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Question About Upgrades

1901 Views 7 Replies 7 Participants Last post by  DavidNeiles, 
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So I purchased a 2009 Diamondback Sorrento. While I know it is not the best bike out there I am a noob and need something that will help introduce me to the sport before I get a more aggressive bike. However, below are the specs and while I know I should probably upgrade ALL the parts so it will be "worthy" but for a start bike I don't want to put enough money into it that I could have bought a high end bike. However, I was wondering if anyone can give any specific upgrades that won't break my bank and will increase the efficiency of the bike. Again I realize everything probably could or should be upgraded but I am looking at ones more out of necessity than desire. Any insight would be great.

Size - LG (20")
Frame - DB 6061-T6 heat-treated / butted aluminum w/ gusset, replaceable hanger, H2O Bottle Mounts
Fork - Trail XC w/ Alloy crown 60mm travel
Cranks - MTB Alloy w/ chainguard 28/38/48t
Bottom Bracket - Cartridge Type
F. Derailleur - Shimano Tourney
R. Derailleur- Sram X-4
Shifter - Sram SX-4 Trigger 7spd
Brake Levers - Promax 3 finger Alloy Linear w/ reach Adjust
Brakes - Promax Alloy Linear
Gear - Shimano 7spd Freewheel (13-28t)
Rims - 32h SSW26, Double Tunnel Alloy
Tires - Kenda Dual Sport 26x1.95
Pedals - MTB Resin
Handlebar - Steel Riser
Stem - Alloy 4 bolt Ahead
Seatpost - Alloy Micro Adjust 27.2mm
Seat - DB Men's ATB
Headset - Ahead 1 1/8"
Chain - Ahead 1 1/8"
Hubset - (F) 32h Alloy QR (R) 32h Alloy QR
Spokes - 14g Stainless Steel
Grips - Avenir MTB
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mtnbikecrazy55
clipless pedals and shoes. the one and only "nesiscitiy"

way to get riding! :-D
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D
What sort of riding are you looking to do?

I wouldn't say clipless is a necessity, but they are nice. I wouldn't upgrade anything on that bike just for the sake of upgrading, it's a decent parts spec for what it is, which is a nice entry level bike.

If you are looking to do some single track as opposed to just gravel roads/bike paths, I'd want lower gearing. I'd look for a 34 tooth biggest ring on the freewheel, and drop the granny down to a 24 or 22. You'll need to look at capacities for front and rear derailleur. You may need to change all your chainrings in order to go with a small (22 or 24) tooth granny.

David B.
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nagatahawk
Change the resin pedals to an alloy set. clipless would be better.

My advice is just ride it stock, riding bikes is fun. You can first learn your skills on this bike. check around for mt. bike skills clinics. If your in the Southern Californial Area, CORBA offers free mt. bike skills courses on the first Saturday of every Month. https://www.corbamtb.com/awmdata/dot.gif
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A
I started out on a bike like that I guess like 3 years ago. I rode mine until parts broke...don't upgrade until it breaks, and even then, you might want to save up for a nicer bike later down the line (I'm probably buying a 2 grand bike soon). I did end up putting nicer tires on mine, a big help. Be careful, that could be a gateway-bike; you'll end up addicted and owing people money...
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arw45 said:
I started out on a bike like that I guess like 3 years ago. I rode mine until parts broke...don't upgrade until it breaks, and even then, you might want to save up for a nicer bike later down the line (I'm probably buying a 2 grand bike soon). I did end up putting nicer tires on mine, a big help. Be careful, that could be a gateway-bike; you'll end up addicted and owing people money...
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Haha. I will definitely buy more expensive more aggressive bike in the future, I could feasible go and spend up to 2k right now and it would not be an issue financially so I don't have to worry about owing anyone money but I didn't want to spend it just starting out. I am already looking at some higher end Cannondale's and Trek's for when I am ready.

I just purchased some Shimano PD-M520L SPD Pedals and some bike shoes to go with.
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jersey0826
Here goes; If you plan on doing ANY climbing, you will benefit from lower gearing, as someone already mentioned. However, this would reqire a major overhaul. To change to an 8 or 9 speed cassette, you will need an 8 or 9 speed rear hub, which means a new rear wheel. You will also need an 8 or 9 speed shifter. Don't forget the 8 or 9 speed derailleur. You can probably get by with the current crankset, just replace the smallest chainring with a 22 tooth ring. Your front shifter and derailleur are fine also. Get some aluminum platforms, unless you like clipless; then get a pair of those. Totally to preference on that though. Plastic pedals WILL break if you ride them hard. The fork will do fine for light trail riding, however you may want a longer travel fork later if and when you start riding harder. 80 or 100mm should be fine. Last thing, don't be afraid to shop on eBay or Craigslist for used parts. You can usually find things that are practically new for half the cost. I built a bike for around 1500 that would cost over 3500 if bought new. Hope this was helpful.
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DavidNeiles
IMO, that is a recreational bike and not a very trail worthy bike. Sell it and buy a Response sport $450. Money better spent and worth it to upgrade. If you keep what you have just ride the hell out of it and do put some alloy pedals on it. Just be careful and enjoy.
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