1st upgrades

ntrailz
ntrailz Posts: 21
edited April 2009 in MTB beginners
Hi

I bought a Saracen Mantra 1 just under a year ago and would like to start buying bits and pieces for it to make it better. I mainly goto Glentres and Carron Valley just now so its for that kind of thing. I also like heading out and messing around on stairs and stuff like that.

I would like to start with smallish upgrades at first just to get to know bikes more so what would you guys suggest?

Comments

  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Try and identify areas that you are not happy with. Is it less weight you want, better brakes, stronger parts, slicker gears? And what sort of budget do you have?

    If nothing is amiss, I would just leave it until something breaks!
  • ntrailz
    ntrailz Posts: 21
    I am pretty happy with the bike but I think I made the fatal mistake of going to one of the test the best days and riding an anthem x1. I realise there is a huge difference between my bike and this with regards to weight, suspension and the way it works in general.

    I just want to try and tweak my bike without spending too much cash but I am not sure where to start :?
  • ntrailz
    ntrailz Posts: 21
    I was talking to a guy in a bike shop today and he said that with the current increase in bike parts and the cost of last years models I should probably go for a new bike. He also said that there is a chance that I could throw off the bikes geometry if I start replacing parts

    What do you guys think?
  • CycloRos
    CycloRos Posts: 579
    I think the guy in the bike shop had £ signs in his eyes trying to flog you a new bike :)

    If you're happy with the bike then just get out and ride and leave it be. The itch to upgrade is always there but unless there is any real reason to I wouldn't bother.

    Put your spare money in a pot and buy that anthem x1 when you've got enough.
    Current Rides -
    Charge Cooker, Ragley mmmBop, Haro Mary SS 29er
    Pics!
  • Mickey Eye
    Mickey Eye Posts: 590
    Save your money. Everybody could buy a better bike than the one they have.

    If you enjoy your bike and it performs to your level then there isn't the need. As is I have a few things I could stand to downgrade on my bike without bothering me. Unless you are actually unsatisfied with the way something works then go on a replace as it brakes basis.

    Also comparing an £2000 full suss to a £300 hardtail isn't going to help you.

    HOWEVER You mention weight and suspension in one of your posts. It's an option to replace the forks of course, but what the guy in the shop said isn't amazingly far off. You could easily spend £200 quid on new forks on what is to start with a £300 bike.

    If you want a new bike, go buy one.