Speed V Sport with love channel and comfort zone
Seatpost
Comp alloy micro adjust
Sound ok??
Tis bloody cheap too!!
spec:
Frame
7005 aluminium E-XC with Edge EX top and down tubes
Forks
RockShox Duke XC with U-Turn 63-108mm
Rear Derailleur
Shimano Deore XT
Front Derailleur
Shimano Deore
Shifters
Shimano Deore
Chainset
TruVativ Firex 44/32/22 with outer and middle alloy rings
Bottom Bracket
TruVativ ISIS Drive SL
Chain
Shimano HG-53
Freewheel
SRAM PG-950 PowerGlide II 9spd 11-32
Headset
WTB Momentum AL threadless
Stem
3D forged four bolt threadless
Handlebars
Double butted alloy with 1" rise
Front Brake
Magura Julie hydraulic disc
Rear Brake
Magura Julie hydraulic disc
Brake Levers
Magura Julie hydraulic disc
Rims
Mavic X-223 disc 32h
Front Hub
Pro Disc double sealed 32h
Rear Hub
Pro Disc double sealed 32h
Spokes
DT 15 guage black stainless
Tyres
26" Slicks and Bontrager XC Tyres
Saddle
WTB Speed V Sport with love channel and comfort zone
Seatpost
Comp alloy micro adjust
Sound ok??
Tis bloody cheap too!!
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bugger.
this bike and another I had my eye on were both going for silly money- until the last 40 minutes- then predicatably it went nuts
Way out of my price range..
found an address for my local Marin Dealer.. might phone him up and ask if they can replace the chainset/gearset.
just mildly concerned the bike/frame is too old and technology has moved on so far now, as I have been reading the last few days, that its beyond saving..
this bike and another I had my eye on were both going for silly money- until the last 40 minutes- then predicatably it went nuts
Way out of my price range..
found an address for my local Marin Dealer.. might phone him up and ask if they can replace the chainset/gearset.
just mildly concerned the bike/frame is too old and technology has moved on so far now, as I have been reading the last few days, that its beyond saving..
Last edited by chrome; 06 August 2005 at 06:59 PM.
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Id be inclined to recommend a new bike over getting an old one or your one fixed up.
Nows actually not a bad time to buy. I got 25% off my Zaskar because it was september 03 and the newer ones 04 were due in the next few weeks.
Nows actually not a bad time to buy. I got 25% off my Zaskar because it was september 03 and the newer ones 04 were due in the next few weeks.
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I really cant afford anything really decent these days..
all the new bikes that are reasonably specced are Soo expensive
I bought my Marin in 96/97 for cash and it was about £400 then.
£400 now will get me sweetFA from what I've seen...
back in 96/97 Bikes over a grand were far rarer than now.
Now they seem to be de rigeur- and anything less seems to be sheer tat
altho there is the evil of interest free credit
*sigh
I'm going to call the marin dealer on monday and see what the real cost of fixing the bobcat will be.
The frame is still decent- its just the components are showing their age.
all the new bikes that are reasonably specced are Soo expensive
I bought my Marin in 96/97 for cash and it was about £400 then.
£400 now will get me sweetFA from what I've seen...
back in 96/97 Bikes over a grand were far rarer than now.
Now they seem to be de rigeur- and anything less seems to be sheer tat
altho there is the evil of interest free credit
*sigh
I'm going to call the marin dealer on monday and see what the real cost of fixing the bobcat will be.
The frame is still decent- its just the components are showing their age.
Last edited by chrome; 06 August 2005 at 09:33 PM.
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Originally Posted by chrome
I really cant afford anything really decent these days..
all the new bikes that are reasonably specced are Soo expensive
all the new bikes that are reasonably specced are Soo expensive
I did however manage to sneak this in to the house the other day
picture going to work with a black Giant bike and arriving back with that. Loads of carbon and loads of Campag ........It took some explaining
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the rocky ridge I had my eye on went for £386.
the nail trail went for £280
its more than I really wanted spend.. seeing as apart from the chainset/crannk and gears the bobcat is still good to go.
plus the wife was watching on ebay over my shoulder
altho I suppose I'll get FA for my marin on a PX no doubt given its age.
****.
the nail trail went for £280
its more than I really wanted spend.. seeing as apart from the chainset/crannk and gears the bobcat is still good to go.
plus the wife was watching on ebay over my shoulder
altho I suppose I'll get FA for my marin on a PX no doubt given its age.
****.
Last edited by chrome; 06 August 2005 at 09:49 PM.
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Chrome, in your original post you said 99% of your riding was on-road. If thats the case, why not get a proper road bike?
You can borrow my cannondale road bike for a few weeks while I'm away if you like, in fact, you can borrow it till the end of september I wont be using it.
Let me know if you fancy a go,
Chris.
You can borrow my cannondale road bike for a few weeks while I'm away if you like, in fact, you can borrow it till the end of september I wont be using it.
Let me know if you fancy a go,
Chris.
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Chrome
I was in the same position as you last year, but i had bent my bike on a ride. nothing major but that whats happens when you are 13 stone and ride hard.
I looked at fixing it, but in the end i striped sme bits off flogged them and bought a new one.
I got a Giant xtc se 3 from these guys, deore lx/xt hardtail excellent hydralic disc brakes the works.
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk
ok it was a 2003 and it was nearly the end of 2004 when i bough it. but who cares for the £400 ish it cost.
have a look they have good bikes for around the £400 mark and if you are not a poser and need the latest colour who gives a **** right.
I was in the same position as you last year, but i had bent my bike on a ride. nothing major but that whats happens when you are 13 stone and ride hard.
I looked at fixing it, but in the end i striped sme bits off flogged them and bought a new one.
I got a Giant xtc se 3 from these guys, deore lx/xt hardtail excellent hydralic disc brakes the works.
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk
ok it was a 2003 and it was nearly the end of 2004 when i bough it. but who cares for the £400 ish it cost.
have a look they have good bikes for around the £400 mark and if you are not a poser and need the latest colour who gives a **** right.
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Hiya Chris
Cannondale road bike?
wow- cheers for the offer!
I've always been wary of roper 'road bikes' as the roads round here are ****.. poteholed and bumpy as anything.
Plus cant blast thru the local trails as easily on a road bike
However, I do a 4mile uphill slog to work as Im not driving the scoob day to day currently (mainly due to a intermittent starting fault on my ECU ) and trying to save a few £ on fuel costs..
I think I'd like to seriously take you up on the offer - however- I need my link ECU in the car to come get it (Car doesnt have a MAF and would probably run dangerously with the spare JECS ECU I have)
Maybe I can sort out a ride/van hire to come get it?
Pbee: Cheers.
The annoying part is that if I had £400 to spare I would have had the marin rocky ridge from ebay (rrp-£1200!)
Cannondale road bike?
wow- cheers for the offer!
I've always been wary of roper 'road bikes' as the roads round here are ****.. poteholed and bumpy as anything.
Plus cant blast thru the local trails as easily on a road bike
However, I do a 4mile uphill slog to work as Im not driving the scoob day to day currently (mainly due to a intermittent starting fault on my ECU ) and trying to save a few £ on fuel costs..
I think I'd like to seriously take you up on the offer - however- I need my link ECU in the car to come get it (Car doesnt have a MAF and would probably run dangerously with the spare JECS ECU I have)
Maybe I can sort out a ride/van hire to come get it?
Pbee: Cheers.
The annoying part is that if I had £400 to spare I would have had the marin rocky ridge from ebay (rrp-£1200!)
Last edited by chrome; 07 August 2005 at 05:20 PM.