I've got a 2005 Norco A-line which has always been a good, reliable bike, but it's getting old now and it's heavy, heavy compared to newer bikes. Recently I destroyed the 888s and now have Boxxer Race (wish I'd gone for the Team or WC as the Race just aren't externally adjustable enough), I've also got Hope Pro 2 hubs, Diablos headset, Holzfeller BB and cranks, Avid 7s and SRAM X7s...... So in effect the only original parts are the rims, stem/bars, frame, and Fox DHX3 shock....
Is it worth upgrading the rear shock and spring (perhaps Ti for weight loss) or should I cut my losses and upgrade entirely to something newer with more modern geometry? I think the Boxxers have increased the head angle by a degree or two and thus shortened the wheelbase marginally? Would this be true?
Is it worth looking at upgrading to a Fox DHX5 RC4? Right now the back end feels pretty dead, and heavy. It never quite feels right and I guess the DHX3 is a pretty basic model with very limited adjustability. I'm about 175lbs or so kitted up and have a 450 spring, virually no pre-load and 100psi in the chamber and it feels to go through the first 40% of the travel quite fast, then it ramps up suddenly with the next 40% or so, but will bottom out with a 6ft drop (not to flat). That's the other issue, the 9" setting always hits the saddle, the 8" often hits on bigger drops , but if I raise the saddle it's too high, if I increase the spring preload or pressure in the shock the back end bounces all over the place and doesn't soak up the lumps and bumps on track. Is that inherent of all long travel bikes?
How could I make this good bike into a great bike? It seems there's a limit to how much a new fork and shock could change the bike due to it's frame design, weight, geo, the suspension design etc? Would it be better to cut my losses before investing too much and simply sell this bike and get something newer? are there huge advantages to the newer frames from Norco, Specialized, Intense, Trek etc?
I ride a 2004 Norco Shore... I am upgrading EVERYTHING aside form rear shock... I am putting together new rims with saint hubs, saint brakes and drivetrain. Once this is all complete, save up a little extra over a few months and buy a brand new frame or a slightly used frame. Then transfer the parts, throw the old shit back o and sell it For me is cash that is a problem... I make great money at work but I have 2 small children and bills all the while trying to pay off $4000 credit card debt from when I was 18-19. Buying piece by piece may cost a tad more in the end, but copping up 5 grand for a new bike is impossible.... $200-$300 a pay period buying me a piece or 2. By the end of the summer my bike with have brand spankin new hardware. Work some overtime this winter while the weather sucks and buy a new frame in the spring. tada!
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