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Ok, so my parents have given me some money for Christmas. $175 to spend, so not a lot. Obviously I'm gonna buy bike stuff. I'm debating on the best thing to buy.
I need some cold weather riding stuff, but I think my in-laws are getting me that.
I need new cranks, currently riding on stock 2003 Specialized Strongarm II with original bottom bracket, starting to creak a bit, and really heavy---I can pick up a XT-752 crankset and BB from jenson for $120(880 grams), and while I'm at it, get a XT cassette to replace the original LX and a new SRAM hollowpin chain. Should save me a lot of weight, and spend all the money.
I also need new shoes and pedals. My old Nike shoes (lace-ups....) are starting to come apart a little bit, and my pedals(old ritchey's) are wearing out(play in the shafts). I'd like to stay with a shimano compatible pedal, since I have those type pedals on my road bike. I use the same shoes on both. Shimano 540's? But I find myself wanting a little more float, my knees get sore sometimes. So maybe Time pedals for the MTB, and wear the old shoes on the road? Or eggbeaters, but I hear they're a lot wider, which is bad for the knees, true? I like the looks of the 661 Peak shoes(but no reviews on MTBR) from Jenson,($80), then spend the rest on the pedals.
I also need a new saddle, as I'm currently using a Serfas Dual Density Pro that got into a little accident. The rails got bent, and now the very front two inches is angled down, and the rest of the saddle is flat but isn't quite long enough in the front, which kinda puts a pressure point right where the tip angles down. I could also save maybe a couple hundred grams here. I'm looking for a comfortable lightweight saddle. Maybe a Selle San Marco Aspide Ti, or a Selle Italia SLR Ti. But I'd have money left over, what to do with it?
So any advice? What would be the most helpful, cost effective purchase? I figure I'll wind up replacing this stuff round about on my own, but what should I buy quickest to take advantage of the christmas money?
I need some cold weather riding stuff, but I think my in-laws are getting me that.
I need new cranks, currently riding on stock 2003 Specialized Strongarm II with original bottom bracket, starting to creak a bit, and really heavy---I can pick up a XT-752 crankset and BB from jenson for $120(880 grams), and while I'm at it, get a XT cassette to replace the original LX and a new SRAM hollowpin chain. Should save me a lot of weight, and spend all the money.
I also need new shoes and pedals. My old Nike shoes (lace-ups....) are starting to come apart a little bit, and my pedals(old ritchey's) are wearing out(play in the shafts). I'd like to stay with a shimano compatible pedal, since I have those type pedals on my road bike. I use the same shoes on both. Shimano 540's? But I find myself wanting a little more float, my knees get sore sometimes. So maybe Time pedals for the MTB, and wear the old shoes on the road? Or eggbeaters, but I hear they're a lot wider, which is bad for the knees, true? I like the looks of the 661 Peak shoes(but no reviews on MTBR) from Jenson,($80), then spend the rest on the pedals.
I also need a new saddle, as I'm currently using a Serfas Dual Density Pro that got into a little accident. The rails got bent, and now the very front two inches is angled down, and the rest of the saddle is flat but isn't quite long enough in the front, which kinda puts a pressure point right where the tip angles down. I could also save maybe a couple hundred grams here. I'm looking for a comfortable lightweight saddle. Maybe a Selle San Marco Aspide Ti, or a Selle Italia SLR Ti. But I'd have money left over, what to do with it?
So any advice? What would be the most helpful, cost effective purchase? I figure I'll wind up replacing this stuff round about on my own, but what should I buy quickest to take advantage of the christmas money?
