Upgrade Advice

[mountainmatt]

So, I have the UCC Dynamite mountain bike with front suspension. I may have a little money soon to do one upgrade. I use the bike to commute, but also trail riding, and I want to start taking advantage of the mountains we have around here. So, I a,m just asking for your opinion here. If I can get one upgrade, which should I get?

[pfox90]

Save your money till you can buy a new bike.

[mountainmatt]

Save your money till you can buy a new bike.

Unfortunately, that would take too long!

[shibiwan]

FYI - Suntour is starting a trade-up program in the US. Not sure since you're stuck in China.

more info: Fork Help

-S

[pfox90]

Tubes tire crank and wheels are all rotating weight that is the most notable upgrade to the bike. If you wanna do brakes I would strongly recommend bb7 instead of hydros. For the same price they are much stronger and easier to work with

[mattnmtns]

Well normally I would say save that money and put it towards a new bike. However I recall you are in China. So that might change a few things. I guess for one is how long do you you plan to be in China. I assume you aren't Chinese with a name like Matt. So I can see not spending a lot on a be that may be difficult to carry elsewhere.

I would say unless there is a particular part that is giving you issues or you would like to see better performance in ride it into the ground and replace later.

[Dirty $anchez]

Tires, don't sink a boat load of money in upgrades.

[Hawg]

Ride it until something breaks or wears out. In the meantime, hold onto your money and save even more for when the time comes.

[mitzikatzi]

Tires, brake pads and pedals

[shibiwan]

...I'm leaning towards cheapo mods too.. tires.

[One Pivot]

Pedals first, those plastic pedals are pretty much just dangerous offroad. Then I agree with everyone else, go for good tires. Good tires will change the way your bike feels completely.

[AndrwSwitch]

Pedals, tires, maybe a saddle or stem if you need that to get a good fit.

Then stop throwing money at the damn thing! Stems are cheap, you can move your favorite tires, pedals and saddle to a new bike; the rest you just lose.

[mountainmatt]

Ok, ok lol. I will just save my money for a new, full-suspension bike, although it may take me a year to save. And, I do plan to be in China long-term.

[DavyRay]

Pedals and tires. Tires only after you learn what the stock ones are like, and how they work on trails.

[Zuarte]

When you say commute, do you mean it is left outside on a bike rack throughout the day? If that's the case, I would recommend spending good money on a respectable bike lock + extra cables. The last time I was in China, the commuter bike population there was about the same as in US cities - that is to say, cheap bikes to not draw attention from thieves. Yours definitely will if it's locked outside all day.

As for real upgrades, I would say replace anything that you genuinely find uncomfortable in terms of fit. Outside of that, light tires are the best bang for the buck.