What to do, what to do?

[eldereldo]

Haven't been biking a lot the last few years, but I plan on getting back into this summer. So I need to do something about a bike. I have a K2 Proflex 5000, which despite it's age is actually still a great bike for what I ride (mostly XC). It all XT and XTR equiped, very light and still in great shape with no damage, and little wear since I always kept it clean and lubed. Only issue is that it has the K2 Smart Shocks and the seals are blown on them so I need to replace them. Risse makes an Air Shock Replacement for both the front and rear, total cost would be around $600.00 US plus shipping up to Canada, so lets say $650.00. Since these are custom ordered they can setup them up to my weight, and they will actually lighten the bike a bit more as the Smart shock, along with it's spring is fairly heavy. But the Q is, am I better off spending a bit more and just getting a new(er) bike? Or can I even get a modern equivalent for anywhere near that kind of money?

The bike has 4" travel in the rear and 3" in the Front. Front Fork is the Carbon Crosslink and I could replace it with a 'normal' fork and get more travel, but I'm not sure that that is a good idea as I think the frame is setup for the Crosslink, and putting a regular style fork on it is going to shorten up the Wheelbase and make the bike less stable and harder to climb. It's also a 24 speed, but since I haven't found myself wanting either a lower, or higher gear I don't think that matters much. Other than the usual gear whore desire for new stuff, any reason I would actually need to replace it?

[kidwoo]

Do not buy risse shocks for a proflex bike.


Buy a new bike

You're welcome

[mntlion]

the parts are nice, but a "new" bike will have

disc brakes (WAY more stopping power, in all conditions, and less maintanence)

27 speed (odds are a larger range)

more travel, and some kind of platform that doesn't bounce.

plusher travel (softer at the start over small bumps, and won't bottom out)

all new parts and no replacing stuff for 1-2 years, adn you can find replacement parts for

For $650 CND, is on the low side of things, but for $1500-$2000 you are doing great. After working on rental bikes all summer, I'm amazed how much bike you can get for the money. (jamis XC) the weight might be a bit more, but the travel is so much nicer (even at that $1000 jamis) and the disc brakes are nice on the longer rides.

plus the $650 budget is assuming that you current bike is worth nothing and I bet you can sell it for something...

I'm in banff have have a few guys selling XC bikes (full suspension, disc, etc)

[eldereldo]

Well it would be more like $850.00 Cdn due to the curent sucky exchange rate. But is 1500-2000 Cdn going to get a sub 30 lb bike with more travel? I hate weight, I like fast downhills but I don't do North Shore stuff or Ski lift stuff that requires a big travel bike. I want something I can ride 30-40km or more a day without feeling like I have a log tied to the back wheel by the end of it. Suggestions on some bikes I could look at online that would give me an idea of what I should be looking at?

[mntlion]

local bike stores will have last years bikes on 30% off retail now (that is all the money that they make in a bike) A bike that retails for $2000, costs the store $1500 (once you add shipping, bike build, etc)

online some good deals too, but keep in mind that no dealer service (tunes, parts swaps, suspension tuning, free warranty, demo/test rides, bike assembly, advice, fitting, adjustments, etc) Weight the savings and see what a local store has avail.

www.jensonusa.com has some good deals on Jamis, and GT.

you are looking for a cross country (XC) or all mountain (AM) type bike, and all companies make a bike like this .

XC = 3-4" travel, and quick turning (think SL race ski)

AM = 4-6" travel, and more all day comfort (think mid fat)

Not sure what size frame you need, but a buddy is selling a jamis XLT in 19" used on season, selling cheap. retail = $2500, odds are $1000-$1500 CND.

[Tech Tonics]

pre 2008 Yeti 575s can be found for a good deal right now, as everyone lusts for the new frame. That bike is just what you're looking for.