How To Upgrade Your Mountain Bike. The Best Way
Many people buy mountain bikes and ride them using the original components they came with. For most, this is okay, but for the more daring of us who want to push ourselves and our bikes to the limit, the stock components just don’t cut it.
In this post, I will recommend the best upgrades you can make to ANY mountain bike that will drastically improve the feel, giving you loads more confidence to tackle those tricky features.
Just so you know…
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That said, all of the recommendations here have been hand-picked based on the experience I have gained over the years riding mountain bikes.
Upgrade the Contact Points on Your Bike
One of the most effective ways to enhance your mountain biking experience is by upgrading all the contact points on your bike. This includes grips, pedals, and the saddle. These are the parts of the bike that you are in constant contact with, so improving them can make a significant difference in comfort and control.
Grips:
Upgrading your grips can greatly improve your comfort and control. Stock grips can often be too hard or slippery, leading to hand fatigue and reduced handling. It’s not uncommon for the cheaper grips to start rotating on your bars mid-ride which can be dangerous. I recommend getting grips with “lock-on” collars as they are far more reliable and rarely come loose. Look for grips with better ergonomics, softer compounds, and better texture to enhance your grip and reduce vibration.
I recommend the Ergon GA2 Grips
These grips offer a comfortable, ergonomic design with excellent shock absorption, making them a perfect upgrade for any mountain bike.
They also have a lock-on collar so you won’t have to worry about anything moving whilst shredding the trails.
Pedals:
Pedals are another critical contact point. Upgrading to high-quality pedals can provide better grip, more power transfer, and greater durability. Consider whether you prefer flat pedals or clipless pedals, as both have their benefits depending on your riding style.
I prefer flat pedals but if you’re sending more gnarly downhill trails it may be beneficial to consider “Clipless” pedals, despite the name you actually clip into these pedals with a cleat that is attached to your shoes preventing your feet from accidentally jumping off of the pedals
I recommend the RaceFace Chester Pedals
These flat pedals are excellent value for money and a great upgrade for those just starting in mountain biking, they’re durable, lightweight, and provide excellent grip with their replaceable pins.
With a handful of different colours, you’ll also make your ride extra steezy!
Saddle:
A comfortable saddle can make long rides much more enjoyable. Stock saddles are often not suited for all riders, leading to discomfort and even pain over time. Upgrading to a saddle that fits your body and riding style can greatly improve your biking experience.
Recommended Product:
Ergon SM MTB Sport Men & Ergon SM MTB Sport Women
This saddle is designed specifically for mountain biking, providing excellent comfort and support with its ergonomic shape and high-quality materials. It’s a great choice for serious riders looking to enhance their bike’s performance and comfort.
Upgrading to Premium Tyres for Increased Grip and Reliability
The tyres that come with most bikes are usually a compromise designed to handle a variety of conditions but not excel in any. Upgrading to premium tyres can significantly improve your bike’s performance. Look for tyres that offer better grip, durability, and are suited to the terrain you ride most often.
I recommend the Maxxis Minion DHF Tyres
These tyres are renowned for their excellent grip and reliability in various conditions, making them a popular choice among mountain bikers.
Important
Every bike takes a different size tyre, it is important that you check the compatibility of the tyre before purchasing to ensure you don’t waste your time and money.
You need to check your wheel size, I have linked to the most common wheel sizes below.
You must also check the clearance between the stanchions on your fork and the seat/chainstays to ensure it can accept the width of the new tyre,
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Changing the Standard Seat Post for a Dropper Post
A dropper post is one of the best upgrades you can make for trail and all-mountain riding. It allows you to adjust your saddle height on the fly, giving you the ability to lower your saddle for descents and technical sections, and then raise it back up for climbs and pedalling efficiency. This can greatly improve your control and confidence on technical trails.
This is another one that you need to be sure is compatible with your bike so here are some things to check before making a purchase
Seat post diameter most common sizes are: 27.2mm, 30.9mm & 31.6mm
You also need to establish if your frame is compatible with internal cable routing and get the appropriate dropper post to match.
For frames compatible with internal routing I recommend the RSP Plummet Remote Stealth Dropper Seat Post 30.9mm
The RSP Plummet Remote Stealth Dropper Seat Post is known for its reliability and smooth operation, making it an excellent choice for mountain bikers looking to enhance their bike’s versatility and performance.
For external routing, I recommend the RSP Plummet Remote Dropper Seat Post 30.9mm
Conclusion
Upgrading your mountain bike doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. By focusing on the contact points, tyres, and seat post, you can significantly enhance your biking experience and tackle more challenging trails with confidence. So go ahead, make these upgrades, and push your limits on the trail!
Did I miss anything that you think deserves a place in this post? Leave a comment below and let me know.
If you have any questions regarding any of the items recommended in this list then pop them below and well do our best to help.
Happy riding all and remember, its never one last run!! You’re just going again or going home 😉
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