Upgrading your mountain bike

You've had a bike for some time and your equipment is aging or no longer suited to your riding? Would you like to upgrade it to improve your comfort and performance or optimize your assembly? We'd like to give you some advice on how to upgrade your MOUNTAIN BIKE.

The modifications you can make will depend on the following elements:

• your bike model ;
• your riding style;
• your frequency of use; and
• your riding style.

For small budgets up to 200€.

Consider the choice of mountain bike tires and even take advantage of the opportunity to go directly to tubeless by adding a Tubeless Kit (depending on wheel compatibility): you'll save weight, increase traction and improve puncture resistance. As original equipment, manufacturers often fit tires that are unsuitable or not very resistant in terms of puncture protection or rubber quality. Yet this is an essential aspect of mountain biking. As you move upmarket, you'll gain in grip, performance and resistance.

Opt for more suitable peripherals. For example, when first fitted, bikes are equipped with leisure pedals. Switch to aluminum or composite flat pedals to save weight; or to automatic pedals if you're looking to improve foot support and power transmission to the crankset.

When it comes to the cockpit, you can customize your bike by modifying the length of the pedal. MTB handlebars or its shape (upsweep, backsweep, rise...), as well as the length of the MTB stem stem length and grips, all for greater comfort. A carbon handlebar or CNC-machined aluminum stem will lighten the overall package and improve overall rigidity. You can also easily save grams on a low budget with grips silicone grips, for example.

The mountain bike saddle determines comfort on long rides. If you start to feel sore, don't hesitate to change your original saddle for a model more suited to your morphology.

You can also intervene on the transmission: change the rear derailleurinstall a new mountain bike cassette a new crankset or mountain bike shifters to save weight, increase operating flexibility and improve wear resistance.

For budgets between €200 and €400

The telescopic seatpost has become a must-have for All-Mountain and Enduro mountain bikers, providing comfort in technical sections and undeniable time-saving. If you don't already have one, it would be a good idea to upgrade first.

You may also want to consider components such as the mountain bike brakeswhich are of real benefit in terms of performance and safety. Better braking means better responsiveness and greater confidence. If your bike's original set-up isn't suited to your riding, upgrading will give you more braking power, greater comfort by choosing a different type of caliper (2 or 4 pistons), and greater responsiveness and bite by opting for a different size or type of disc.

The diameter of the brake disc depends on your bike and your riding style. The bigger it is, the more power you'll have. Changing to a larger diameter may therefore be useful, or even necessary, especially if you like downhill riding. But before you decide, it's important to check compatibility with the frame (for the rear) and the mountain bike fork.

Finally, you may wish to upgrade your drivetrain. Assembly single-plate is ideal for the vast majority of mountain bikers, as it offers simplicity of use and maintenance, while retaining the ratios you'd expect from a double or triple chainring. So don't hesitate, it's a quick and easy upgrade. The first complete groupsets start at 300€.

For budgets over €400

Suspension is the key to precise, comfortable riding. The damping system can change completely depending on the range, influencing the bike's overall behavior. Depending on riding style and intensity, an upgrade may be necessary.

The ideal is to invest in an air spring, whether for the fork or the rear wheel.'MTB shock absorberYou'll also benefit from a wider range of user weights. What's more, you'll gain in maneuverability and acceleration. For finer adjustments, it's also a good idea to have a compression and rebound adjuster. A suspension can also be improved by changing internal parts, spacers for air volume or changing the spring.

With a budget in excess of 400€, you can also consider the acquisition of new suspension systems. mountain bike wheels These are among the most important parts on a bike, as they affect the running gear and the bike's dynamism. By opting for top-of-the-range tubeless wheels, you'll optimize weight savings (you could easily save 500g), greater lateral rigidity, better acceleration and, in general, improved responsiveness.

Of course, for a budget in excess of €1,000, carbon wheels are an interesting alternative, offering significant weight savings, maximum lateral rigidity and excellent fatigue resistance compared to aluminum.

When it comes to serious riding, such as Enduro or DH, you mustn't neglect the rugged side of the equation. You'll need to opt for a wider rim to accommodate large-section tires.

Last but not least, a move upmarket on transmission with a view to smoother, more precise steering and weight savings.

Attention to detail, tuning and maintenance

Of course, you can upgrade your mountain bike to improve performance or comfort; but you can also do it just to personalize your bike and give it a different look.

Don't hesitate to add color! All peripherals such as handlebars, stem, grips, pedals, seat clamp, headset, seatpost and saddle can be changed for the pleasure of a unique look.

There are also a multitude of spare parts in different colors, such as derailleur pulleys, bolts, discs, hoses, etc. Think of titanium parts or ceramic bearings for weight savings or superior smoothness.

Upgrading your mountain bike allows you to make rapid changes to your ride, but a well-tuned and well-maintained bike remains essential for maximum enjoyment.

We've all experienced it: a mechanical problem can make you break out in a cold sweat. Adjusting your suspension to your weight is highly recommended.

Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the maintenance of your suspensions, brakes and other components to ensure optimum performance.

As you can see, upgrading is a vast subject that depends on many factors.
We'll be happy to provide you with a customized solution.