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My trusty 2004 Giant NRS is in need of new pivot bearings, hub bearings, brake bleed, fork and shock service. Usually I do this at work when I have quiet times, but they’ve disappeared so I need to take it to my LBS.
The dilemma I have is is it worth forking out so much on an old bike or take the plunge and get a new bike. Realistically getting the servicing done may cost half the price of a new bike.
New bike. After 14 years you can possibly justify it!
I'd agree - a new geometry HT on 27.5/29 chubbyish rubber on wider rims, dropper etc would be a revelation.
So, "What bike?" Change to the thread..
Get a new - or at least newer - bike for sure.
But I salute you for getting so many years out of the NRS!
Definitely a new bike.
Trouble is it’s an “ex-works” Giant carbon fibre frame/hope wheelset/mini brakeset/SRAM X9 set-up that is worth more than the trade in value I’d get for it.
Also if I were to trade it in, what for? I love climbing/descending, any suggestions?
Trouble is it’s an “ex-works” Giant carbon fibre frame/hope wheelset/mini brakeset/SRAM X9 set-up that is worth more than the trade in value I’d get for it.
It might be worth something on retro bike!!
Also if I were to trade it in, what for? I love climbing/descending, any suggestions?
Whats your budget? Heaps of bikes will do that better these days
Depends on how much cash you have to spare. Personally couple of years back I went for the replace option (although not as nice an option to replace) and it was definitely the right choice. Once you let a few years past all the incremental changes really add up.
The answer is always 'new bike'. The question is largely irrelevant.
More seriously, try a couple of bikes aimed at what you use your bike for. If you like them, look more seriously at ones you might want to buy, if none float your boat, repair. Bet you don't repair...
the gap between a 2004 bike and a modern replacement is an enormous chasm.
Replace.
I used to ride an NRS. It climbed well, but was sketchy on descents. I replaced it with a 2008 Anthem which was a better bike in every way. I'm still ride that about once a month, it's still a decently quick XC bike but I wouldn't put any serious money into such an old bike (26 inch wheels, 80mm suspension travel, first generation Reba forks, 1-1/8 headset). Obvious place to start looking for a replacement would be the current model Anthem. I'm pretty sure it would be a night-and-day improvement over the old NRS.
Trouble is it’s an “ex-works” Giant carbon fibre frame/hope wheelset/mini brakeset/SRAM X9 set-up that is worth more than the trade in value I’d get for it.
whether it's trade-in or straight s/h sale, this just means it's worth more to you that whatever you'd get for it. It's the reason I've never sold a bike!
And unless you got lucky with two keen beans on ebay, you wouldn't get much for a bike that needs that much work, so do you fix it up to sell it? Once you've done that, you may as well ride it! vicious circle.
Just buy a new bike, then do the Giant up when you get time. You might want to keep it as a second bike, something different to ride/loaner bike when friends visit. Or you might just split it and sell/pass on the decent/worn parts for whatever you get get for them, as your new bike is so flippin brilliant.
Fix it and buy a new bike. Simples.