Upgrade question

[hebe]

I'd really appreciate any help on this.

I'm currently looking for a mountain bike and tried the next version up of this one (http://www.specialized.com/gb/en/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=53752&scid=1000&scname=Mountain). I was very happy with it, but the colourscheme doesn't fill me with joy. The blue/white however, I do like very much, but would prefer it with disc brakes. As far as I can tell, this bike has mounting points on the frame for adding disc brakes, but would need a new wheel set too. I am going to ring the LBS shop in the morning, but would really appreciate anyone saying if this would be a completely stupid/expensive ask.

The alternative would be to see if he could get me one in in last season's colours, which I also love. They are reduced all over the internet, however I would want to buy from him, and he only has the 2011 stock in now. Again, would it be a stupid question to see if he could get one in (I know little about cycling and even less about how LBS make their money). If he could do this I could probably go for a higher spec model).

Thanks for any help.

[Roadtrip]

You can ask the LBS if they can get you the 2010 in the color that you want, they very well may have resources you don't know about, so it's not silly to ask. I know my LBS here has 2010 stock, but I don't think they can order, so once gone-- it's gone.

As to the upgrade to disc brakes, from seeing pics of places you'd like to ride, perhaps disc brakes wouldn't be a bad idea-- just depends on the price and where your budget is. Does Specialized offer a version with disc installed? On a higher model? If your really sold on the better brakes you would have to price it out and make the call there. Could you ask others mnt bike riders in your area about disc brakes? Are they truly needed??

Good luck!!!
Shannon

[hebe]

Thanks Shannon, I will ask. I think he's the kind of guy who'll have plenty of contacts.

The next model up (http://www.specialized.com/gb/en/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=53751&scid=1000&scname=Mountain) does have disc brakes, but I don't love the colour scheme. Above that one I'm still not wild about the colours and they start getting out of budget.

I think I am keen on disc brakes, most of my riding is off-road in tightly defined time slots, when dd is in a childcare session and my dh is working - often abroad. I can't help thinking that anything that improves my safety is a good idea. However I could just go with the base model and wait for the muddier tracks to dry out a bit after winter.

[pinsonp2]

Don't know about the UK, but here in the US, the LBS can go to Specialized on-line and see what 2010s are leftover, current price (lower than original), colors, sizes, etc. I ordered a 2010 Crostrail last month and got the size and color the hubby wanted.

Good Luck,
P2

[hebe]

Thank you! I'll give them a ring in the morning.

[Becky]

Definitely ask.... I ordered a 2007 Fuji in 2009. It was just sitting, brand new, in a warehouse somewhere.

Bike manufacturers have started producing fewer numbers of bikes in the last couple of years or so. If you're seeking a popular size, there may not be any bikes left, but you have nothing to lose by asking.

[hebe]

hmmm. I phoned and spoke to a very helpful woman who works there two days a week. They can't get hold of any more of the 2010 Specialized, and an upgrade on an entry level bike would be silly money.

She did suggest that I look at a Giant Revel, or a Specialized Hardrock, so I'll go in next week on one of her days. There's still the option to go for something without disc brakes and just stay out of the really muddy stuff. I do feel a bit as if the tail is wagging the dog by wanting to love the colour as much as the bike, but I want a bike that will make me smile every time I see it. Hopefully they get that.

[Bike Writer]

but I want a bike that will make me smile every time I see it. Hopefully they get that.

I have to love what a bike looks like, period. Riding is such a joy every part of the experience engages our senses from the smells outdoors, the sights we see, wind on our face, it's a very tactile experience. A bike you love to look at will invite you to "come out and play."

The bike in your link is beautiful, how fun to be out bike hunting. It can be daunting to be sure, but in the end it will be so worth it. Lucky gal with your DH getting you a new bike for Christmas, very sweet indeed!

Happy hunting, I hope you find the bike of your dreams.

