Hey - this is my bike too! I love it and it's never let me down. I killed my Manitou forks and have replaced them with Marzochhi Bombers which rock and my brother got me some Avid Juicy 7 Front Disc brakes for Christmas so the V-brakes have gone at the front. Other than that, I've just been through a few wheels, hubs, etc. I can't believe you have the original bar grips. Mine dissolved with hand sweat ages ago! Cheers and enjoy!