Upgrades for Kona Explosif 2014

drfrol

Hi guys,
I've recently bought myself a new rig.
This is 2014 Kona Explosif. I like the bike a lot but I would love to make it a little lighter.

To start with this is the current spec:
Fork RockShox Recon Gold RL 120mm Tapered QR15
Crankarms Shimano SLX
Chainrings 24/38t
B/B Shimano SLX
Pedals Shimano M785 Clipless
Chain KMC X10
Freewheel Shimano Deore 11-36t 10 spd
F/D Shimano SLX
R/D Shimano XT Shadow Plus
Shifters Shimano Deore
Brake Calipers Shimano SLX
Front Brake Rotor Shimano SLX 180mm (centerlock)
Rear Brake Rotor Shimano SLX 160mm (centerlock)
Brake Levers Shimano SLX
Headset ZST NO. 10/7B/44
Handlebar Kona XC/BC Riser
Stem Kona XC/Road
Seatpost Kona Double Clamp w/offset
Seat Clamp Kona Clamp
Grips Kona Race Light Lock-on
Saddle WTB Volt Comp
Front Hub Shimano Deore QR15
Rear Hub Shimano Deore 142x12
Spokes Sanvik Stainless 15g fr / 14g rr
Rims WTB ST i23
Tires Maxxis Ardent 27.5x2.25"
Just in case a;; the specs can be found here:
http://2014.konaworld.com/explosif.cfm

As you see it's all stock except for Reverb and the pedals.
I have the following thing in mind:
1. I want to try wider bars and a bit shorter stem. I think it can save some weight but the main idea is to try and bring the weight a little forward.
2. I'm thinking over going 1x10 setup but I'm not yet sure. There''re some climbs here which require a small ring.
Alternatively I can try and improve my fitness. Overall - this has not been fixed yet.

What proposals would you see - at the moment I'm more interestes in major savings which will not cost a fortune.

And 1 more question - for future I'm also considering the change of the fork o sometihng bigger (130 - 140). I'm not quite sure which forks will fit in. As I understand the steerer is not tapered but I'm not at all a specialist. Would I be able to fit it a tapered fork in this frame? What would I need to check?

Thanks in advance,
Andrey

rockmonkeysc

Firstly it's a bicycle, not a rig.
Bars and stem are very personal, there are lots of different shapes to suit different shape riders.
In your list of what you have it says your fork is tapered so I don't understand why you are asking if a tapered fork will fit.
Why is it you want a longer fork? Longer won't necessarily be better if it doesn't work with the frames geometry and it may invalidate your frame warranty.

drfrol

Hi Rockmonkey,
For the bars and stem - I fully understand that it's personal. I just mentioned this because this is what I have in mind for the upgrades.
Longer fork is something which is interesting for me to try. This is not at all the 1st priority but is very temtping for the future. You're right the spec says Tapered. It seems I've missed it. Then if I decide to go that way it might be easier.
And you're right - it will void the warranty - the bike is designed for 120mm fork. This is why I'm not sure about this.
Would you see any other options for improvement and saving some weight?

rockmonkeysc

To be honest, it's all pretty good. Just replace parts which you notice are holding things back or effecting performance otherwise you are just throwing money away.
You would probably get better value for money by getting some skills coaching. Pro Ride Guides at Forest Of Dean are excellent. Improving your riding will get more out of the bike than any upgrade you can make to the bike.

drfrol

I'm not in UK - I live in Switzerland.))
Nevertheless thanks for your opinion and advice - appreciate it.