[chicagogal]

I too have to like what a bike looks like. However, I happen to like the colors on the 2011 a lot!!!!! My road bike is a black/white LOOK with touches of red including red bar tape. The black/red/white combo is very sexy in my opinion :-)

Good luck hunting. I am sure you will find a bike with your specifications that is also a color you LOVE!!!

[smurfalicious]

The advice you got from the shop is spot on. Upgrades are crazy expensive compared to buying what you want right out of the gate. What a manufacturer can get a part for is a totally different ball of wax than what you can get it for after market. Hold out for what you really want, even if the waiting sucks. I've counseled many newbie friends who wanted to get the cheapest model around, but a bit more money can make a world of difference.

As for color, I loathed the color of my first bike, but it was the right bike for me. Baby blue and dark metallic blue, yeah. Eventually though, it grew on me, mostly because I loved the bike so much it didn't matter. My next bike was more heinous so I repainted it and finally on bike 3 I got what I wanted. :p

That said, I've ridden through mud, sand and hell with rim brakes and lived to tell, so if the color does it for you, dooooo it.

I think their suggestion to consider non-WSD bikes is a good one, too. While WSD works for some women, a lot of shops sadly treat it as a one size fits all thing. As a rule, WSD assumes longer legs, shorter torsos/arms. I have a long torso, monkey arms and shorter legs. I quickly found the crankarm length on my first bike wasn't long enough (still don't understand the short crank arm logic), but because of its low bottom bracket height I couldn't go longer without fear of banging every rock in sight. So, find out who does their fits and ask him/her their thoughts.

[hebe]

Apologies, I haven't been back to this thread in a few days. Thank you so much for your helpful posts Bike Writer, ChicagoGal and Smurfalicious.

We've had snow, ice and stinking colds for the last week so I'm going back to the bike shop on Tuesday, when the girl salesperson will be in, who suggested looking at non-wsd frames. I've had a look at the bikes she suggested, and am quite taken with this one (http://www.specialized.com/gb/en/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=53225&scid=1000&scname=Mountain) and this one (http://www.specialized.com/gb/en/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=51626&scid=1000&scname=Mountain) and possibly this one (http://www.specialized.com/gb/en/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=53293&scid=1000&scname=Mountain). On the Giant side, I love the Revel 0 but it's a little bit out of budget, so the Revel 1 could be a possibility.

The owner of the bike shop does his own fits, and I'm happy to trust his judgement. I'm more than happy to stick to rim brakes too for this bike if need be, I think they are fine for my level of riding.

It's all very exciting! My toddler has started her settling sessions at nursery, which means I'll have a morning a week available for riding from the New Year, and four mornings a week from Easter (I have to take one out for shopping and housework). YAY!

[hebe]

I'm going bike shopping tomorrow! :D I can't wait and will do a quick detour to the newsagents first to buy a couple of magazines to keep B occupied while I'm looking at bikes. Hurrah!

[Bike Writer]

I'm thrilled for you! You must be so excited, please post a picture when you get it. Like your new blog too.

[hebe]

and here she is! Sorry for the poor picture, it was grey and dingy all day today so the pic's taken in the garage.

The LBS owner delivered it this morning and did the final adjustments. I had a quick spin down the road and like it very much so far, will get a proper ride tomorrow morning. After checking it over a bit more I might need to ask him if he can adjust the left thumb shifter, it seems to have a lot of travel in it before it actually changes the gear. All the others seem fine though. The frame size is lovely too, 15.5inches. It looks so tiny next to my Marin comfort bike, but in a small and powerful way.

I'm really looking forward to taking it off-road tomorrow and seeing how those lower gears tackle the hills!

[hebe]

And here's a better picture, taken after Sunday's ride. Excuse the upside down seat pack (I needed the reflector to still be visible).

[Bike Writer]

Nice pictures, that bike looks ready to fly down the road just sitting still.

Wow, you still have green grass, we are in winterwonderland mode in Michigan.