$180 vs. $2400 Drivetrain - Budget vs. Baller Episode 6

Mountain bike drivetrains have arguably seen the most amount of change over the last ten years compared to any other component. However, does more money equal more better? We're going to find out with Henry's $180 8-speed option against Jason's $2400 12speed, electronic option.
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[coxis]

I think that this series would make a lot more sense if the budget parts were indeed reliable. Budget upgrades doesn’t mean throwing garbage parts on a bike. that way you will show people that you can still get good parts and it’s not necessary to break the bank in order to have a good bike and have fun. Just my opinion.

[snowmanism]

Budget versus baller is a great idea, but the budget parts should still be an upgrade. They should get a lower end bike that comes with base parts and then build it up with budget improvement parts and then of course your baller parts. I feel like some of the parts that Henry is putting on his bike are worse than the ones he had. Which defeats the purpose of an upgrade.

[jakebransford]

I use the Microshift Advent on all my bikes, works flawlessly and really dependable! The clutch is really strong as well, only a bit more expensive than the acolyte, whole setup is under $200 CAD

[stefromfortworth]

So are we just gonna keep going until one of these crappy bike parts kills Henry?

Deore 12 speed would’ve been a much better option and not much more expensive.

[peergattermann]

*Looked at a lot of options for getting my **Latest.Bike** . Great find in SAVA. Super light, nice components, really good value as it comes with many options only found in much higher priced bikes.*

[bradenbeere]

I think Henry’s bike is being done wrong. It should have a ~$120 dropper, a mid range rockshox 35 gold fork, a inexpensive race face cockpit, and something like the deore 12 speed or 11 speed group set with the same cranks. I think the upgrades should be budget minded but still suitable for use on a mountain bike.

[Kcducttaper]

Really love this series! To be honest, I would like to see a little nicer or more reputable parts on the budget end though. Maybe you could revisit this series using entry level components from reputable brands like Shimano or Sram?

[nichandallieestes]

I think this would’ve been a perfect opportunity to give something like a microshift drivetrain a spot. Much more sensible “budget” upgrade

[aidancrowe]

For the next budget vs. Baller, please do actual good budget *upgrades* that people can have a real use case for.

[mustclime]

This could have been a great series, going full crap rather than "budget" killed is....HUGE FAIL GUYS

[livingonwheels]

My Shimano SLX drivetrain is a good balance of performance and value.

[mikekari]

This is a cool series and all, but what I would really like to see is basically low end versus high end. For example Shimano Deore vs XTR, Recon vs Lyrik, aluminum wheels vs carbon. Some of the parts on Henry's bike was an actual downgrade from what he had so these are not likely changes anyone would make. But I really want to know if the high end components are any better then the lower end in the same brands. Personally riding some of the Eagle drivetrains (non-axs) I can't tell any difference, so expanding on that would be a cool video series.

[sepg]

Is the "upgrade" on the budget bike actually an upgrade to whatever drivetrain that it already had? Or are they intentionally downgrading the bike?

A Microshift 11 or 12 spd transmission would be better for the money.

[jeepsterc]

Those ti cranks looks awesome! They're a work of art 🎨

[jasunsmith]

GX Derailleur was all you needed for budget bike. WTF MAN

Realistic upgrades man not down grades.

[Firby]

imagine having a sponsored parktool wall of tools and hammering in the bearings...

[markopopovic]

Cheap drivetrain is good when it's new, the problem is it's not going to hold up on tech stuff and it will wear out in no time...The bling stuff will last long time if you don't crash constantly.

[amory]

I was really curious to see how this all rolled out as I have been slowly upgrading a 2015 Giant Reign 1. I thought the budget build would be more along the lines of the work I have done to date but a lot of the budget build seems like downgrades to me...

I am feeling confident I have gone about it the right way with a mix of new and used parts (thanks to the ballers and their take-offs!):
Raceface Arc 30 laced with original hubs, Assegai front and back, tannus inserts.
Sunrace 11-50t, OneUp 30T oval (on stock cranks) with Raceface composite pedals.
SLX: derailleur, 4 pot brakes, rotors, levers, and shifter.
Giant dropper with Chromag Saddle.
PNW stem, Fasst MTB handle bars, OneUp grips.
Rebuilt Suspension: Monarch Debonair / Pike (but for fun, currently running a mullet with a Lyrik Ultimate and Stans Mk 4 / DT Swiss 350)

Maybe more of a budget ++ build :)

[micheandmikey]

Ok, for the final day you two should swap bikes. And that's entertainment folks!!!!

[ANTheWhizkid]

12:50 this frame should be printed and hanging in Jasons office by now 🤣🤣🤣 best expression ever.