I want to upgrade parts/components

projectsome

At present I have the following:

Specification:
Size 19"
Frame Genesis Platinum Series (2071U0*5)
Swingarm/Stays
Fork FOX F100RL
Headset VP-A56AC AHS/ 11/8" Cartridge
Crank FC-M580 44/32/22 DEORE LX
Bottom Bracket Integrated with Crank
Front Mech Shimano XT
Rear Mech Shimano M772 XT
Shifters Shimano M580 LX Triggers
Cassette HG9
Chain Shimano HG73
Wheels Mavic 717
Hubs Shimano Deore
Rim Mavic 717
Tyre R Panaracer Fire XC Pro
Tyre F Panaracer Fire XC Pro
Brake F Avid Juicy 5 hydraulic 160mm
Brake R Avid Juicy 5 hydraulic 160mm
Brake Levers Avid Juicy 5 hydraulic
Pedals N/A
Handlebar Bontrager Select Big Sweep 620mm / 12degree bend
Stem Bontarger Race OS
Barend
Saddle Bontrager Race, Hollow Cromoly Rails
Seat Post Bontrager Select, 27.2mm, 5mm Offset

supersonic

What budget do you jhave, and how long have you had the bike? Is it a one off upgrade, or do you plan to make several over time?

It looks like a nice bike, so without spending a lot of money on each individual part you'll struggle to notice any difference.

projectsome

had it since april. i plan to upgrade most parts slowly over time a few parts every 4 months or so. (not the suspension though, think those are bit too expensive) I'd prefer to budget around £100 per part but will go upto £150, $180 at a push.

supersonic

Ah, I see. Here is my 2p worth ;-)

There are many ways of going round upgrading, which is why you'll see I don't give the same advice all the time, as it depends on many factors: how long you plan to keep the bike, do you plan to transfer parts to a new one, do you intend to sell it.

I think the worse possible thing you can do is ride it for a couple of months, then make slight upgrades. You devalue the existing parts on the bike significantly if try to sell them on, and the upgrades you buy only make a slight difference. If you sell lthe bike in a year, you lose most of it. Sometimes bikes with good even spec like yours are harder to upgrade than a bike with a mix of good and bad, as it is more obvious with the latter on what to do, even if the bikes cost the same.

What I usually suggest is that people make upgrades to bikes like this when they buy the bike, or buy a better bike. But I can see that you have a steady flow of budget, so really need to maximise the changes without going overboard and getting the most for your money. So I wouldn't change a thing on the drivetrain - when it wears out, buy better bits. I would weigh the tyres and compare to new ones - often original tyres are heavy. Same for bars, seatpost and stem, often can be lardy from new, and cheap alternatives are available for example a Kooka Race stem at 126g for 20 quid on ebay, or a Smica Pro seatpost for 26 quid at just 230g. Carbon bars too, or a nice lightweight saddle.

In the future, as parts wear, look at changing to XT or XTR.

You have a great bike!

projectsome

I didn't see much part in starting a new thread.

I upgraded my front mech to an XT(the old one needed replacing), can't remember which one. It's on here for about £30ish I think.

I'm getting a set of Mavic wheels with shimano hubs (I need a new set as my front wheel is beyond repair)

Once I get the wheels fitted I'm looking to upgrade the rear mech. I think at the moment a price range upto £70 (I can't really go over this month) or is it worth waiting a month and going for something better?

The Spiderman

The XT 772 mech is pretty light already.You can get an XTR one for £70 on Merlin,and you`ll save 30g,but if it were me I`d save the money and use it towards better shifters or a lighter cassette.

projectsome

The Spiderman wrote:

The XT 772 mech is pretty light already.You can get an XTR one for £70 on Merlin,and you`ll save 30g,but if it were me I`d save the money and use it towards better shifters or a lighter cassette.

The cassette I have is different to the one listed, as is the chain (both have been replaced) I'm not sure what I have on there now (the chain was about £20 and the cassette £30)



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The Spiderman

XT cassettes are good,decently light and durable.

Chaz.Harding

Personally, I'd look a getting carbon bars, and a carbon seatpost. It'll take alot of 'trail-buzz' out, trust me, you'll be surprised. Next, I'd get a lighter wheelset (preferably lighter rims, and tyres) as they'll make your bike feel much more alive. Again, you'll REALLY notice the difference.

It's day and night with a light set of wheels. Really really is.

projectsome

I've highlighted the recent changes in blue.

I'll have a look at the carbon options and cassette (It's a Shimano HG9) as well.

What shifters would you reccomend? There's a set of XT Shifters for around £55 on here? or there's some for around £90. Am I likely to notice enough different between the two to warrant paying £90 over £55?