how good do you think my bike is?

Question

heres my specs let me know what you think i should improve on. i use this for amature XC racing and getting around town.

1. shwinn S40 dual suspension frame (painted with a specialized scheme) i plan to upgrade to a real specialized epic. any other suggestions that are cheaper? i prefer specialized.

2. marzocchi drop off 130mm, air

3. Fox vanilla RC w/ piggyback

4. shimano deore hubs laced to Mavic x223 rims

5. shimano LX dual control shifters

6. shimano LX hyrdaulic disc calipers w/ XT rotors, 160mm

7. BEC carbon racing saddle

8. bontrager select stem

9. bontrager handlebars, not sure on the model, but it has a crossbar that looks like downhill style

10. IRC mibro 2.25" tires

11. shimano STX cranks (planning to get LX or XT)

12. some cheap shimano bottom bracket, sealed cartridge
bearings

13. XTR shifter housings and inner cables

14. Bulletproof platform pedals

15. shimano LX front and rear derailleurs

16. SRAM PG980 9spd cassette (i think)

17. SRAM PC950 chain

18. cane creek Aheadset SX-4

Answer 1

sounds good to me.

Answer 2

You seem to have a pretty descent bike for the casual rider although for racing I don't think I'd have gone with a full suspension. To much added weight and too many things too go wrong.
In order of your spec's No.4 deore hubs would be the first thing to go, I would go to some type of sealed bearing hubs, Mavics come to mind.
I would also when the BB needed to be replaced make sure I replaced it with a real good one.
Next anything LX would be replaced with at least XTR or another brand equivalent too, LX components are bottom of the line shimano stuff and is descent stuff for the weekend wonder that likes to run around trails but if I'm racing I don't want it on my bike.
Now keeping in mind that their is better components in the market place than what I've talked about, it's up to you the individual what to purchase, how much money to spend and how serious an XC racer you want to be.Remember everything I've said here is just my opinion, do what you can and what you're comfortable with.

Answer 3

If you are serious about your biking - leave this bike as it is; use it until it falls to pieces, and take all of your money and buy the best piece of kit you can - then over that time you can decide if you actually want to spend 3 or 4,000 on a bike, or if your hobbies / habits have changed you will still have the money - I race bikes, and am constantly changing bits and pieces as they wear out / get damaged but I buy a groupset; not bits. Spending all you can afford on parts of a bike isn't the way to go with so many changes and evolutions in bike design; by the time you have enough money to buy a new rear XTR changer, the 2007 model has been replaced by the 2008 (23grams lighter) - and it will probably not work as well with your lever set up - or that is what the cycling press will tell you anyway....at the end of a period of time you can then do a bit of a deal for a full on race bike, with bits of carbon fibre and titanium that will last for 10 years, or you could have replaced every component on your bike - which is 2 or 3 years older, less resillient and unsellable. I currently have a couple of off roaders - a 2002 Marin Shoreline trail for going to the shops for milk - that sort of thing - and a 1998 Giant Carbon fibre - XTR t'out; as well as three De Rosa race bikes and a Ciocc for riding to work.

Answer 4

I think it's a good bike. For a XC race bike, 130mm might be too much (depending on the actual trials, but you will have a slacker head angle). I wouldn't go XTR, it's just too much money for little gain. Okay, it might shift a little better than XT, but will cost about twice as much, and the weight difference is neglible.

If you're intrested in racing, probably get some lighter rims and a nicer engaging hub. Hope is a good value for a hub.

But, it depends, if you're planning on getting another bike, better just save the money and leave your bike as is for a second bike.

Answer 5

Sounds like a well set up racer, however your leaving out how much you weigh so I can determine if your Marzocchi 130mm's are tuned to you. You may want to forgo the special paint and research a better grip on the trail.

Answer 6

It was a ladies motorcycle simply by fact ladies wore outfits everywhere and the decreased bar helped shop the gown down. I used a million to stay away from the extreme leg carry with undesirable hips. the wonderful call is a step via physique.

Answer 7

your bike sounds good...shwinn is a good bike maker.
i bike to cross train for xc too...it's a really great way to stay in shape, build up endurance, & have fun!

Answer 8

sound good bot makw sure 27 or 30 speeds is the way to go

Answer 9

Didn't you ask this same question about three months ago..?

Answer 10

I like your suspension.....