[Closed] Need help deciding upgrades!!!

Why aren't the gears coping - where do you feel the problem lies?

The main problems i ve had so far are the gearing and brake systems, so think i should start here.

Any ideas of which upgrades to do?

What budget do you have in mind? What do you have on the bike currently? What's the issue with them ?

Maybe do a 1x10 with reasonably priced components. I have a Pro Fs and have stuck a new 10 speed GX mech on it (my x9 has a bent b screw and needs some tlc) a sunrace 11-42 cassette. I had to change the crank to put on a 104bcd narrow wide single ring, but it seems good so far.

You could also look at upgrading tyres if you've still got standard ones.

I'm not sure what brakes you have, but if you don't want to spend loads of cash why not try changing the pads and putting bigger rotors on? My bike has sram guide RS on which are great - but I changed to sintered pads and they were better and pads lasting longer.

You might be able to extend fork travel (I'm not up in sektors which I think is what you might have) should you feel you want to. My 130mm Revelations are now 150mm travel with change of airshaft and I love that change.

Unless you want to risk wasting money, tell us what the problems are.

Thanks for all your quick responses..

I had the gears realigned, and after a couple of rides i was heading through some woods and the rear derailer did something wierd when i was changing down a gear and locked it self as if i was changing the chain. I managed to free it and have it realigned again but it happened again on boxing day, this time i was going down a bit of a bumpy incline and it jumped out of gear and locked again. This time i was unable to get it to spring back.

As for budget, ive nothing in mind just think an upgrade will be more reliable and dont really want to be buying hope if you get my drift. The brakes on currently are Avid DB1's as for whats wrong with them i'm not sure. I dont over use them but seem to be grinding and whining alot.

thank again

I had the gears realigned, and after a couple of rides i was heading through some woods and the rear derailer did something wierd when i was changing down a gear and locked it self as if i was changing the chain. I managed to free it and have it realigned again but it happened again on boxing day, this time i was going down a bit of a bumpy incline and it jumped out of gear and locked again. This time i was unable to get it to spring back.

Most likely a set up issue.
Doing a search, it seems your bike has SRAM GX kit on it which is perfectly good enough for most riders on most trails. Same goes for the brakes.
A decent mechanic is what you need IMO 🙂

Where is the chain jamming?

Are the brakes slowing you down as much as needed? I have known some cheap brakes not be able to cope with proper MTBing, but making noise is not unusual, even for posh brakes.

PeterPoddy - Member
A decent mechanic is what you need IMO 🙂

This ^^ and sintered pads in your brakes.

The bike already has a half decent spec. on drivetrain and brakes, you'd have to spend alot to upgrade significantly. If you can't get the current setup working then blowing a grand on new drive train and brakes is not going to provide you with any benefit.

I'd argue that drivetrain and brakes are not components that you should look at for upgrading your bike. Functionally low end drivetrain and brakes don't necessarily perform worse than higher end stuff. The higher end stuff is just lighter in weight. I've just replaced my drivetrain as the previous stuff was worn and I went for GX and it's perfectly functional and robust enough to handle my clumsy clattering about over the bumpy stuff. I replaced my brakes with Hope just for the bling factor!

If you want to upgrade your bike then look to wheels and shocks/forks, then you're into the territory of considering just buying a new higher end bike.

My 2005 Hardrock has all basic Deore and is still on the original kit !! Admitedly it's a loaner bike these days but the shifters front and rear still work.

OP if you buy some better brakes, eg Shimano's you can take them off again if you sell the bike. As above brakes make noise from time to time inc my very nice Hope's. I have never had any issues with my SRAM derailliers although better models. Chain dirty / drivetrain full of winter crap ? Buy a cheap washing up brush and clean it all. What lube do you use ?

Having looked at the spec of the bike (if you can't get gears properly setup without jamming no matter what) then as relatively cheap upgrades I'd do the following I think:

Sintered pads in the brakes
Sunrace 11-42 cassette
Fit a narrow wide 32 tooth single chainring (if you can get one to go on your cranks).
Remove front derailleur and shifter.

Maybe a dropper post if you don't have one.

That's pretty much it.

Hi.that sounds serious. Shop should of picked up on it. I would take it back there and question the job they done. If it is the mech alone they're pretty cheap, if it's a 10 speed shimano you can pick up a new xt shadow+ for under 40 depending how hard you look, sram I'm not so sure on prices. Brakes might just need taking apart and cleaning and replacing pads. Hope this helps a bit

+ 1 for taking it back and getting the gears set up again. The kit is pretty good on that boardman.

Re: brakes, did you bed them in properly before using?

[url= http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/how-to-bed-in-disc-brake-pads-31337/ ]http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/how-to-bed-in-disc-brake-pads-31337/[/url]

Hi All,

Thanks for the responses, theres loads for me to consider here. I do think ill take it back to the shop that sorted it in the first instance and maybe look at a few minor upgrades.

Thanks Again.

Also, its winter, my brakes make noise half the time because riding throguh sloppy mud and puddles means you get a veneer of water/dirt on the disc/pads