Top 5 | Mountain Bike Upgrades You Don't Need in 2021

Yes, you read that correctly, we think there are mountain bike upgrades you don't really need!

There’s nothing more certain in a cyclist’s life than spending months thinking about your next dream bike. Then, upon buying said ‘dream’ bike, immediately realising you’re not happy with it and deciding it’s time for some upgrades…

However, some upgrades are more important than others, so this list is all about the ones you probably don’t need in 2021.

Before we go any further, remember that just like cycling, this list is meant to be fun, so don’t take it too seriously if you happen to have most of the upgrades on this list.

As always, let us know what else we missed in the comments!

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#MTBtech​​ #buyingadvice​​ #bikeradartop5​

[bikeradar]

What did you think of our list? Does expensive suspension give you option anxiety? Let us know in the comments!

[BOT_Calvin]

Instructions unclear, bought everything on the list.

[owensnicholas]

Yeah, you got me with the dropper post joke. My jaw actually dropped. Well done.

I totally agree with you on top-spec drivetrains. I race cars, and I would look at it this way. A better transmission might save me a few tenths here and there, but the engine is what does the most work. On a bike, you are the engine. Upgrade that instead.

[AllBikesShredits]

Did you mention, that value is more evenly distributed in an aluminium rim?

[gnproductions]

You missed the opportunity to say “The hundred grams you saved might be worth it but for most of us, we’d rather save a few pounds”

[thomasphilyaw]

Good list, I actually upgraded to heavier sidewall tires lol. Never have to worry about a flat again. Rider fitness and skill outdoes lightness/ high dollar parts every time.

[lukehill]

i think my heart skipped a beat when you said dropper posts.

[bubby]

0:46 they had us in the first half, not gonna lie

[gbvtt]

I fully agree on 1, 2, 3, and 5 but for me, if you know how to set them up, top-spec suspensions can really change the way your bike behaves. I would go as far as to say that I would prefer an alloy enduro bike with top-spec suspension to a carbon bike with lower-tier suspension. So if you don't really know where you are going and you don't want to spend time figuring it out you're right, but it can also be one of the best upgrade

[SnootchieBootchies]

I completely agree with everything on this list. I just upgraded my brand new aluminum Status right from the shop with the bonus of trading back in the stuff I didnt want. No unnecessary carbon, 2nd tier drivetrain and Saint brakes. Whole thing still ends up costing almost 5K. I can't imagine spending more on something that I'm going to go jump off of stuff and generally abuse.

[koppins]

could not agree more. for the average joe I guess u are spot on! as a suspension guy I would say that 99% of the riders out there don't know how to set up a suspension. top suspension needs top service. I highly doubt that guys service their suspensions at fox or rock Shox or a suspension shop every month. 99% of the suspension I lay my hands on are not well mantained and set up is off. I would bet people are way better of with mid way suspensions or even not messing with clickers at all. I suspect from 100 bikers not one sets up their sag for the bikepark or trail they are riding. and if your sag is of, your set up is of. but hard to argue with bikers that love to throw their money out of the window

[mortadhaabdul]

One upgrade you don't need is upgrading to trickstuff brakes!

[Pienimusta]

"1) Dropper Post..."
Pause video and instantly heading to comments to rage

[Highballooning]

Totally agree with the list. I ride XC full sus alloy with SLX 1x12 and entry level RockShox (Judy, RT) and it's perfect. No carbon parts. Price point new around 1800 Euro's. But also keep in mind that Carbon can hardly be recycled yet. Alloy is in that respect more environmentally friendly. Nothing against use of carbon for racers, but as a regular and daily biker alloy is more than capable.

[daviddevries]

I'm not saying buy the carbon saddle, but whatever feels the most comfortable is more important than price IMO

[anthonywalters]

High end front chainrings. I got a steel narrow wide chainring for $14 and it’s wearing out at a slower rate than the aluminum ones my friends have. That being said an argument can be made for oval chainrings which can be pricy.

[Basement_CNC]

1. top end group set
2.-5. #carboneverything

[palooza]

At 4:40, save money and weight by riding your bike without the front wheel

[nelsonglover]

Best upgrade I've found is getting the bits to service your fork and shock, and sticking to the service intervals.

[mkdriftmotion]

Bought a 2021 Fox Factory 38 with the high speed and low speed dampening, to replace my basic Fox 36. Well worth the money!!! I set up the high speed and low speed dampening once on the 38, and its perfect. It performs noticeably better than the 36 after countless adjustments, messing with volume spacers, messing with pressures, etc...