Upgrades

judith_sw

Just got my new Anthem X4 and love it ... what a change from my old 2001 HT that was probably too big for me anyway. Husband is now learning on it (see other posts) and I'm convinced it fits him better.

Just wondering, although my new bike is lovely, what the best first upgrade is? I have bought the Anthem X4 with a view to upgrading as and when I can afford it, as it has a great frame and the price has stretched my initial budget - upgrades will be feasible in the future though. Wheels or brakes? Or something else?

As a female-specific forum, I was wondering what makes the biggest difference to overall performance for us girls. Re. weight, I can lose a couple of pounds of weight far more easily than buy swanky new stuff. But then again, I've always been a bit of a bike nerd and would appreciate any advice. I'm thinking wheels and brakes, as these are potentially compromise kit and a bit heavier / less effective than other more expensive models.

I am more than happy with the bike for now, but will have an eye on Fleabay for bargains..

Thanks. BTW, if any ladies in NE Wales need an occasional biking partner (not fast), PM me.

Anonymous

Just ride it, and upgrade things as they become worn out.
If you really feel the urge to splurge though, lighter wheels would be my first port of call.

hoots

Hey Judith, Glad you're pleased with your new bike - they're great aren't they

As far as upgrades go, I think the one that would be most noticeable are lighter wheels.
Something like Hopes' factory built wheels, Hope Pro 2 hubs with Stan's 'Crest' rims would probably cut about 350+ grams off the overall weight - but, more importantly it'd reduce the unsprung and rotating weight, which is perhaps the best place to loose weight from. If you go for something like Hope wheels, you also get good reliability, great aftersales backup and almost maintenance free hubs. If you shopo around you might be able to get some new 'Hope Hoops' for £250 (Lex's Mountain Bikes mail order?).

TBH, without spending a significant wedge on brakes, I don't think you'll get a significant reduction in weight. The wet braking power and feel of the standard brakes can be significantly improved with aftermarket brake pads (we've found Clark's sintered pads are pretty good, or even 'Superstars' mail order sintered pads). Aftermarket pads are a nice cheap way to pep the brakes up.

FWIW, I swapped the standard brakes on AJ's Anthem X for the Avid Juicy 3's off her old hardtail and, being a bike geek, I weighed 'em. The Juicy's are only about 30g each end lighter! so, weight wise, it was hardly worth swapping them! Personally, I think the standard Shimanos also have a slightly nicer feel.

I'm gonna sound 'hard sell' here, but if you're interested, AJ is not using a pair of Hope wheels at the moment. I'm fed up with having to constantly move 'em out the way in the garage - so I reckon I can persuade her to sell 'em! They're Hope Pro 3 hubs with DT4.2 rims, I think they weigh about 1630g, which is prob aboput 400g lighter than standard X4 wheels! Their full name is 'Hope Pro 3 stright pull XC 6' (I have the burlier 'all mountain' version and they're terrific). Basically, the hubs are an upgraded version of the Pro 2 hubs and they've got higher quality stainless bearings. The wheels have 'bluey gey' coloured hubs that go with the colour of the white Anthem X quite well, but AJ doesn't like the clicky sound of the freewheel :roll: (at least it warns Ramblers of your approach!)

Just PM me if you're interested, you can always pop in for a look if you're in Sheff again.

Anyway, enjoy you new bike
Rod

judith_sw

YHM!