I did some routine maintenance on my bike today, an '04 Specialized HardRock Sport, and discovered that I needed some new parts.
1. Tires-- I still have the original tires. They are almost bald after more than four years of street riding. I'm planning to start doing some trail riding, so I think I want to stick with a tire that is a good compromise between street riding and the occasional off-road riding. Suggestions?
2. Grips-- The original grips are torn. Suggested replacements?
3. Chain Stay Protector-- The clear "stick-on" chain stay protector is torn and peeling off. What kind of replacement do you folks recommend?
4. Bottom Bracket Cartridge-- I hear a squeak coming from the bottom bracket area. Since it's a sealed cartridge, I assume that it cannot be overhauled and will have to be replaced. There's some rust along the edge of the cartridge, FWIW. What kind of replacement do you folks recommend for this? I wouldn't mind paying a bit more for a more durable replacement, this one (original) has less than 1000 miles on it.
5. Chain-- 1/16" of an inch wear. Time to replace soon I guess. SRAM replacement? Or should I stick with Shimano?
Thanks!
1. Tires-- I still have the original tires. They are almost bald after more than four years of street riding. I'm planning to start doing some trail riding, so I think I want to stick with a tire that is a good compromise between street riding and the occasional off-road riding. Suggestions?
2. Grips-- The original grips are torn. Suggested replacements?
3. Chain Stay Protector-- The clear "stick-on" chain stay protector is torn and peeling off. What kind of replacement do you folks recommend?
4. Bottom Bracket Cartridge-- I hear a squeak coming from the bottom bracket area. Since it's a sealed cartridge, I assume that it cannot be overhauled and will have to be replaced. There's some rust along the edge of the cartridge, FWIW. What kind of replacement do you folks recommend for this? I wouldn't mind paying a bit more for a more durable replacement, this one (original) has less than 1000 miles on it.
5. Chain-- 1/16" of an inch wear. Time to replace soon I guess. SRAM replacement? Or should I stick with Shimano?
Thanks!