'97 S-Works: What to update?

[DenverCruiser]

Hey all. I have a '97 Specialized S-Works that I bought new and still love. I acutally raced this bike quite a bit in '97 & '98 and have enyoyed it quite a bit since but am wondering what all I should consider updating. I put on a new fork about 5 years ago but otherwise she is almost completeley stock (other than what I broke when racing).

So since I want to keep her going another 10 years instead of purchasing something new (I bet the frame is still on par to what is being produced today) what would you suggest I update to bring her up to speed?

Thanks!

 

[SmoothLC]

When I first saw the title of your post, I was gonna suggest full-suspension.

Then when I read that you want to keep it, how about adding some disk brakes?

That's a great bike - I almost bought one a few years newer at the time - simply bullet proof!

 

[MANUCHAO]

You could go and buy a front disk brake and complete wheel.
9 or 10 speeds combo. but that means deraileurs, shifters, cables......
Tubeless tires... high rise handlebar

BUT if everything is working great.. why bother.. save your money for a DH rig !!!!!

 

[DenverCruiser]

Thanks for the replies. Yea, disk brakes were the main update I was wondering if it was worth to update to. My XT/XTR components are still pretty sound.

Also did some research on why all mountain bikes now seem to have the raised handlebars (like my old hybrid had 20 years ago ) to see if I was missing something there. Looks like a straight bar is still the way to go for true accuracy.

Otherwise I am going to put on some new tires (missing a ton of lugs on front tire), put on some new grips and maybe shorter bar-ends, tighten the peddle release and continue to hit the trails with her.

 

[SmoothLC]

Disk brakes = wet, muddy conditions, good for all that Georgia mud

Other ideas:

• GPS - Garmin Edge
• Carbon fiber water bottle cage
• New wheel set

 

[DenverCruiser]

OK today I installed some new tires, cages, bar-ends and some grips I had laying around. Also detailed the bike, cleaned and shortened the "custom" chain-slap guard and removed the light brackets from using it as a commuter to work in Denver.

These bar-ends sure are short so will take some getting used to. Will probably order some new OURY grips as I did like them a lot.

 

[scottm]

Nice bike, a year newer than the Epic I'm still bashing around on. I actually shortened my handlebar and lowered it, I've always preferred more of a roadie position. But that's probably easier in trails with full-sus. Get disks when you trash your wheels or buy a new bike, I love mine but you'd have to replace wheels and brakes.

 

[Fast Eddy]

I had that same bike from new until about y2k.

The biggest upgrade you could do for yourself and your back would be a carbon fiber seatpost.

That frame is already the most rigid frame ever made. I'd be in a wheelchair by now if I had not upgrade to a steel frame.

If you want to keep it for another 10 years, I highly recommend not test-riding a steel framed bike.

 

[DenverCruiser]

I had that same bike from new until about y2k.

The biggest upgrade you could do for yourself and your back would be a carbon fiber seatpost.

That frame is already the most rigid frame ever made. I'd be in a wheelchair by now if I had not upgrade to a steel frame.

If you want to keep it for another 10 years, I highly recommend not test-riding a steel framed bike.

Ha, yep, my back always feels the rides for sure!

 

[bustanutley]

I would just put wider bars on it and ride it until you decide you want to get a more modern ride.

 

[davegonz]

Yeah, run it like it is unless something is acting up and then upgrade.

 

[Land Shark]

Yep, run it as is. This is a great bike.

 

[semlin]

great looking bike

the cost of adding disc wheels and brakes plus a rear disc adaptor is not worth it unless you ride it on rougher trails than your spine can handle and plus you'd end up with a heavier bike.

 

[DenverCruiser]

Yep, been enjoying riding it this fall. Probably going to get it tuned etc (new cables) but otherwise I am still really happy with it.