Bike part questions

[VanHellion]

I'm looking at starting to phase parts onto my current bike, hopefully ending with a new frame when I get more money. The first things I'm looking at replacing are bars, stem, shifters (I have some SRAM grip shifters, not very ideal), brake levers, arms, and pads. Are there any other parts I should look at replacing for starters? My bike is a front suspension Pacific, 21 speed, XC frame with Vee's.

I've been looking around, and it seems that front freewheels are cheaper than the traditional rears. Is it a quality issue, or are front freewheels cheaper and more awesome?

[rndm*dv8n]

I wouldn't worry too much about shifters/gears as long they work. One thing you could do is trim your grip shifters with a hacksaw to make room on your handlebar.

[firewrx612]

Isn't a Pacific a department store bike? If so, I wouldn't bother upgrading it, save up your money for a whole bike and learn what you can on the Pacific until you break it, which probably wont be long.

You can get a decent trials bike for around $1300 or so.

[Sir_Crackien]

you can get a crazy trials bike for 1300. monty has some inexpensive trials bike that are very nice just not qiute so expensive

[VanHellion]

Isn't a Pacific a department store bike? If so, I wouldn't bother upgrading it, save up your money for a whole bike and learn what you can on the Pacific until you break it, which probably wont be long.

Yes, it is very much a department store bike. Fable has it that Pacific was the mystical underling of Trek, but I never pinned that one down. Point taken on the shifters and the other parts. However, at the very least, I'm getting a new set of bars, the current ones are like 19" wide, and they feel cramped even for daily riding.

And yes, I'm expecting it to break pretty well everytime I do more than pedal hard. :squint:

Thanks for the feedback!

[Corky]

Trek and Pacific have no connections. Even the Treks built overseas are not welded where Pacifics are.

If I was you I would start looking at some of the more entry level hardtails at bike stores. You could get a bike with decent frame, brakes, and drive train for less than $500. Do not worry about the fork, Just get a nice steel one for now. Several shops might have some laying around they took off bikes in the past. All of the parts that come on this bike could easily switch to a new frame when you have the money for one. Just look at the geometry of the trials bike you like and see what frames/bike you can afford come the closest geometry wise.

[Elan]

there can be really nice used bikes had for less than $1000 that are capable of being ridden well into expert levels of riding.