I want to start this off my emphasizing that I am a teenager in high school and all of this would be funded by my minimally paying summer job, so there are a lot of stuff that I most likely wouldn’t be able to afford.
I recently fully paid off my first actual mountain bike, a $2700 full suspension. It’s definitely not the best bike and I’m looking to replace it for a better one in the future when I have the money, but for now I was this bike to last me through high school and college at the least.
That being said, I was wondering what equipment or upgrades to my bike I should invest in to continue my passion for mountain biking.
Here’s a list of what I currently have:
• My bike, of course (Fuel EX 5, all factory parts except for the pedals, Pace Race spiked)
• Suspension pump and chain lube that the guy at the bike shop persuaded me to buy
• A crappy amazon helmet (I 100% will be replacing this, it’s uncomfortable and probably won’t do shit in an actual crash)
•A $130-ish cleaning kit off amazon that comes with brushes, lube, bike cleaner, etc. Edit: I have canceled this due to advice in the comments, it was likely a dumb impulse purchase 😂
Other than all of that I don’t have any other special bike equipment or clothing. I have around $800 to spend on stuff so I would appreciate any tips.
I will attach a link to my current bike if anyone would like to give suggestions on possible upgrades to it. 😁
by AggravatingIce2428
29 Comments
good pedals, shoes and grips. Nice saddles help with good padded shorts. Go tubless if you feel adventurous and don’t forget to have fun.
Upgrade the pedals, maybe the grips if they suck. Maybe better helmet. Other than that your bike is actually pretty good and capable. Maybe tires once you wear those out. Bike upgrades really show their worth once you upgrade your bike riding skill.
One thing that came with my first bike that I overlooked but quickly learned to appreciate is the dropper post. I didn’t see how it would be all that big of a deal but after I learned how it worked I can’t imagine NOT having one.
You can add one for not a ton of $ if your bike doesn’t have one.
Is there something specific about your bike that you WANT to upgrade? I wouldn’t upgrade just for the sake of spending your upgrade money.
What do you have for shoes? Quality shoes with a hard toe box can save your toes from rock strikes besides being grippier on the pedals.
Gloves can save your hands (a little anyway) in a crash.
How about tools? Do you have assorted hex and/or Torx wrenches? A Torque wrench? Cassette tool? Digital tire pressure gauge?
What about an action cam to record your rides?
Sooo many things
i wouldn’t bother with the kit, simple green or dish soap work just fine for washing bikes, a gear brush and an old t shirt is what i use. just don’t blast it with the hose, i run it low with no middle on it.
gloves
glasses
shoes (5:10 or ride concept)
maybe knee pads
A set of metric allan wrenches
multi tool
tire levers
tools
hydration (pack or bottle)
Use dish soap or even better just hose it down and wipe it dry with a clean rag. You don’t need a $130 cleaning kit to clean your bike honestly.
Helmet is always a good investment, gloves and good shoes. In many cases contact points are your best first investment…pedals, seat and grips so that you are comfortable and have good grip to the pedals. Do not use the cheap plastic pedals that come with the bike, get good pinned pedals.
Aside from that, take a riding clinic to teach you basics and proper technique. This will be the best money you spend outside of protective gear.
If the cleaning kit is still sealed… can you return it?
Padded shorts! to protect against chafing sores in your junk area.
CamelBak to hold essentials (tools, food, wallet, phone, water).
Stiff soled shoes.
No upgrades needed on the bike.
A $2,700 bike in high school is PLENTY. Instead of spending money on a new bike, spend that $ on MTB trips or something else more practical.
First of all, nice bike, congrats!
Secondly, lots of good advice here. All the comments are top notch.
My wacky advice- hire a coach to help you get the basics dialed. This will do a ton for you, and really advance your riding. Just good for thought.
Food for thought.
Don’t water your money on cleaner.
Go to dollar store. Get 2 toilet brushes, a bucket and some dawn soap. Get a couple packs of microfiber wash cloths. That’s all you need with a water hose.
Wet bike. Spray off dirt chunks. Fill bucket with water and a squirt of soap. Use one brush to clean wheels and around suspension. Use other brush to soap and scrub gears. Don’t get either in brake disks.
Wipe frame with soapy wet microfiber cloth.
Spray water to clean off soap suds
Dry it with the clean dry cloths.
Go ride more
Get a decent helmet. Then gloves and shoes (Five ten, Ride Concepts). Get a floor pump and another you can take with you when you ride.
Also get a multitool, spare tube, and tubeless plug kit (if you get a flat you try the plug, if that doesn’t work you put the tube), tire levers, a spare chain link, and something to carry all that. I’d also get chain pliers because they help so much, but not a 100% need.
You should also get a set of Allen wrenches and torx to keep home.
A camelbak, hip pack, or whatever you prefer is a good idea too. But at the very least get a bottle so you have water when you ride.
You’ll want all the tools you need to replace/repair a flat tire and a broken chain. Hydration is important so bottles/cages or a pack or both. Helmet gloves knee pads sunglasses and shoes. That’s about what I have and I feel pretty kitted out.
