Possible Future Upgrades on an Entry Level Bike

ewagner929

Hey everyone,

I'm very new to the mountain bike world. I've recently purchased a 2016 Malvern Star Axis 1 to get myself into the swing. I've been out several times so far ranging from scary downhill tracks (only stacked it once) to fire trails and bicycle tracks. The shifting seems to be a bit clunky and the chain comes off relatively easily when hitting some rough trails. So far I've replaced the crappy plastic pedals with DMR V12 Flat Pedals and love em. So the question I have is what are recommended upgrades for a basic entry level hardtail that would elevate the quality of the bike riding experience?

I've contemplated upgrading both derailleurs, or even converting to 1x11, but I'm completely clueless on what's the best option and if it's even worth it on this type of bike.

Front Derailleur - Shimano M190
Rear Derailleur - Shimano Altus 8 speed
Chain - Shimano HG-71 8 speed
Cassette - Shimano HG-31, 11-34T 8-Speed Cassette

Thanks!

The Rookie

Do you have the Axis1 or Axis 2?
http://www.malvernstar.com.au/bikes/axi ... tain-bike/
http://www.malvernstar.com.au/bikes/axi ... tain-bike/
I presume the 1 as its 8 speed?
I'd certainly suggest money spent on a better fork before changing the gearing. I'd also suggest you keep the current functional gearing until it starts to wear out, 1x11 is expensive, 1x10 is just as good but a bit cheaper and you could even go 1x9 with only a small compromise is cheaper still by keeping the current rear dérailleur.
To go 1x meangfully you will need new cranks as the current ones don't have unboltable chainrings