worth updating my old moots?

[alpamayo]

So I have a moots ybb superlight that I've had for 20+ years. 26" wheels, v-brakes, 3x9. Great bike in it's day. I've done a couple of road tours and one bikepacking trip on it. I've run it with flat bars and with drop bars. The stopping power when loaded is not so great. Is this bike worth upgrading for bikepacking use?

I can drop some money and upgrade it. Maybe a front disc brake. Could definitely use tubeless wheels. Could always run a new 1x11/12. I am wondering if tires are going to become more and more scarce for 26". And the front shock is pretty old too...how much longer am I going to be able to keep that maintained (not sure I can anymore). Could always go rigid, Salsa has an ok looking 26" rigid.

On the other hand, by the time I drop any significant $$, it might be worth looking at something new.

Thoughts?

[AZTtripper]

Well you should have gotten your money's worth out of it by now. A classic bike for sure, if you go rigid it deserves a carbon fork. Tubeless would be great but your still left with 26 inch wheels. Tires may become limited, fat DH tires will likely always be available in 26 but how much clearance do you have in the back. Hybrid tires might be a long term option. That might be the best use for old school geometry.

If you have the cash better to buy something new with modern geometry, thru axles, tubeless and 27.5 or 29 inch wheels.

My .02

Tim

[offroute]

A sentimental classic is tough to move on from (I know firsthand), but I'm of the same mind as Tim.

Hardtails can be full-blown trail bikes now, so more duty can be gotten out of a bikepacker. Steel and alum options abound, and you could even stay with a ti frame for under 1500 USD (Carver, et al). 29er-size wheels are a great tool for the job; many 29er frames allow 27.5+ wheels/tires.

I don't think you'd look back...