I have the following BMC TE 29. Mostly stock https://outsideoutfitters.blogspot.com/2012/11/bmc-te29-team-elite-slx-review.html?m=1
I have been riding trails at Moran State Park with folks riding newer enduros. There's been a lot of mud, lots of climbing, and "hard enduro" areas with lots of rocks and roots. I have been keeping up for the most part.
But I am looking for advice on what affordable methods I can employ to make my riding easier without buying another bike or spending a whole lot.
I don't have a caliper handy but curious also what the max width tires I should be looking at. It looks like stock from that page mentioned 2.25 but I think I can go a little wider.
I have been looking at trying to keep the triple and reduce my chainring diameter; and perhaps replace the cassette as well.
Looking to hear what modifications are suggested.
by ke7cfn
6 Comments
maxxis minions in 2.3″ wide
To be honest, there really isn’t much you could do to make it more “enduro”, nor would it be worth it vs getting a new hardtail
Why?
Thats a very old frame. Compare the horizontal top tube with frames in 2022 model year bikes. You might be able to fit a 100/125mm externally routed dropper which would get the seat out of your stomach as you’re going over obstacles.
Tires might be something to look into, not sure what you’re doing now. You should be able to find the specs for max width of your fork and rear, go to that.
To be honest, why not look at the used pages for newer hardtails? I bet you could find a few quality options for about the same that you’d pay for a dropper, crankset, cassette and tires.
Unfortunately most realistic upgrades are gonna cost more than what that bike is worth (~$400), and you aren’t going to be able to change the geometry to something for more steep techy downhill. Even a new set of tires will be like $150.
Tires would be the most noticeable change, but tires are fairly expensive and you gotta buy the good ones to really get the improvement.
Your fork has spacers clipped onto the air shaft to limit it’s travel. If you’re feeling handy you can take the fork apart and remove 10-20mm of spacers. More suspension travel and will also slacken the head angle to make the bike a bit more aggressive on the downhills and rough terrain. Basically free if you have a buddy with a shock pump and a bottle of fork oil.
Handlebars with more rise will help. Ask around, somebody will have one collecting dust in their garage.
For real though. We are currently in a time of brand new bikes [being blown out for 40-50% off](https://www.jensonusa.com/Marin-El-Roy-Bike-1). Used bikes prices are following suit. This is pretty much the best time we’ve seen in years to be shopping for a bike. You get way more value for your dollar just buying a bike more suited to what you’re riding.
A new bike will be more capable, but in the meantime you could install meatier tires, and add a cheap dropper post (you could probably find one used)
You’ll likely have to get a lever compatible with your front shifter setup.
My man, please DO NOT make the phrase “hard enduro” into an mtb sub-category!
My mind already melts at the amount of riding styles that are out there!
😅