My next bike project: planning for a replacement of my hardtail

Equipment
1

Two years ago, I got a very good deal on a hardtail. The build is a bit of a mish-mash from several eras:

  • The frame is a Merida carbon frame from 2014, so quite old.
  • The bike was stripped to the frame in 2018 and the previous owner blinged it out: XTR M9000 1x groupset, Fox 32 Factory fork, carbon seat post, carbon bars, quality Stans NoTubes alu wheels.
  • In 2022, I put on new XT brakes and new Shimano Pro carbon bars with a Shimano Pro stem.

Without saddle bag, the bike weighs 9.6 kg. I really like it, but I am worried about the frame. The clear coat is peeling off and am not sure how much life it has left. So one option is to buy a new frame and put all the components on the new frame. I might have issues with the rear hub (as that still has a quick release), but that would be the cheapest option.

On the other hand, most of the components are already 6 years old, so another option might be to save up for a new bike. Trouble is, there is no way I could get an equivalently equipped bike for money Iā€™d find acceptable. (Bike prices are soaring.)

Any input or advice?

2

Replace the frame? maybe go dually? whenever the drivetrain and gears brake in future then upgrade them?

no point buying all new.

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3

If there is no indication of frame failures why replace it? Unless you just want to. If you like it, just keep riding it.

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