New bike OR update my Marin Alpine trail? What part to fit?

[The Hobbymaster]

Hi All,
I've got a dilemma on my hands, I was thinking of selling my Marin Alpine Trail 2001 to help fund a newer bike. As I've been out of the loop for a few years I don't know what to do for the best. Do I sell and put the money towards a new Bike OR update the Alpine Trail?? was thinking I could update my frame eg powder coat it and new decals etc then fit some new parts to give it a more up to date look and feel.
I don't have a massive amount of cash to throw at it as I've been off work with a bad back since Christmas!!
Things I would like to change if I go ahead with a rebuild are:-
Wheels (would 27.5 wheels fit my frame?)
Forks
Rear shock
I have new Renthal fat bars and a new saddle already
The bike has Disc's that work fine so no real need to swop those out.

So that's it, what's the best way forward and what parts should I fit??
For the record the new bike would be a Giant Trance 27.5 3 £1499 (on finance)
Any help would be really helpful
Cheers
Ian

 

[markwashington]

Hi mate, I'll follow on from your comments in the how much area, If you've been told to get back on your bike by your doctor, I'd do just that, forget about splashing the cash on a new bike (albeit a really nice one) and get out on yours. It might be that being out on your old bike (which appears to be in fantastic condition) makes you love it all over again and you can concentrate on getting your fitness and strength levels up before thinking about a new bike.

I was guilty of buying a "posh" full sus after a holiday to Wales where my hardtail didn't really cut the mustard only to realise that full sus is not right for the type of riding I do and my Lavadome and Explosif are always the first bikes I reach for. In fact I haven't ridden the Specialized for well over a year, it just languishes in my old bedroom at my parents house.

Remember the grass is always greener!

As far as your questions go:

I don't think 27.5 wheels would fit, although I might be wrong. Fitting a set of lighter disc wheels will make a massive difference, keep an eye out here or on Ebay for bargains.

The Attack trail which was the top end of the 4-6 inch travel marins in 2001 had a Rock Shox sid XC air shock and in 2002 a Fox Vanilla RC so one of these might be a good idea.

As far as a fork goes the world is pretty much your oyster, I'd go with something with 100-120mm travel.

I wouldn't bother with a respray, keep the patina, it gives the bike character!