Dec 26, 2009
What Can Be Done To Improve A Mountain Bike?
Right, well I don’t know too much about mountain bikes, and was wondering what could be done to improve a mountain bike?
I mean parts i can buy and fit myself?
Any help would be greatful, any questions I will answer, thanks 
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Let’s make the assumption that we are talking about a fairly good mountain bike that has been produced to a specific price.
As with any bicycle, the general objective is to add lightness. That is to replace parts on your cycle with replacement parts that weigh less and/or are stronger and more suitable for the use to be made of the cycle.
You also have to weigh up (pun intended) how much you would have to spend in order to achieve your aims, compared to buying a bike that has all the parts you desire fitted to it. It is often cheaper to buy a new bike rather than upgrade a bike that you already have.
Any part that your bike has can be replaced with a better part, from the frame to the handle bars to the gear set to the shifters, pedals, wheels,tyres, inner tubes, bottom bracket, quick release mechanisms, bottle cages, nuts and bolts, head sets, seat pillar, saddle, brakes, levers, etc, etc, etc.
The traditional way forward is for a better set of wheels and tyres, then a group set.
Problem might be that you end up shelling out £300 to £500 on a bike that is still seen as the original bike and with the original bike’s second hand resale value.
A mountain bike is a tool for a job. However, the upgrades that you are looking at may depend upon what tool you are after. So if you wanted to go quickly over your local country side or race, then your options would be different to someone who wanted to ride over big rocks.
Overal, the component upgrades look at improved reliability and weight. As with any engineered component, as soon as you look at saving weight without compromising performance or strength, then the price rises exponentially.
Assuming that your frame is OK. A good way to improve performance is to fit lighter tyres. This will reduce rotational weight, giving a measurable increase in accelleration and handling, without affecting your budget too much.
Another good way of improving climbing efficiency and general XC work, would be to fit cliped peddles. You can pick up a set of Shimano pd520s for about £20. With the shoes you can look at about £50 all in.
Another cheep option would be to lower your bars, putting weight over the front wheel. This is good for climbing rate, since it stops your front wheel from riding up so much and wobbling on steep ascents. Not so good for downhill or going over big obstacles, where being able to pull the front wheel up is actually desired.
Fitting a better saddle will also help with riding. Charge Spoon is a good value comfortable saddle, again about £20.
Disc brakes. These are only viable if you get the hydraulic versions. Expect to pay about £150 for entry level. They are good for wet and muddy conditions, since the braking happens at the hub and not the rim. They also provide good overal braking, which allow you to maintain speed for longer before braking (Corners and hills).
Chain set. Many cheap machines come with square tapered bearings. These are considerably heavier, although longer wearing, than hollowtec. You can pick up a Deore chainset, hollowtec II for about £60. XT can be fitted for £144. This will give a good level of weight saving and performance increase.
Carbon Fibre. Bars and seat posts a popular. These absorb vibration from the ride and are lighter than aluminium. Get a good quality set, since the cheaper variants can fail.
Bar ends. These allow you to alter your riding position and give you the ability to pull on the bars a bit. Good for hills or long distance work.
Forks. Cheap forks will not be comfortable and it is desirable to upgrade these. Consider spending about £250 on this, although you could look at about £600 for a decent set. Ideally you are looking at extra features like rebound adjustment, variable height and, critically, lock out function. Air, rather than spring are lighter and better for weight saving and general performance.
Wheels. Decent wheels and bearings are essential. If you can afford it, look at a set of Mavic cross max. Failing that, Hope do some very nice wheel sets, using their bearings. Expect to pay anywhere between £250 and £500 for an intermediate upgrade. It can get to silly money on this. £800 or even double this (DT Swiss) is not out of the running.
Overal, you can throw a lot of money at a mountain bike on improvements. However, you need to look at what sort of improvements you want and decide if your current bike can do this. If you only have one or two things on your wish list, fine. However, if it is turning into a big shopping list it may be cheaper to buy a new bike.
Luck
You can buy and fit any part on a bike, all by yourself! You may be limited by the price though. Rims are a good investment because the lighter the rim, the less percieved weight. (physics and rotational inertia and all that) I would start with a good rear deraillieur, Shimano Deore or better, makes for smoother shifting. And swap out all your cables and housings. They wear out and your shifting will get sticky. I use Aztec cable housings and will never have to replace them unless they actually get ripped off the bike. Then you can look at your chain. They will wear out, especially if you don’t clean it regularly, and your gears will skip. Grips are cheap and you can get nice ones that feel good for little money. Keep it clean and oiled with bicycle specific lube and it will last a long time.
Do you need to upgrade it?
Most useful upgrades are a decent saddle, lock-on grips and better gearing.
You can do a lot with an old bike as long as you know how to change the above.
Decent tyres like Maxxis or Michelins are a MAJOR upgrade and give much better grip.
Some simple upgrades would be:
1. A comfortable saddle, this may not increase performance, but it would make the ride more enjoyable.
2. Upgrade the tyres, this can make a big difference for a small amount of money.
It will depend on what you have now and what is not working right.