So I get the urge to get a new bike about once every 5 minutes but then I go ride my current rig and realize it can still hang with the new breed of bike out there. So rather than spend several thousand dollar on a shiny new steed, I figured I might spend a little money to upgrade my old steady. I want something that will improve overall performance. Below is a spec list and pic (not great detail) of the bike. Post your thoughts. Thanks.


Frame: 2008? Banshee Spitfire V1 Med with Fox RP2 (I had a RP23 and don't notice much difference)
Fork: 2008? Rockshox Lyrik 160 R2C2 Coil Uturn
Wheels: DT350 hubs laced to Pacenti TL28 32h
Cranks: Truvativ Stylo 175 mm
BB: Sram GXP
Chain ring: RF N/W 32
Cassette: X0 11-38
Shifter: X0 10 spd
Rear Derailleur: X0 10 spd med cage Type 2
Bars: Spank Spike 800
Stem: Renthal Strata Dup 50 mm
Brakes: Hayes Prime Pro with 185 Avid rotors
Headset: CaneCreek something
Grips: ODI Ruffian
Seatpost: Reverb 125
Saddle: SDG Bel Sir 2.0 Ti rail
Tires: Front 2.4" Ardent, Rear 2.25" High Roller (not II)

My guess is that I should look at wheels and suspension for true performance upgrades.

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Banjopickin wrote on 03/07/17 at 2:48pm:


Me...

You're probably right. I do love the way this bike rides. It's mostly just the new stuff itch that needs scratching. Maybe some new rubber will hit the spot without dropping too much coin.

If you have to scratch the "i need new stuff" itch...

Upgrading the rear shock to a coil would be sweet. The Spitfire could run a coil (with a little tweaking on the compression damping to compensate for the rising rate at the end stroke) which would really open that bike up for burlier riding.

New tires always makes a bike feel fresh too... If you want to try something new, measure up and see if you can clear mid-plus sizes (2.5-2.8s). Not sure if they make them for 26" wheels though...

Add a One-Up 42 cog or similar and you have a new-ish drive train. Thats super cheap but not really necessary unless you are struggling to clean climbs already.

or Get Monkey Lights and really pi  . everyone off haha...
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Get you a couple o' 5 lb. ankle weights..
Strap 'em to the top tube.
Ride like that for a couple o' weeks. Then take them off. 

Or just let me know next time you'll be at Sherman or RR. I'll bring my Superlight clone and you can ride it. Same difference.

If it aint broke, why fix it?

I tried a Hope 40trex range extending cog but it failed under my massive torque. I've spent forty mile days in the mountains without it so I don't really think it's necessary. New rubber it is! Thinking High Roller II for the rear and Minion dhf or another Ardent up front.

You've got a pretty sweet build already.  The Minion DHF/High Roller II setup is pretty nice.  If you're feeling spendy, you could have your current hubs relaced with something a little wider like the new Stan's Flow to better complement the Minions.

I was just in the same place with my 26" Nomad.  Ended up going with Ardent 2.4's F&R (still on 21mm internal rims) and still need to add a dropper.  I haven't had any issues with traction here or in the mountains and I don't shy away from the harder stuff.  11 speed would be nice, but 11-38 with a 30T is definitely manageable even in the mountains.   

I say just get some new tires and ride the hell out of it!

Have you upgraded to the 54t star ratchet on your DT 350's? Relatively cheap upgrade, and I definitely like the additional POE's!

OoHoO wrote on 03/08/17 at 1:12pm:


Never heard of it.

OoHoO wrote on 03/08/17 at 8:23pm:


Will it make my bike easier to push up the hills?

Seriously though, I think I'll give it a go.

OoHoO wrote on 03/08/17 at 8:23pm:


While I agree that it's probably a worthy upgrade, it is not what I would call cheap...or even relatively cheap, based on what you are getting for your crisp hundo (2 ratchets and a couple of springs).  I installed the 36T in my DT350 because of some rumblings about the 54T being less reliable.  Not that my 'fears' were/are warranted, they most likely are not... 10 degree engagement is just fine for me anyway.