Newish to MTB

[rey]

Hey everyone,

I’m newish to MTB, I’m a roadie convert 😀 In 2013, I got a decent deal on a Trek Marlin as an introductory MTB. First thing I did was switch out the brakes for BB7’s and matching levers. Now that I am getting a bit more experienced and becoming more of an aggressive rider, I am toying around with the idea of upgrading some of the parts on the bike. I was wondering if this would be a worthwhile endeavor (my LBS, which I don’t fully trust, said to upgrade to a new bike through them) on my part, or should I just upgrade to a new bike? I really like my bike, just not some of the cheaper/heavier components. If I upgrade the components on my bike, what would be some good suggestions or places to start? Thanks for the help!

[fatlip11]

Hey Rey,
I too started out with a Marlin a few years back and found that most of the components were not up to par for any aggressive riding although the frame seemed to hold up well. You should think about how far you want to progress in MTBing and go from there.
If you want to keep from spending too much, then I would look at your contact points, handlebars, stem, grips, pedals and seat. The stem on my Marlin was long and the bars narrow, read up on shorter stem wider bars and see if it is for you.
If money is not a huge concern and you want to take your biking up a notch then a new bike with better components and better wheels will definitely help and be more fun IMO. Better wheels makes all the difference.
In the end, I did the cockpit upgrades before selling my Marlin and buying a new bike and switched all of my upgrades to the new bike.
If you are not happy with your LBS, be sure to look around at other shops.

[rsb201]

It is what it is. An entry level bike. I am unaware of the specs on the marlin, does it have an air or a spring fork?? If it is a spring fork, by upgrading to a lighter, better performing air fork would be a huge bonus. a nice, lightweight wheel set would be on the top of the list as well. Upgrading to lighter components means $$$. I would have to stop and think about just buying a complete bike if you could swing it. There are shops that may still have some 2014 models they need to move. Just the two upgrades I mentioned would be over 1K. Something to think about……………good luck.

[kconner]

I got a 2011 Marlin as part of a warranty claim on my first bike, and ran into the same issues-I love the frame, but the components were heavy and/or not rugged enough. I didn’t want to buy a new bike due to the cost and I couldn’t find the exact build spec I wanted (and I didn’t want a different frame), so I decided to upgrade in bits and pieces. Between buying some used parts locally from trusted sources, shopping around for good deals on new components and doing most of the work myself, I’ve built MY bike for roughly the same cost as buying a new bike (that may not have exactly what I want on it).

For me, I upgraded to BB7 brakes, then new drivetrain, custom wheels (not as expensive as you’d think when bought from the right place), upgraded fork, seatpost/saddle, hydro brakes then handlebar/stem.

[Devin_P]

This type of question comes up fairly often and isn’t always easy to answer. It mostly depends on your finances and your overall goal with riding. As earlier stated "cockpit" upgrades can change the feel and performance of your bike and cost relatively little. Another option is to try and find really good deals online for a new rear derailleur and shifters. But if you start looking at upgrading everything and throw in a fork upgrade it is often times more cost effective to buy a new bike. The logical thing to do would be to look at what you want to upgrade and price the parts (and labor if you need to have the shop install them) out and then shop around for a new bike with what you want then compare prices. Keep in mind that a new bike will mean you have two bikes now and can entice friends to come along. lol

[rey]

Thanks everyone for the insight. I think, in my mind at least, would be to upgrade overtime, that way I’m only spending a little at time, instead of a lot all at once. I have friends that have been riding the same frame for at least 10-12 years (road bikes). We’ll see where I am at financially in the next couple months, so we’ll see where I am at.

[blundar]

"rey" wrote

Thanks everyone for the insight. I think, in my mind at least, would be to upgrade overtime, that way I’m only spending a little at time, instead of a lot all at once. I have friends that have been riding the same frame for at least 10-12 years (road bikes). We’ll see where I am at financially in the next couple months, so we’ll see where I am at.

The 2013 Trek Marlin has a pretty descent spec’d bike. [url:264wn8jk]http://www.bikeradar.com/us/mtb/gear/category/bikes/mountain-bikes/hardtail/product/review-trek-marlin-13-46923/[/url:264wn8jk]

The only real shortcoming on this one by far is the fork that comes stock with it (SR Suntour XCM). However, in my opinion, a "better" fork can easily end up costing more than 3/4 of what you originally spent on the bike as a whole when you bought it as new. The only other upgrades that could make a big difference on this bike are possibly, larger volume tires that would allow you to run lower tire pressures, and aftermarket organic brake pads.

Be careful not to fall into the trap of spending more on upgrades than what the bike is worth. A whole new bike will easily cost less than what all the upgraded components will cost, and you will always end up with other components that will also then be needing to be upgraded to get the bike up to spec’s to match the new components.

My advice is to ride what you have for now, improve your skills and cardio, and have fun. You do not need a "super" bike to improve your skills and fitness right away. Save up your money for a better bike later after you have a bit more experience. Your bike purchase choices will change as your skills improve.

[TheFuzz1290]

I’m still fairly new to riding, but I’ll in my opinion as well. If I were you, I’d just ride until something breaks. If something breaks, replace it with an upgrade. Don’t turn into an upgrade junkie, though, because you’ll end up wasting money. Or if you don’t want to ride until something breaks, save for a little, sell your bike, and buy a new one.

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