First Pic is Before, 2nd is current. I’m at a crossroads currently. I got this bike (2022 Cannondale Trail 4) about a year ago from a Boy Scout camp for $450. Figured it would be a decent beginner hardtail. I didn’t want to put much money into it. Just take good care of it, and ride the shit out of it while I learn. It was a great affordable way to get my foot in the door of Mtn Biking. Then I started getting faster and faster, and the trails near me are somewhat gnarly (I might be the only person at the trailhead on a hardtail, everyone’s got money here and I’m the college student). So the trails are rooty, chunky and steep. I did not intend to take this as far as it has come, it just happened. I swapped the tubed WTB Breakout and Ranger for tubeless Maxxis Rekon (Rear) and Ardent (Front). Pedals and Grips. Then came across a free never used 2018 Fox Factory 36 (had to cut the steerer, insane upgrade over Suntour XCR32). Since I got the fork free, I had to get the Kashima Dropper to keep the look consistent. Deore 10 Speed, MT200 Brakes with 180/160 rotors. Now, I am a decent sized guy, 180-185 lbs, 6 feet tall. I can put a solid amount of power down on technical climbs and steep fire roads. I’m starting to get chain slip on the 11T & 13T gears. At first I thought it was the derailleur, but now I feel like the whole drivetrain is just a little bit sloppy compared to when I got it, I religiously maintain this thing. I just think I’ve gotten faster and stronger and it’s starting to show weakness. I’m starting to roast the front brakes on the descents. I am a little confused on parts compatibility and interchange. Ideally I want to stay on Shimano ecosystem. Also I am trying to keep this cheap. Ideally want to save for full suspension soon and want to keep the hardtail as well.
Two Main Questions:
Brakes: For an economical upgrade, I was considering pad upgrade and slap a 203 on the front and move the 180 to the rear. Should cost me whatever the new rotor is and a $10 caliper adaptor. I’m confused on pads however (what compounds I can use with MT200).
Drivetrain: Square taper Bottom Bracket is starting to get a little bit crunchy, do I upgrade crankset and go to 11 speed? Is 12 speed an option? (Has boost spacing on Shimano FH-MT400-B hub) Which will net more longevity? I don’t have an issue with 10 speed but if the higher end derailleurs can hold up to more power, I might make an upgrade. Also do I need a different derailleur hanger, I have a hard time finding the one for this bike.
Sorry that was long winded.
TLDR: Do I upgrade pads and rotors and send it? And can I use 11 or 12 speed shimano stuff?
by xxxMaximizerxxx
2 Comments
Awesome rig! Are you anywhere close to a bicycle co-op? You might be able to get a super good deal on used but in decent shape parts, you could snag a bottom bracket and a used drivetrain on the cheap
Cues 6000 11 speed combo, with derailleur, shifter, cassette, and chain, can be obtained from Performance Bike for $258. Matching 1x crank is $80, and the matching bottom bracket for the same is an additional $20. Same supplier.
So, for $360, you could have a new, matching complete 1×11 drivetrain that’s designed to handle the torque of even e-bike use.