Any DIY mountain bikers here?

[crays]

I rebuilt my bicycle about eighteen years ago when I was living in Durango. That was before all the information was available online. I was able to find a lot of information in different books and a couple of local shops were more than helpful when it came to looking for parts. It was a lot of fun. Maybe you can use the current "safer at home" situation to contact online sources for parts and advice. I'm not really into the bicycle community but I imagine there are forums out there that have build threads and videos similar to AR-15s and 4 wheel drive vehicles.

Not much value add from me more than anecdotal, but I agree with JohnnyDrama. I used to get the best all around info and help from a small bike shop in Gunnison when I lived there. They didn't care whether you were skinny or fat, stock or custom. They were awesome.

Unfortunately, once they migrate back to the city, they get all uppity and think they're superior.

Sent from somewhere...

[KS63]

Google the specs on your bike. Figure out your axle type and diameter. figure out your bottom bracket type. If you know this info you can order most anything. Then get some tools to fit the crap.
I'd toss that Trek and start with a fresh build.

Thanks for the info. What?s wrong with my bike that would require me to toss it do a custom build for a first timer wanting to go on a bike with with his 9yr old?

[20X11]

Trek describes the Wahoo as a kids bike...may not stand up to adult weight?

[hurley842002]

Thanks for the info. What?s wrong with my bike that would require me to toss it do a custom build for a first timer wanting to go on a bike with with his 9yr old?

I would never say to toss it, however, after my research and experience, it rarely pays to try and dump money in an aging bike, especially if it wasn't a high end bike to begin with. I know nothing about the Wahoo or what model year yours is but a quick bluebook search puts it in the $500-$600 MSRP category for mountain bikes, which means it's likely not even worth the money you are about to spend on it, and depending on the quality of parts you want to use, you could easily surpass MSRP.

I've been where you are, I recall taking an older (but higher end) Giant hardtail that needed some work, into Pedal in Littleton, and I too got the "treatment" like you did. It was then that I realized bikes are terrible investments for anything but enjoyment. Believe it or not, I just scrapped what was once over a thousand (I only paid $80) dollar bike, and started over.

Similarly, I've got a 2020 Giant that is a quality bike, but even it, being brand new isn't worth dumping a lot of money into. I plan to install tubeless tires, add a dropper seat post, and that's likely it.

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[KS63]

Trek describes the Wahoo as a kids bike...may not stand up to adult weight?

I’ve seen some of the smaller framed Wahoo’s labeled specifically for kids, but mine is a Large Frame Gary Fisher model with 29” wheels. That’s a big F’ing kid!

[KS63]

Hurley-I don’t know what year mine is, but the previous owner installed SRAM hydraulic disc brakes and a RockShox air fork. I’d like to install a 1x SRAM NX kit for a few hundred bucks. I bought the bike for $170 so I figure I could throw a little money at it and still be under new prices.

[SSChameleon]

The drivetrain should be pretty straightforward. Decide what you want, look at what you have and you can google compatibility. The two factors will be, what bottom bracket to determine crankset, and what hubs to determine what speed cassettes will fit.

If you are upgrading wheels, you will likely end up with new hubs that will accept 10, 11 or 12 speed cassettes.

[def90]

I’ve seen some of the smaller framed Wahoo’s labeled specifically for kids, but mine is a Large Frame Gary Fisher model with 29” wheels. That’s a big F’ing kid!

Your first post says you have a Trek Wahoo, now it’s a Gary Fisher Wahoo? Those are two different bikes. The Gary Fisher is worth playing around with, the Trek is a kids bike.

[earplug]

Your biggest bang for the buck is carbon wheels and lighter tubeless tires. Talk to riders in your area for the best tire and tread for your local conditions. Clipless pedals and shoes allow you to ride better, We like SPD's. Don't cheap out on shoes.
My kid did several years of high school cross country racing. Check out Light bicycle online for carbon rims. We used DT hubs. They have been trouble free and are easy to maintain. You can get SRAM kits on Ebay. Some are as new take offs from damaged frames in shipping. We ordered carbon fiber handle bars and stem direct from China. No issues. Seat stems can be a issue if you end up with a road stem on a MTN bike. Buy a brake bleeder, 1/4 inch torque wrench, allen and torxs sockets. You will need a fork air pump to get the most out of your fork.
A mini van hauls bikes and gear easier then a truck or SUV.

[KS63]

Your first post says you have a Trek Wahoo, now it’s a Gary Fisher Wahoo? Those are two different bikes. The Gary Fisher is worth playing around with, the Trek is a kids bike.

That’s correct. It’s a Wahoo Gary Fisher model/series. They don’t make these anymore, just the kids bikes. Here’s proof:
https://www.phattirebikeshop.com/pro...on-94373-1.htm