Bike upgrade - help needed.

[Gaz1987]

First off im new to the forum so hi to everyone, im hoping that people could help me out with some questions I have.

I am looking to upgrade my current hardtail rather than purchase another.
I currently have a standard Kona shred 2009.

I use this bike as a bit of an all rounder but the main things I do will be trail riding some downhill sections and dirt jumps.

I was hoping that someone could help me out with improving my bike, I have noticed that gear change is a little sloppy so was planning on removing the front shifter and just sticking with the 8 speed on the back. I was thinking of upgrading the shifter and taking a link out of the chain to improve changing gear.

As for my budget I dont want to go to mad but would like to have a nice stiff setup that will take a little bit of everything if that is possible.

Any other help is appreciated.

 

[Emmanuel Obikwelu]

hi gaz and welcome.
Im sure someone here will be able to help you.

 

[Zoof]

Hi gaz1987 welcome to the forum

Can you give give some more detail on the problem with the gear change.

Because normally shifters don’t wear out that fast.

I would check for end float on the jockey wheels first.




Try this site for info on yer gears can save you a lot of cash!

http://sheldonbrown.com/gearing/index.html

 

[Gaz1987]

Hi everyone thanks for getting back to me.

I was more interested in a 8 speed shifter as I have been told these are pretty good, I dont use the gears all that often so an extra few will proberly never be used.
I do not mind at all if I get a second hand shifter or a new one as long as it works well and is in good condition.

With regard to taking a link or two off the chain I thought this would be a good move as long as I did not go mad and take too many as there is some slack in the chain so I thought taking some out would help shiffting and any chain jumping.

"Sloppy shiffiting" was the best way I could describe I just find that there is a little bit of a delay compared to other shifters I have used on other bikes. One of the brake lines was changed around a year or just over a go and to be honest all look fine as the bike hasn't really had much action in the last few years.

I am really just after somethings that will tweek my bike and make it a little better to ride.


I will take a look at the links and other info that have been shown so thanks for them.

A single speed to be honest would not really suit how I ride as I like a few gears as I occasionly do some small hills and they help just with a general ride.

If there are any other things people may think will improve my bike I would really like to hear about them, anything at all as my aim is to customise the bike a little to improve anything that will make a difference without going mad.

Hope that all makes sense and once again thanks for your help.

 

[fossyant]

New chain, cassette and new cables if not changed in last few years. That's all you need.