Hey! I’m a fairly new bike rider. I got this Ozark Trail G1 Explorer bike about a year ago. It’s been pretty great for paved trail riding around NWA on the Razorback Greenway. I’m not interested in getting a new frame or bike, but I am wanting some tires that’ll help me be a little faster, and I’m interested in upgrading the brake and rotor system. Any good recommendations? I don’t necessarily need the most expensive items, any that “works great for the price” are fine by me! I bike about 2-3 times a week, anywhere from 6-15 miles a ride. There’s a bike race/ride that’s about 27 miles, in May, that I’d like to be prepared for. Any advice would help! Thank you!
by RevolutionaryCamel64
3 Comments
Gravelking SS+ tires are fast enough,
Cx77 cable brakes if you can find a set (check ebay),
Shimano Ice Tech rotors
New tires and compression less brake housing will be your 2 best upgrades you can make. Compressionless brake housing will give you significantly better brake feel and power. Tpu tubes are amazing as well. Outside of that I’d just upgrade as things wear out.
Compressionless housing is cheap and will really boost your braking performance…upgrading to some Shimano or cable actuated hydro brakes will help even more, can’t go fast if you cant stop fast.
Gravelking SS+ or SK+ are great choices for light to rough gravel, you can fit 40’s maybe even 45’s on that ride
Another upgrade worth while are touch points like grips, pedals and saddle.
Some ergon grips (or knockoffs on amazon) and some bar ends for different hand positions, I run mine in the middle for a more aero position on flats and descents.
Upgrading a saddle is tricky, might be a good idea to try a couple from AliExpress till you find one you love and then measure it to know your size.
Pedal is the last touchpoint, dealers choice on clipless or platform but there are pedals out there that allow for both and I prefer those.