Looking for a little upgrade advice please

iDad

Hi guys,

I’m looking for a little equipment upgrade advice.

I’ve been riding a “bog-standard” 2007/8 Specialized FSR XC a few years now, it does me well enough for what I want around the local trails and the red/black routes at Sherwood Pines.
The only component I’ve changed since I got it has been bolting a set of XT SPD’s to it. I’ve changed tyres tubes etc… and general service and maintenance routines on it but that’s it.

I’m on quite a restricted budget and so I’m looking for a bit of advice on cheap’ish upgrades or “tweaks” I could do to get the bike in some sort of better running for an MTB Marathon I’ve committed to riding in July.
I’ve just ordered a set of Hans Dampf tyres to fit nearer the marathon and based on info I’ve read on the net the plan is to run Pacestar rear, Trailstar front.

I’m thinking that maybe new brakes should be the next on my list but I’m not made of money so any advice greatly received.

Cheers in advance.

iDad

EH_Rob

You need to decide if there's anything you don't like or isn't working of the current setup first! Posting the spec will help.

Without knowing what type of terrain this marathon is its also difficult to advise. However, HDs are quite heavy compared to Nics or something.

iDad

Original Spec for 2007 FSR XC:

Frame: FSR M4 butted 100mm travel frame with ORE downtube and sealed cartridge bearing pivots
Fork: Rock Shox Tora 302 100mm travel fixed coil spring fork with lock out and external rebound adjustment
Gears: Shimano FD-M530 Deore dual pull front and Shimano M-571 Deore LX long cage derailleurs
Shifters: Shimano SL-511 Deore 9 speed shifters
Chainset: Shimano FCM-442-8 Octalink Spline with replaceable rings and alloy outer ring
Brakes: Hayes Sole hydraulic discs
Wheels: Specialized double wall disc specific rims built on Specialized disc front and Shimano M-475L disc rear hubs
Tyres: Changed
Handlebars: Specialized XC low rise
Stem: Aluminium 7 degree rise stem
Saddle: Specialized BG MTB saddle
Seatpost: 6061 alloy post
Pedals: Changed to Shimano M-785 (XT) SPD in 2012

cooldad

Depends what restricted budget is.
Some new Deore brakes - under £100.
Decent air forks - £250ish.
Lighter wheels, depending on how heavy the current ones are - £200ish.
So £500-3600

Is it worth it?

iDad

Restricted budget is less than £100 or save for a few months :-)

appreciate the suggestions so far though thanks.

winter_zombie

hi idad

can i ask what MTB Marathon you are doing?? sounds interesting

iDad

Gonna be doing one of the MTB Marathon Series event at Marshbrook, Shropshire in July. been wanting to have a go at an event of this kind for a couple of years but other things have taken priority. this year i needed a goal so thats it.

rockmonkeysc

I would go for some lighter, faster rolling tyres. I had Hans Dampfs, they are a bit slow rolling and heavy. I replaced them with Nobby Nic's which are leads better for less aggressive xc riding.