Upgrade Recommendations

Rennug

Hi All,

Have an '08 Kona Cinder Cone and some spare cash burning a hole in my pocket. I'm looking for recommendations on worthwhile upgrades. Bike is stock, apart from the DMR V8s I've recently added. Spec as follows::

Fork: RockShox DART 3 with Turnkey 100mm travel
Gears: Shimano Deore front and Shimano LX rear derailleurs
Shifters: Shimano Deore trigger shifters
Chainset: FSA Alpha Drive Exo Powerdrive crankset 44/32/22
Brakes: Hayes Stroker Ryde Hydraulic V6
Wheels: Sun Black Eye rims built on KK Disc front and Shimano M475 disc hubs
Tyres: Maxxis Ignitor 26 x 2.1
Handlebars: Kona Aluminium Riser
Stem: Kona Control
Saddle: WTB Speed V Sport SE
Seatpost: Kona Thumb

Was considering upgrade to Shimano XT Shadow derailleur on the rear ? Your comments would be most welcome.

Thanks

schmako

What annoys you the most out of the drivechain, forks or wheels etc? Whatever you like the least replace. Thats what i'd do anyway!

supersonic

Gotta watch that cash! As above, make the upgrade worthwhile if you have to do it. On a new bike, its best to make minor changes to tailor it, then wait until bits wear out until upgrading (or you might as well have bought a better bike to start!) unless you have a long term plan in mind.

If I had to splash the cash, I'd dump the fork for an RS Reba - you'd save nearly two pounds in weight, and is a lot more adjustable, and stiffer.

streako

Sonic knows what he is talking about. The Reba fork will perhaps be the best immediate upgrade you could make. You can get the SL model from Merlins for around 220 notes.

An XT rear mech over an LX one will be hardly noticeable. I have heard the Shadow mech is prone to bending aswell.

Other worthwhile upgrades are tyres (I have no experience of Ignitors), lock-on grips. A carbon bar can lose weight also, but I wouldnt recommend one if you are heavy or particularly aggressive.

When upgrading, I try to have at least 2 reasons to upgrade. Especially when parts are worn out, a new part is on special offer, light weight is required, existing parts are uncomfortable, etc.

BlackSpur

Contact points are usuallu the first things to upgrade i.e. pedals, grips, saddle, to make the bike more comfortable for you to use. Tyres are always high on the list, perhaps get a winter tyre such as a Panaracer Trailraker.

John Corse

i changed from Deore on my Claude Butler Cape Wrath to XT Shadow and XT cables on my GT i-drive homebuild. the difference was amazing, the gear shift is MUCH quicker, crisper and more reliable. this is the single best upgrade that i have done apart from changing to FS!

zero303

Reba Fork and Tyres. I've seen good reviews of the Ignitors but my mate has a Caldera and I've found the ignitors to be attrocious in all but decent conditions. Plus I suspect they've gone with a budget, heavy and non-folding variant...

As for what tyre choice? Do a forum search here for endless what tyre threads!