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My 2016 Hightower is getting a bit tired, what’s the general consensus now a days as far as upgrade or replace, I was a serious upgrader but all these changing standards have put me off so it’s completely standard spec, I’m due new wheels a new rear shock and maybe upgrade the damper in the fork, or just got get a new bike?
Thanks in advance
Is it still functional?
4 years old! That'd be regarded as new in my fleet!
Personally I'd be included to upgrade it as that means you can put the good stuff on there, not the stuff that the manufacturer put on it to meet a certain price point.
My Epic is 17 years old now and massively better (and a lot lighter) than it was when it was new, as a rolling process of upgrades has meant it's got much better kit on it now than it came with.
If it's a bit tired at 4 years old I'd suggest either
A) learn to look after your toys better
B) Get a job so you're not out riding it seven days a week.
I reckon it takes me about that long to get a bike exactly dialled into the way I want it. (Tyres/pressurrs, suspension setting and tunes)
Given the effects of covid on bicycle retailing at present, and the fact that it's sunny outside right now, if it is still working I would just ride it.
The middle of summer is never the time to start switching bikes or swapping loads of parts, only if something is borked is it worth the effort to replace it right now.
Otherwise this is probably a question to put off until at least Q4...
I'm at a similar crossroads. My plan is for more coaching and then a new bike.
But the new bike is purely subject to Cycle to Work, which is in the balance now that most of my company will be working from home.
Without the scheme, I'll be saving for a new bike but won't be buying until I feel that my current bike is holding me back.
My gut is to upgrade but I’d want at least 4 more years out of it so it would be getting on by that point
Hightown is a boost 29er. I don't think there's really been any standard introduced since it came out that's made it obsolete.
Unless you want different geo its worth upgrading.
What exactly do you mean by "upgrade"?
"Upgrade" could cover everything from a nice new pair of grips to replacing everything apart from the frame...
And what are you expecting from these upgrades, to address some specific shortcomings of the current setup or just to make it look/feel shiny and new again?
The original Hightower is still pretty modern to be honest. The only thing I didn't get on with on mine was the slack seat angle (XL frame).
In one way, I wish I would have kept it (I've been a serial bike swapper). On the other hand, I've enjoyed trying different bikes and I now have a better idea of what I like.
At the end of the day, if you want a new bike and you can afford it just go for it. The Hightower doesn't really have any old standards.
1. Shock upgrade was a must I felt. The standard Monarch on mine felt horrible! Changed to a Cane Creek DB IL and it made the world of difference.
2. Decent wheels don't have to cost the earth and the Hightower is boost too. Could even look for some nice second hand bargains.
3. I'm assuming your fork is a Pike? Why upgrade the damper? Has it ever been serviced?
I nearly did the same thing again, but I just asked myself "what will a new bike do that my current one doesn't?".
I wish I had the willpower to keep a bike for 4 years! 🤣
My gut is to upgrade but I’d want at least 4 more years out of it so it would be getting on by that point
No way you need a new bike. Maybe ‘want’ but not need.
I’d renew (not necessarily ‘upgrade’) whatever’s worn and tired and get riding.
Frames and geometry don’t get worse just because new shiny things come out. It’s as ‘good’ as when you bought it.
Haha, I want to swap the shock as I’ve never found it up to much, my original wheels are battered so want to change them, the fork would be optional, I still like the bike or I would just swap it, the finances are probably close either way
Question answered I’m upgrading😜
ohnw1984
I wish I had the willpower to keep a bike for 4 years!
Pro tip - buy a new bike thats in a slightly different niche than your current one, and yku can justify keeping the old one.
I’d renew (not necessarily ‘upgrade’) whatever’s worn and tired and get riding.
This
The way the market is now stick it for sale for a sill price and see if you get any bites, that’s what I did. I flipped my bike after only 2 years and only lost £200 on it 🤷🏻♂️. You won’t get a better time to sell a bike.
You might not “need” a new bike buy if you fancy something new and can afford it then do it and don’t listen to the fuds on here that “know better than you” 😉
🤙
You won’t get a better time to sell a bike.
Or a worse time to buy a new one...
Do the the wheels need replacing, or just the rims? Its an easy job if you find rims with the same ERD.
ohnw1984
I wish I had the willpower to keep a bike for 4 years!
ha me too. i even try to justify every new build by saying it will definitely be a long termer this time!! but even my most beloved bikes have not lasted more than 2 years. new bike itch is real!
Personally, and i know its a bollocks attitude, but i couldn't stand riding round on a Mk1 when the Mk2 is in the wild.
Replace.
Or a worse time to buy a new one…
Depends how hard you look, I've just built up a Bird for a good price and I've seen a few decent deals here and there still.
You might not “need” a new bike buy if you fancy something new and can afford it then do it and don’t listen to the fuds on here that “know better than you” 😉
+1
Oh I've tried the different niche trick... didn't work haha.
Gravel, hard tail XC, full sus XC, hard tail trail bike, short travel/long travel etc.
I basically just like bikes and want to try all sorts!
OP, to be honest it's normal to want a new bike after 4 years, but just be honest with yourself about the reasons. If I'd have done the same, I'd probably have savings.
The High Tower / Bronson’s 2015 and onwards are still amazing bikes. Wouldn’t bother upgrading. Bearing kits are free, Pikes are still awesome.
Only thing out there that would make me interested after riding a lot is Yeti SB150 or Evil The Wreckoning (haven’t tried the latest but the last was awesome).
Ordered a DVD topaz for the rear and a luftkappe plus skf low friction seals for the front, got the reverb serviced and if I sell another bike I will order some hand built wheels