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Anyone got any advice on re-building my old hard tail mtn bike?
The frame is fine (old but lovely little Cannondale lefty), but the fork needs servicing and everything else is about 8-10 years old.
No idea what the current range of mtn bike components are, but would be looking to use decent lightweight kit which isn't too expensive (moon on a stick time!). And is this a DIY job with the help if youtube or a "take it to someone who knows what they're doing" job?
Advice appreciated before I cock it up 🙂
Service the fork with aid from youtube & some new rings and seals, service the other bits on the bike & just ride it. Chances are the kit is better than whatever it is you buy new unless you're looking at throwing money at it.
How bad is the fork? They can be fiddly with the roller bearings if you don't have the right tools but if you're that way inclined, it's certainly possible DIY.
Fork servicing would best be done by someone who knows what they are doing.
But, if you have the tools and are confident with what you are doing, then re-building the rest of the bike with new bits can be pretty simple and rewarding to do yourself.
You can always get a local shop to do things like press new headset cups in, if you plan on replacing the headset.
Or if you get a shop to do the re-build, then perhaps strip stuff of it yourself as far as you can, to save them having to do it.
Shimano SLX is generally considered to be 'as good as you need', and a good balance between cost, weight and performance. Main things to decide are probably which bits are you going to replace and what is your budget. Perhaps the main consideration is what gearing are you going for? I would assume it currently has 3x9? Are you intending to keep that, or swapping to 2x9/10 or even 1x9/10? If I was doing a re-build and replacing the drivetrain, I'd be looking at a 2x9 or 2x10 set-up. Depends on your riding preferences though and what the bike will be used for.
Are you looking to replace stem, handlebars, seatpost, saddle etc. or just the 'running gear'? All the little items can soon add up.
You can do a few simple things with the lefty - Push the boot up the fork and inspect the races - they are prone to corrosion if not looked after. If they look ok, or can be cleaned up, then look up how to do a bearing reset (v easy) and use some spray grease down the fork internals. You can also clean the air filter (if it has one). Re-pressurise it and see how it feels.
If it's not working well after that then it needs to go to a specialist. Given the availability of 1.5 forks these days (or reducer headsets), that may not be worth it.
Do you have an idea of what you are looking to replace?
Groupset?
Brakes?
Wheels?
Contact points - Bar, stem, seatpost?
For a groupset with brakes this looks like a solid option -
http://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-slx-m670-2-x-10-disc-brake-groupset-58862.html
Thanks guys.
I got the frame / fork secondhand about 6 years ago, and it was built up with fairly well used basic components from an older hardtail, so pretty much everything is about 10 years old. The bike hasn't been used for about 4 years so a lot of parts appear to have seized.
I think I'll need to replace the groupset, brakes (I think it's got old Avid 5's on it?), and bars, but the wheels, seat post, stem should be OK. And the fork will need servicing - if it's worth servicing a lefty fork which is that old?
My toolkit and my skills are fairly basic 🙂 I'm keen to learn, but there are limits as I'm not the most technically-minded of people!
I don't know lefty forks, however there are some people that love them. Have a Google for service instructions and see if you think you would manage.
Garrylager above seems to have some solid pointers as a starting point.
If this all seems too much start another topic looking for recommendations for a lefty service centre near you.
Group set, have a look at that link I posted above, bars are easy to replace, have a look on chain reaction for deals, they had some nice easton bars for £30 ish the other week.
Speak to Tony at thumbprint tuning - he is the OG in these matters. If the fork is in a poorly way, then the good news is that he can prob make it as good as new - leftys are a bit different from other forks in this respect. What that will cost I have no idea - although it will be £100 plus easy. You need to weigh that - a 10 yo lefty in perfect working order, against the cost of a half-decent newer fork you could pick up second hand.I think I'll need to replace the groupset, brakes (I think it's got old Avid 5's on it?), and bars, but the wheels, seat post, stem should be OK. And the fork will need servicing - if it's worth servicing a lefty fork which is that old?
I'm doing a similar thing with a 2010 Giant Talon 0 frame. Replaced bars, stem , post. Brakes are next up . It's more of a free time project for me , hope to have it ready for the winter. BB is an Octalink , not sure weather to replace it as it runs nice and smooth. That's the thing about bike builds , it becomes a never ending spending spree if you're not careful .
Deore drivetrain and brakes. Low cost, work well.
The new 10 speed Shimano stuff is fantastic, especially with a clutch rear derailleur (called Shadow Plus). I'd get a double crankset instead of the triple that you probably have. With an 11-36 cassette, the double should be fine.
Running an 8 year old Lefty here on an F800. They can be rebuilt but the parts are a little expensive. I use a couple of chaps local to me for servicing ([url= http://www.sussedoutsuspension.co.uk ]Sussed Out Suspension[/url]). Who have done stirling work for me with a quick turnaround.