Returning to MTB’ing

I have decided to return to mtb riding after a 10 year “rest”

My old hardtail needs a good service and some upgrades. It currently has 3 chainrings but I have noticed that most bikes now only have one – why is this and what is the advantages

Also what are the best online bike equipment shops as it looks like Wiggle have sadly ceased trading.

Thanks

1x eliminates the need for problematic front shifting which was always the first thing to go on muddy rides IME. It’s probably the biggest upgrade to the riding experience. (The reason it is possible is cassettes with a huge range of gears across 11 cogs or more.)

Suspension is also much better now and a lightweight FS bike is a wonderful thing to ride.

Yeah would advise ride your current bike a couple of times, borrow a full suss for an hour and if you still like it go and buy a new full suss bike.

Depending on how and where you ride (and plan to ride – see bike parks), your ten year older self will thank you.

£2k will get you a decent new bike and the second hand market is good for buyers.

Bikes have changed A LOT in 10 years so upgrading an old one may not be very cost effective.

If you do end up wanting a new one, see if your employer offers a Cycle 2 Work scheme.

“It’s probably the biggest upgrade to the riding experience.”

Nah, that’s a dropper post surely!

It’s probably the biggest upgrade to the riding experience.

Only for those who can’t set a front mech up… 😉

I thought 1x was originally conceived to free up full suspension designs where a front mech just got in the way of pivots and shocks.

No way 1x 11 gives more range than 3x 11. 🙂

Anyway – bikes have changed – the trails haven’t. So don’t feel the need to jump into something shiny and new. But I’d only do repairs to yours to get it trail-worthy. Not worth spending loads of money on.

I haven’t had a front mech since the 90’s and I’m glad to see them consigned to the history books.

Dropper posts are a game changer though. I’d rather sacrifice rear suspension altogether than lose my dropper.

But yeah, don’t spend loads of money on your old bike. Ride it a few times to blow off the cobwebs and if you’re still into it start window shopping. Where are you based? Someone on here might offer you a spin on their bike.

I have a 6/7 year old hardtail. Don’t believe all the hype of a new bike, depending on what bike it is…What bike is it?

I would get out and ride a good bit first.
Then, see if there is a demo day or similar you can try out some of the new fangled bikes and see what suits you best.

Anyway – bikes have changed – the trails haven’t.

I beg to differ. Some trails haven’t changed, others have changed massively.

The Strava effect is notable on loads of honeypot locations around where I ride, with long established trails beginning to wither on the vine and mtbers continuing to ghetto themselves into smaller areas resulting in blown out grooves, and other areas with denied access where increased numbers have caused problems.

Fix up what you’ve got, get riding then look at something else as well. the formula N+1 hasn’t changed.  Always worth having a few different bikes.

Anyway – bikes have changed – the trails haven’t.

I would disagree too. Certainly trail centres. The features are now designed for modern geometry. Ive been riding a 2012 Giant Anthem, I went to Gisburn Forest a few weeks back for a demo day. Stuff that would have had be over the bars on my own bike was taken with ease on a modern bike. The features and sections of the trail had evolved with the increase in capability of bikes.

If you are on 3 chainring, does that mean you are 26er too? Parts you need would be expensive and difficult to get hold of.

I thought 1x was originally conceived to free up full suspension designs where a front mech just got in the way of pivots and shocks.

I thought it was there just to sell new bikes. I never had any trouble with a double or triple chainring

Its a Pace hardtail frame and around 5 years ago I had new Hope brakes, Hope wheels and hubs, Hope headset, bars, tyres, grips, pedals etc fitted but haven’t ridden it since.

Its got very old Shimano XT running gear and Rockshox forks

I am in Peebles for two weeks in August so would like to take it to GT

I have a 6/7 year old hardtail. Don’t believe all the hype of a new bike,

I have 27 year old hardtail, a 10-12(?) year old hardtail and a new hardtail

The middle one is way better than the old one and the new one is infinitely better than either of them.

29’er, modern geometry and I’m hitting similar times on local downhills that I was getting KOM’s on an S-Works Enduro a decade ago

As for the trails changing – yes, your local woodsy singletrack or typical Peak descent will be the same, but trail centres and much of the off piste tracks getting cut in – Cannock, Win Hill, even Black Rocks at Matlock are way more than they were a decade ago. Rideable by some folk on old bikes, but bloody scary for most mere mortals. Albeit the OP probably isn’t looking towards that sort of riding atm

I knew someone would say dropper post but I thought they were rather older than 10y and OP didn’t refer to them as a novelty.

As for being unable to set up a front shifter, LOL. Siri, show me someone who doesn’t ride in muddy conditions.

To answer your second question, Merlin are my go-to for online these days. Good pricing and the stock is accurate, plus you get loyalty points which add up to meaningful cashback vouchers for more parts!