upgrade vs buying new

[starthms]

hey i have a mtb (apollo xc.26s) and well, i think its rubbish. I took it for my first propper ride the other day only 6 km as I've not been on the bike for like 2 years and well forgetting how unfit i am the ride wasnt a fun one. front brake rubs so guessing that not making things any easier for me lol .
The gears are all over the place; they either dont change or when u been in a gear for a bit and then all of a sudden it just jumps out. oh and the chain came off.
I am thinking i really want a road bike but want to keep going on my old bike for a bit to show myself that i am committed to biking.

So, I have 2 questions: 1 is there a way i can play with the set up to make it a bit better.

2, isn't a waste of my money to thinking about upgrading parts on my old bike to make it better or just buy the road bike that i really want sooner than planned.

thanks all again your like the best forum ever !!!!!!!

 

[dellzeqq]

Fix what you can on the Apollo without spending more than a few quid and see how it goes.

If it's still no good get a new one, or second hand bike that you've had the chance to ride and comes from a reputable source. If you do get a new bike, get the best you can afford from a dealer who offers a service. Don't buy mail order.

It's not worth spending lots of money on the Apollo. Your right, it's rubbish.

 

[summerdays]

Do you know what road bike you want yet? can you afford it at the moment? If not you could learn how to adjust bits on the bike on this one. But its probably not worth spending lots on upgrading the parts if you think you will be changing bikes soon. On the other hand will you have need of pub bike after you would get the road bike?

The biketutor video's are quite good and also the Park Tool website.

 

[starthms]

I was thinking about a Specialized Allez 16 or Dawes
Giro 400 .Thinking about a price range of £400 - £500. Any thoughts on any others that could be good??

 

[akaAndrew]

You pays your money and you makes your choice.

You can upgrade, and spend ages getting the right bits making sure they're all compatible etc (which is no mean feat in itself depending on the age of the bike/frame and which bits you decide to keep/upgrade) and then tweak until it's all working (and there can be compromises involved there). Sadly, it's not quite as simple as 'visit LBS, buy parts, bolt on', you need to be sure it'll all work toghether. BUT it can be an immensely satisfying path to take, albeit frustrating at times. And you'll learn truck loads into the bargain.

Or you can just decide your money is spent on a new bike. Depending on what needs upgrading on your old bike this can actually be a cheaper option.

Option 1 is a bit of a leap into the unknown (again, depending on age of the bike and the parts you upgrade). There is no guarantee that'll you'll end up with a sweet running machine. Option 2 has that guarantee.

Personally (if you hadn't already gathered), I'd look at option 2! But I think you've already made your mind up and answered your own question....

hey i have a mtb (apollo xc.26s) and well, i think its rubbish.

 

[Garz]

If you ride as irregular as once every two years or to that effect I would practice on a working poor bike to see if you really liked it before splashing any serious cash on something that might stay dormant gathering dust in a garage/shed!

Maybe the experience you gain from fixing your bike up will drive you to ride more and then upgrade..