Rebuild or Buy New??

energetix

Well my dear husband said I can get a new bike at the end of the year - gives me plentry of time to decide I guess. I'm tossing up weather to re-kit my 2001 Specialized Hardrock Comp (probably spend AU$1000 - $1500) give it sram x9 throughout, better suspension thant the Judy TT's, new seat, some easton stuff.

Or...

Buy a new bike, most probably duallie at the end of the year. Looking at something like Sumpjumper FSR 120 (although can you lower the seat much for downhills? doesn't look like it). Also consider Giant, Norco, Other Specialized models.

What are general opinions about Kona? (I've heard bits and pieces, general vibe being the'yre not loved?)

So opinions please:

Is it worth upgrading stuff on the existing bike?
What's a good duallie int the AU$2000 price range?
(xc and trail riding mostly, like to explore pretty much, haven't got into racing just yet, but probably looking for a bike that would do a bit of both).
If you had the choice what would you do, upgrades or new bike?

Obviously I'll have to test a few duallies out to determine how much I want one over a hartdail & I guess that will govern my choice.

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Energetix

My Specialized Owns Me

triguy98

I personally didnt like Kona's geometry. That's just me.

Also, you should work on your technique such that you dont need to drop the seat for downhills. If you are riding an XC bike, I dont think there is much that you should be riding that requires you to drop the seat. I ride some fairly technical trails and keep my saddle the same height all the time. I was "downhilling" on a rented GF Tass this summer, with my seat set to its normal height.

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'05 GF Cake DLX SRAM X-9, 'Zocchi MX Comp, Avid BB7
Trek Equinox 7: 105, all stock, all fast
'99 GT XCR5000: LX/XT, Avid SDs, Judy XC
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Life is short, ride hard. BONZAI!!!!

energetix

Yes you're right it is my technique. The trails I ride, the downhill ones are real rocky & loose so real slippery. I'm probably not that skilled but I give them a go (they're reasonably steep too). I have my seat pretty high & find that if I hang my but over the back it's difficult to come back forwards at the best of times let alone going down a steep slippery and rutted slope, so for my sense of security & safety in these situations I like to have the seat down to bail out easily because sometimes I come close to biting the dirt or walking bits.

I just explore & sometimes a bit beyond my ability, but hey that's a good thing. Haven't had the guts to try any jumps etc yet though!

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Energetix

My Specialized Owns Me

soulcraker

Buy a new one.