Budget Upgrade

colevamtb

Hello,
I am trying to upgrade my trek 29er hardtail, and I cannot decide between getting a dropper post or a new stem and handlebar on a budget of $180. I am always adjusting seat height between going up a hill, and then down a technical section, which would be a plus for the dropper post, but I also could benefit from wider bars and a shorter stem length for more control in those technical sections. I only have enough money to get one or the other, any thoughts?
Dropper:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EZE8XQK/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687542&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B00BV2WA7M&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0QRWB6285NTY3CG1R7JN

Stem+Handlebars:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004D38JS0?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_3&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006DA54NY/ref=twister_B00GTKO2WC?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

BigAl

Only you can answer the question of which is the more important upgrade.

But, you can certainly get a shorter stem more cheaply than the one linked.

Go cheaper on stem and bars so that you can afford a dropper sooner

colevamtb

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19775150#p19775150]BigAl[/url] wrote:

Only you can answer the question of which is the more important upgrade.

But, you can certainly get a shorter stem more cheaply than the one linked.

Go cheaper on stem and bars so that you can afford a dropper sooner

I want to buy a high quality bar and stem combo so I won't ever have to replace them again. Although the bar and stem will be usefull, the dropper post would be equally as beneficial, so it's really one or the other.

BigAl

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19775153#p19775153]colevamtb[/url] wrote:

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19775150#p19775150]BigAl[/url] wrote:

Only you can answer the question of which is the more important upgrade.

But, you can certainly get a shorter stem more cheaply than the one linked.

Go cheaper on stem and bars so that you can afford a dropper sooner

I want to buy a high quality bar and stem combo so I won't ever have to replace them again. Although the bar and stem will be usefull, the dropper post would be equally as beneficial, so it's really one or the other.

Fairy nuff; it's your money to spend as you please

Would it REALLY make any difference if I told you to go for one choice over the other?

I'll toss a coin for you:
Heads: dropper
Tails: bar & stem

BigAl

Tails

rockmonkeysc

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19775153#p19775153]colevamtb[/url] wrote:

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19775150#p19775150]BigAl[/url] wrote:

Only you can answer the question of which is the more important upgrade.

But, you can certainly get a shorter stem more cheaply than the one linked.

Go cheaper on stem and bars so that you can afford a dropper sooner

I want to buy a high quality bar and stem combo so I won't ever have to replace them again. Although the bar and stem will be usefull, the dropper post would be equally as beneficial, so it's really one or the other.

A cheaper bar and stem will last just as long as expensive parts. Go for discounted parts from Chain Reaction and a discounted Rockshox Reverb from Bikediscount.de

The Rookie

Just fitted a Kalloy Uno7 stem with Ti bolts (total cost £26 off Evilbay) and lightweight 680mm bars (£15 - same place).....all would be delivered direct worldwide (whichever $ you use) - combine weight 210g, Beware of expensive overpriced imitations!

Raceface Turbine aren't the most logical choice for a Trek 29er hardtail (presumably XC) bike, they are for heavier duty use!

buddy_club

http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/STEGCO/el-guapo-corto-stem or http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/STOOCNC/on-one-ultralight-cnc-stem

http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/HBELGUANB/el-guapo-ancho-b-handlebar or http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/HBOOKNUCK/on-one-knuckleball-carbon-handlebar

Then buy a ks eten
http://www.stif.co.uk/mtb/product/ks-eten-100mm-dropper-seatpost/13388?gclid=CNXU3YSGncoCFRBmGwodq3sDKA

joeb_444

If it were me I'd get the dropper seat post. Fitted one to my hard tail recently and don't know how I ever did without.