wsd Trek X-caliber vs Specialized Jett comp/ 29ers

[countrygirl]

Thanks Indy, very sound words. I don't want to go nuts upgrading a bike I have never even seen in person yet, but did read lots of pro and regular consumer reviews on this model where changing out the wheels for lighter seemed to be the chorus, so I will probably do it right away to get the discount. If there were no discount I would rather just take my sweet time with upgrading. The chain upgrade was so cheap with discount ($25) couldn't resist, since the guy said it really would make the shifting smoother. Smooth shifting, avoiding flats and being able to correct the one thing people complained on about this bike, sluggish start-up on hills, seem to be worthy investments for a thrifty person like me. Thanks again. I can finally turn my mind to other things having made these big decisions, which bike to get etc. 10 days 'til she arrives and then we ride !

[hebe]

The only real upgrades that I need to get my HardRock up hills faster are better leg muscles, and about 10lb less of me sitting on top of it Have fun with your new bike!

[countrygirl]

Lol, point well-taken. Looking forward to losing a few pounds myself. I was amazed, getting on a bike again after so long, that it certainly does require some muscle to getcha up a hill! I'm pretty fit but running muscles don't translate into biking muscles just like that. Loving the idea of a very fun way to stay in shape so I can have some variety from hiking/running... and those gym machines when the weather is bad, which never seem to get you in shape like really getting outside and battling serious gravity does!

[indysteel]

Thanks Indy, very sound words. I don't want to go nuts upgrading a bike I have never even seen in person yet, but did read lots of pro and regular consumer reviews on this model where changing out the wheels for lighter seemed to be the chorus, so I will probably do it right away to get the discount. If there were no discount I would rather just take my sweet time with upgrading. The chain upgrade was so cheap with discount ($25) couldn't resist, since the guy said it really would make the shifting smoother. Smooth shifting, avoiding flats and being able to correct the one thing people complained on about this bike, sluggish start-up on hills, seem to be worthy investments for a thrifty person like me. Thanks again. I can finally turn my mind to other things having made these big decisions, which bike to get etc. 10 days 'til she arrives and then we ride !

I just want to clarify, that while I offered some advice--from my experience--about upgrades, I don't want you to feel like you need to justify or explain your reasoning to me or anybody else. It's your bike, your money, and your call.

I will say that I'm pretty wary when I talk to LBS employees at certain shops though. Some will shamelessly push product regardless of actual need or they'll overstate the improvement you'll gain from the upgrade. As a for instance, expect to hear at least once that you absolutely need to replace your cassette every time you replace your chain. I think that's lousy advice, but you hear it all the time. Remember that with a lot of upgrades, it's not the difference between the bike not working at all and working flawlessly. You're often talking about very modest improvements in performance. Just something to bear in mind going forward....

[countrygirl]

I 'think aloud' more than feel a need to justify, plus it gives someone like you a chance to chime in on all my loud thinking lol, so i can gain more perspective... That is all good to know, actually having read on a biking forum that Bikeshop salespeople will often try to sell you what is on the floor really helped me to avoid being suckered, as I did notice this dynamic when shopping and stuck to my guns. The sales guy I'm talking to about replacing the wheels didn't really have any other suggestions, just that and the cheap chain upgrade... and I'm the one who asked him about any upgrades he'd suggest. But it's good to be aware of what you are sharing, me and bf are having to really slow down with out upgrade fever, we started out happy w $600 entry level bikes but now we are buying $1300 bikes a few days later... What happened there??