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Evening all, I ride a 2012 Spesh Rockhopper Comp and after a year riding it i want to upgrade some bits and bobs. Which bits i do not know, i bought some DMR V8 pedals as the original ones broke but what next.
My reasons to upgrade are saving weight, but more importantly (vain i know) is the looks - i like the look of some raceface/nukeproof handlebars, but aint got a clue to have flat or risers (whats the ride difference?), some new forks - rockshox
Tell me folks - what to upgrade???
PS - dont want to spend a fortune
cheers
Golden
If you want to upgrade the looks, then deffo get big floating rotors in a fancy colour like red, green or orange; so they stand out :p
Superstar do them really cheap so check them out !
If its weight you want to save then I'd save up for a lighter set of wheels 2nd hand from here or Pinkbike, eBay etc, then change the forks (or opposite way around if the forks are particularly bad).
IMO I'd only buy new bars if they aren't wide enough or wrong rise as not much weight really lost compared to wheels or forks.
I got a set of 1750g DT Swiss wheels in good condition from here for £100 and although not bombproof, more than adequate for my light weight and riding.
risers vs flats will allow you to fine tune your position, flats will drop you a little bit lower at the front than risers, and the sweep affects your hand position, as does the width (helps your (perception of) control*)
Spendier ones will be lighter, and/or stronger and may help damp some trail buzz, which will be more comfortable & less tiring.
forks might help, I'd probably go for nicer wheels first, hope pro 2 hubs with nice rims aren't too expensive, and if/when you want to upgrade the frame you'll be able to keep the wheels no matter if you go bolt-thru etc.
And they'll make an immediate & noticeable difference to your bike
the only thing that'd stop me upgrading the forks is that all the shiny new frames I like seem to use tapered steerers, & that has a standard 1.125 headtube, so if you wanted to change frame you might also need new forks etc.
(on the otherhand, if you see an absolute bargain, it's your money 😉 )
edit:mice rims are far too squeaky for offroad riding)
My Rockhopper started out off the peg new in 2008 I think. I've still got "it" but recently realised that I've since changed EVERY component part, including the frame under warranty. (Trigger's broom anyone?)
Biggest bang-for-buck changes were:
1. Hope Hoops - Crest on Pro 2 hubs, tubeless.
2. Fork upgrade to a Reba Team
3. Shorter stem & wider bars
4. SDG I-beam post and saddle