They don't change the name every year. The XT line from 1996 is probably outdated based on the Alivio line of 2013; as technology progresses, XT leads the way and the "old" tech flows down through the product line.
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For the record... I know guys that can buy the cheapest crappiest girls toddler bike at Walmart and leave me in their dust on the trails.
Mine is a 1996 Team Marin with a Marzocchi front fork. No rear suspension.
Here is a stock photo:
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...rindirt3-1.jpg
^^ thats very similar to my friends 96 hookooekoo that im fixing up. His forks shot so we're putting a cheap rigid one on instead.
I just rebuilt my Fox F29 fork this morning. I waited too long to do maintenance on it so it was in pretty bad shape. :(
All new seals and fluid now... as long as it holds fluid ill be good otherwise I may need new uppers.
So my son needed a "bigger" bike. Not because he's too big.... but because we went for a 5+ mile bike ride and it became clear that his skill level was beyond the 12" bike that fit him.
Lets just say it was a fun family biking weekend :)
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...12e458be-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...954a34af-1.jpg
http://youtu.be/6vzzmPVtjlU
So I've been riding a lot more lately and trying to get my friend in on it too. He had a good time last time we went. Anyways, I'm realizing more than ever that I need a few upgrades. Here's my current set up, completely stock as of now:
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...rchive/fuelex5
Here's what I have planned in terms of upgrades (most likely in this order):
1. http://www.mtbr.com/cat/tires-and-wh...1_1508crx.aspx
2. http://www.mtbr.com/cat/tires-and-wh...33_151crx.aspx
3. http://www.mtbr.com/cat/brakes/disc-...4_1507crx.aspx
4. http://www.sram.com/rockshox/products/reba-rl
Do any of you have any experience with a tubeless tire set up? I'm very uneducated about that stuff and would love some advice. I know some people say that there is hardly any weight savings, but I'm really just doing it because I'm sick of pinch flats all the time. Do I need a tubeless-specific tire? What else would I need besides number 1 on the list?
Pretty set on those brakes, they have great reviews.
Could use some recommendations on forks. I currently have a Rockshox Recon Silver TK, but have always been a big fan of Fox products. Unfortunately, they're a bit out of price range (I'd like to keep it around $500-600), but the Reba RL looks like great bang for your buck and gets pretty good reviews. Also, I prefer air spring vs. coil. I like adjustability.
I'd probably sell or just gift all of my parts I'm swapping to my buddy because that would make a huge difference for him. What do you guys think of that set up? Would you change anything?
Tubeless is 100% worth it. Weight wise you'll save between .3-.6 lb, which isn't bad.... but the performance is really the big improvement.
I personally prefer to stick with tubeless or tubeless ready tires. Non-tubeless tires don't really have any benefit... they'll soak up so much sealant that they're the same weight as a tubeless tire, but dont have the right bead.
for the Fork... keep your eye on eBay and mtbr classifieds. Should be able to find a nice/quality Fox Float for $300-$400.
What kind of trails do you ride?