Spectre3...... Here's what I have done to my Axis XE and why.
I bought my Axis XE from DSP, got it tuned by a local bike shop, then took it trail riding 4 or 5 times. After riding and finding where the weak spots on the bike for me I did a bunch of reading on forums and watched tons of youtube vids about mountain bikes and what other people have done to improve them for trail use (bc thats the type riding I primarily do).
Upgrades/Changes so far:
-Splatter Paint Job just to personalize it
-Raidon front fork (I got it using the SR Suntour Upgrade program) (*This fork performs fantastically! I've read several reveiws on this fork and many have suggested that it out performs many of the entry/mid level RockShox. Whether thats true or not I can testify that this fork is wonderful on the trail)
-Nashbar Platform Pedals (Great so far! Wish they were a little thinner tho but can't beat the price)
-Truativ 700mm Handlebars with 20mm rise (bike had 600mm/15 rise) (*this will probably hurt me a little on climbing but I'm ok with that because it'll give me more control on descents)
-1x8 conversions using a Raceface 32T chainring on the stock XCT crank (when riding I noticed I really only used the middle chainring, which was a 32t, so I just simplified it and eliminated the inner and outer chainrings and shifter)
-Avid FR-5 lever for front brake (still using the Shimano EF-51 for the back brake/shifter)
-I have some RockBros MTB EVA Foam Light Grips on the way bc I've been told foam grips are comfy and cheap to replace if they mess up.
-Lizard Skin Chainstay guard.... because why not? Its not that expensive and looks better than wrapping the chainstay with tape or an old tube or something.
Upgrades Needed:
-BRAKES!
The Tekros Aries are horrendous. I want some Avid BB7's. I've also been told the SLX Hydros are a great budget brake but I kinda just want to stick with mechanical on this bike.
-Tires.... I've lost traction a few time when I shouldn't have. The stock tires are a bit too hard... but I plan to use them until they're worn out.
So that's how I have mine set up but don't let what i've done be the standard on how to upgrade the Axis XE. I've merely outfitted mine to fit my style of riding, which is mostly trail riding.
Counting everything from the price of the bike to the new parts and the little bit of labor cost from my local bike shop I've got $900 in this bike... but that's $900 spread over about three months of tinkering. I could have just bought a $1000 bike and been done (maybe) but buying this cheaper Axis XE and upgrading it to my liking has helped me figure out what I like in a bike. So now when I one day buy a $1000+ bike I will know what type components/set up I'll want.
Sorry for rambling on I just want to provide as much insight as I can. Enjoy you budget rig!:thumbsup: