Hi all, I'm currently looking at upgrading my current mtb, which is nothing special but mostly suits my needs, it's a 2012 On one Scandal, 29er but very old school geometry and standards.
The bike I'm looking at is a second hand Boardman MHT 8.9, and whilst this won't be an expensive venture I'm still not 100% sure it's worth it.
On the plus side the fork and wheels on the Boardman are going to be modern standards and should be decent or at least easily upgradable.
What's putting doubts in my mind is the drivetrain on the Boardman, it Sram SX 1x12, with ratios that won't suit me, 32t crank and 11-51 cassette I think, where as my current bike has a 1x10 Shimano deore drivetrain that is brand new with a 34t chainring and 12-46 cassette and that's ideal for me.
Obviously I could move my drivetrain to the new bike, but then is it really worth upgrading? Frame geometry is the big one here, but is it going to be that different to the On one considering I've fitted a -2 degree slackset to it?
Interested in anyone's thoughts, thanks.
I think you are overthinking the gear ratios. That spread is pretty standard. The only issue might be if you think you are going to be spinning out, in which case you probably don't want an MTB.
As you seem someone who keeps a bike for a time I'd be looking at the gearing and asking myself if I was planning to get younger or older in the next 10 years 😂
I started riding off road with a lowest gear of 42x28, over 40 years later I'm very happy to have a 32x51 lowest gear
Biggest problem is the SX gears as they're made of cheese. Plenty of second hand bargains about so I'd wait for something with better kit, unless the Boardman is cheap as chips?
I wouldn't worry about drive chain longevity. It is much more affected but how you maintain it. I have pg1230 cassettes on my ebike and they last well. I do rotate 3 waxed chains, and avoid riding in the rain.
SX doesn’t even work from new in my experience. An NX or Shimano 12 spd mech will make it bearable.
Obviously I could move my drivetrain to the new bike, but then is it really worth upgrading? Frame geometry is the big one here, but is it going to be that different to the On one considering I've fitted a -2 degree slackset to it?
Personally, for MTB, I'd rather ride any bike with modern geometry (no matter how mediocre that bike is) than even the most top end of bikes from 2012. There is more to it than the head angle. However, I have absolutely no idea what geometry the bike you are looking at has.
Edit: Just checked the Boardman on Halfords site and I'd give it a swerve, not what I would call modern geometry, not even for an XC race bike.
Edit 2: If I were shopping at Halfords I think the Voodoo Bizango looks a better bet at a similar price
The sx mech is the issue
Deore would be better or nx
The Boardman will have much more current geometry than OP's existing bike, and will be fine for XC/trail riding.
Buy it and swap your drivetrain on to it OP.
Thanks for the feedback all, quite a mixed bag.
With regards to the drivetrain, with further thought it seems as though the best option would be to use my existing crank set, which is actually a decent if slightly old XT, and then up grade to either an NX or GX rear mech, are all the Sram 12 speed ones compatible with each other?
As for the geometry, it might not suit everyone but it seems comparable to both the Cannondale Scalpel and the Scott Spark,which is what I would be looking at if I had the money.
I’d be looking for a frame OP, and probably a wheelset, possibly a newer fork? But if you have a drivetrain, brakes and contact points you’re happy moving over, it’s probably not worth buying a whole bike to then pull apart (IMO)…
Yeah, I don't think I'm going to bother with it now that I've (over) thought about it.
I know me and it'll end up with massive mission creep, upgrade the drivetrain, then the wheels, service the fork and before I know it I've spent another £500 which I could just put towards a nicer bike.
Sell you current one & buy a new (2nd hand) one.
Always works out cheaper & easier.