Top 5 | Expensive Mountain Bike Upgrades You Don't Need

Here are 5 expensive mountain bike upgrades you don't need. It’s so, so easy to get dragged into the upgrade arms race, dropping hundreds or even thousands of your hard earned cash on trying to improve your bike to the
n-th degree.

And, while there’s nothing wrong with upgrades, and fair play if you do - we reckon there are plenty of expensive upgrades you may not need to buy.

Remember, don’t get angry with us if we’ve just mentioned the entirety of your credit card bill - bikes are meant to be fun, and so is upgrading them.

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[bikeradar]

Have we missed any? Comment below and tell us what you think!

[tamasvarga]

Good one... a biking channel that doesn’t want to convince you to spend more than necessary. 😀 I think your recommendations were spot on.

[PhilAndersonOutside]

The one thing I would add is if you are happy with your old bike and it doesn't have:
• Boost spacing
• Flip Chip
• Split pivot suspension
• 12x
• Kashima Coating

Don't upgrade.

It's barely noticeable. Manufacturers make every new fangled update seem like a "must have". But in my 30 years of riding I've only really seen one true must have, and that's disk brakes. 29" wheels, and full-suspension were big changes, but even then, not things you had to have. It's far better to keep the bike you have in good condition, and keep your skill and fitness levels high. That's what real riding is anyway.

[henrylaird]

Most high end things in mountain biking are just ridiculously expensive

[air_preep]

Last time I was this early, 3x10 was all the rage

[richarde]

This video is so spot on! I can’t believe how many people are “upgrading” components on their new bike before they even ride the bike to determine if if what they have is fine or not! I recently traded for a nearly perfect condition Nukeproof Scout. The guy had changed out the handlebars to 825’s (because everyone knows wider is better, right?), and a number of other “uogrades”. The bike was in nearly new condition because the guy admitted he only rode it around the campground when camping with his family. He obviously didn’t need those upgrades; he did them because it was of trends and the cool new thing. On the positive side, I guess I’m the beneficiary of those upgrades, except...where is that hacksaw? I need to cut 50mm off those handlebars.

Awesome video, and thank you!

[redjalapeno]

I'm still riding my 26" wheel size Rocky Mountain Vertex equipped with XT, Gripshift, and a Marzocchi Bomber.
Maintenance: fork rebuild about six months ago along with new tires.
My playground: Appalachian Mountains in Virginia.

[sonnybocalajr.]

Add Ceramic speed bearings in that list

[richarde]

This is great! I see so many people getting into the sport, just starting out, immediately get on the upgrade train because the think it will become a better rider, instead of focusing on skills.

[flyingnorseman]

Ive been riding for 20 years. Forks are way better now than they were even 5 years ago. Light years better. One thing I recently did that blew my mind was messing with the air can volume spacers. Took one out of my Fox 34 and it that allowed me to dial this fork like nothing Ive ridden before. I guess point is adjust those spacers. Its easy and it can make a world of difference.

[marcdemichele]

ride it "til it breaks... THEN upgrade!

[themostlymikeshow]

Great advice! I used to have the "more expensive the better it is" mentality, but learned that in most cases, the more expensive stuff is just lighter weight.

[robotics]

"Cable parts have worked well for years, and will continue to do so at a much more affordable price than electronics." - if only all bike reviews trying to push Di2 and AXS components down our throats (and especially when discussing road bikes, which are far less likely to suffer from shifting issues) would contain this remark at some point.

[wassupmyninjaz]

You're going to make the dentist mad

[repapeti]

He's talking about carbon parts and rear shocks meanwhile I'm here with my cracked and welded aluminium frame I've painted with nail polish

[outthere]

This video is giving advise to the "average" punter not to get in to the "gold fever" trap. In other words (for those of us on modest incomes) stop dreaming. Be realistic & stick with proven mid range gear & enjoy the ride.

[SirDinksAlot]

On bars: I would agree w/ sticking to aluminum for DH / Enduro style riding. However a good set of carbon bars are invaluable when racing XC / Marathon or for endurance riders in general. The benefit isn't stiffness, but ability to absorb additional chatter mitigating some fatigue.


Shocks: Use the money you didn't spend on a new shock and buy a Quarq Shock Wiz. That will get you to 99% of an optimal setup w/ only a few minor tweaks for personal preference, and will be 1000% better that what most of our own blind adjustments gets us.

[igorgetsin]

Nothing beats $5-$7k mountain bikes with mid level components. Get lowest priced geometry you are happy with and go from there.
Wireless IMO is just extra headache because that’s one more thing to remember to keep charged. Sure the charge lasts a long time....until its time for the climb and your battery is dead.

[jamie-kdtx]

Or maybe just wait 20 years until you can get hydralic discs, air suspension, 1x, and a dropper for £200 from Halfords 😂

[jaimeisreal]

At 4:05, that exact rear derailleur would cost me $945.00 CAD on Amazon Canada to replace. My entire bike is worth 3 grand. That's 1/3 of my ENTIRE bike cost. Super exotic price. These components are for the rich, or for sponsored pros.