I'm a heavy rider (230lbs) who uses 2011 Felt Trail 29r.
I love my bike but after riding some serious single track for the first time last year, I can see its deficiencies.
Specs: Felt Nine Trail 29er Hardtail Reviews - Mtbr.com
I want to upgrade it all, but I need a logical path to follow.
Things I've observed and would like to fix:
-Judging by the "oil rings" on my fork I can see I've bottomed out, although I never felt like I did while riding.
-Chain slaps the frame constantly while riding, I remember researching this a while ago, some said it's a necessary evil, some say a chain guide works.
-Brakes are adequate but I noticed fading as the season ended.
-Stock seat sucks for a bigger rider, I need a bigger seat without looking like a beach bike.
Questions:
Is there a logical progression to upgrading your bike?
Going strictly off my gut on how my season went last year I feel like a new front fork and seat are really needed, while the brakes probably need newer/better pads. I'll eventually like to go hydro but don't feel the need for it.
Does this make sense? Can anyone recommend good sites for parts besides nashbar, eBay perhaps?
I'm really interested in a compatible fork that's actually an upgrade.
I do have a LBS where I bought the bike from but he mainly does installs and tune ups only. I will be using him for the parts to get installed.
Thanks in advance.
I love my bike but after riding some serious single track for the first time last year, I can see its deficiencies.
Specs: Felt Nine Trail 29er Hardtail Reviews - Mtbr.com
I want to upgrade it all, but I need a logical path to follow.
Things I've observed and would like to fix:
-Judging by the "oil rings" on my fork I can see I've bottomed out, although I never felt like I did while riding.
-Chain slaps the frame constantly while riding, I remember researching this a while ago, some said it's a necessary evil, some say a chain guide works.
-Brakes are adequate but I noticed fading as the season ended.
-Stock seat sucks for a bigger rider, I need a bigger seat without looking like a beach bike.
Questions:
Is there a logical progression to upgrading your bike?
Going strictly off my gut on how my season went last year I feel like a new front fork and seat are really needed, while the brakes probably need newer/better pads. I'll eventually like to go hydro but don't feel the need for it.
Does this make sense? Can anyone recommend good sites for parts besides nashbar, eBay perhaps?
I'm really interested in a compatible fork that's actually an upgrade.
I do have a LBS where I bought the bike from but he mainly does installs and tune ups only. I will be using him for the parts to get installed.
Thanks in advance.