If it isn’t already tubeless and is tubeless ready, convert it to tubeless. A big upgrade that doesn’t cost much (although it looks like you might need new tires on that bike which raises the price but also makes it a bigger upgrade).
Get inexpensive mountain biking clothing (shorts, jerseys). This will improve your comfort substantially. This includes shoes – true MTB shoes have better grip on pedals and the grip screws on good flat pedals will tear up regular shows eventually.
Get the right tires for what you surfaces and style you ride
Bike seems fine to me. Any complaints?
* Are Rekons the right kind of tire for where you ride, do you feel like you have good grip when you need it? I wouldn’t change anything else until it breaks.
* I would think proper bike shoes would be #1. They don’t have to be expensive, I got my Freerider pros for $60 online.
* Do you have a kit for repairs? A multi-tool, tire levers, spare chain link/magic link, some of that bacon plug stuff in case you get a big puncture. You could probably get all that for 30-40 bucks. Maybe a small container of tire sealant, you will need it eventually. That could wait though.
* Consider whether you want knee/shin pads
* Do you have gloves? If not get some. Some of the cheap work gloves at Lowes are ok for biking even.
* Do you have a tire pump?
* Can you return the cleaning kit? All you need to clean your bike is a rag and water and maybe a metal brush for your cassette and chain. $130 seems super expensive.
You have a capable bike that you shouldn’t need to upgrade for a while. As you get better, the bike will tell you what you should upgrade. Going tubeless is all that I would do.
In the meantime. Safety gear, helmet, knee and elbow pads, shoes (specilized has some great sales right now on flats, $50) gloves
Tools. A good multitool and tire levers should be good enough to get you started.
Water bottles and maybe a camelback type setup (I prefer the fanny pack)
Air tokens for your fork and shock if they accept them. With them pump you already have you already have you be able to get the most out of that bike.
**lessons**, shock pump, multitool, hip pack/vest (backpacks suck), riding shoes,
Put your money into an investment account.
That is more bike than I will ever have. You are fine.
Bikes plenty good. You need:
– good helmet with mips (love my Fox Speedframe)
– gloves
– knee pads
– riding shoes (5.10s are solid)
– pack (hydration pack is a bonus) with multitool, mini pump, and tire repair kit/spare tube
– if there’s any money left put good tires on the bike and some good brake pads
– maybe some riding shorts and a waterproof jacket depending on where you live
– keep remaining money/any future for when parts inevitably break/need servicing
Given that you will upgrade to a different bike in the future I wouldn’t put much money into it other than parts that can be transferred to a new bike.
1. Def get a new helmet. Get one for the type of riding you do. If your focus is on downhill riding get a breathable full face. If you ride mostly fire roads or smooth single track a good half shell is fine
2. Good Set of riding shoes. Especially for flats it makes a huge difference.
3. Some good breathable/durable riding shorts or pants. Helps with comfort a good bit
4. Set some money aside for maintenance items like tires, chain, suspension services.
5. Most underrated Gas money. Put some money aside so you can explore trails further away from you. This is the best mod. IMO. Keeps things exciting.
Sorry to break it to you but the bike is discounted when I click it. Get a proper helmet asap, there are tons of discounts at the moment. You will need good gear and a multi tool, a trail pump and keep money for upgrades you will want to do.
My first three upgrades I always do on a new bike is pedals(which you have) a better fitting/more comfy seat and new grips. I love ODI Rouge’s I have them on my MTB’s and my dirt bike.
Get a decent helmet, if you can try them on in store, specialized to actually has some of the best tested helmets for the dollar. Another thing is learn to be savvy with your money. You quoted some pretty high prices for a lot of this stuff including the bike. Spend some time watching the market, seeing where things sell, watching sales, you’ll be able to make your money go a lot further. For example I just got done building another bike, I’m in it about $4,000 which is a little more than you but it’s a top-tier carbon frame, X2 factory shock, grip 2 38 fork, x01 drivetrain, carbon rims, 350 hubs, carbon bars, so on and so forth. The used market, get to watch that, the $2,700 you spent would have actually got you a really really nice higher end bike in this market. It’s no big deal, you’re young, but take your time and learn this stuff so the next time you buy a bike you’ll know your deals and you’ll know what you want
On the bike you have the biggest performance upgrade is going to be lighter wheels but that also is some money. even if you use one of the direct to consumer good vendors for carbon rims like BTLOS. You’re going to be spending like 800 bucks so that might be out. A good helmet, better tires depending on what you ride, line them up with the conditions you ride in, that’s probably about it for that bike
If you have 800 bucks to blow on ANYTHING, and you’re relatively new to the sport, i would suggest spending the lot on a (some?) skills course(s).
It will be money well spent!
I would suggest a new helmet first. Gloves and proper shoes if you don’t have those already.
I only suggest upgrades to your bike if something isn’t working for you or if you need to replace it.
That’s a good first bike!
Ride it for now and don’t worry about upgrades. Have fun, send it, and if something breaks, might consider replacing it with better part.
However one component that you might want to upgrade in the future is brakes. Mt200’s are good for beginner but at some point you might feel needing/wanting more stopping power. Going to atleast deore 4 pot will make huge difference in feel and stopping power combined with bigger rotors.