Which inexpensive MTB upgrade is the most effective?

One area in particular tends to offer a big payback when it comes to MTB component upgrades.

By Jeff Barber
June 16, 2024

5 comments

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Several weeks ago we asked readers which major mountain bike upgrade offers the best value, and the most popular response was wheels. (Be sure to read Travis Reill’s opinion piece about why wheels are, in fact, the best major upgrade to make.)

But sometimes the most effective mountain bike component upgrades aren’t necessarily the most expensive. We don’t want to bias the results for this follow-up survey, so suffice it to say we think there’s one pretty clear answer. But we’ll wait to hear your responses.

Did you pick a component that doesn’t start with ‘T’? Tell us why in the comments below! 👇

Wheels

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Handlebars

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Which Major MTB Upgrade Offers the Best Payback?

5 Comments

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mongwolf Mongolia // 2011
Jun 16, 2024

I think most agree, and for good reasons, that the right tire is huge. These days though, most bikes are specced with really good tires. And again, I think most say that the dropper post is the most significant advancement in bikes in the past several years. Fortunately again, most good bikes are specced with a dropper post. Besides those two, for me, no matter what bike I buy, the most important "upgrade" is adding a riser bar and spacers. My torso and arms are quite short relative to my legs. Raising the front of the cockpit makes all the difference in the world in terms of bike performance and in my back and neck.

1 reply

Sidney Porter Ohio // 2023
Jun 16, 2024

If we focus on the word upgrade. I think pedals are the biggest bang for the buck. The entry level pedals that come on entry level bikes can see a big improvement $30 pedals

Sunspot Colorado // 2019
Jun 17, 2024

Dammit!! Can't select the list that I always seem to change out. Anymore, if I buy a bike it will be a frameset or a custom as a foundation to start with a clean, fresh canvas. Then the parts list will be filled by horse trading with the right people to supply components in trade for high end sound gear.

0 reply

highland.hippie Queensland // 2021
Jun 17, 2024

I chose dropper, but agree that tyres "can" be an equal effective upgrade.

Many XC bikes do not come with a dropper. Many trail to enduro bikes do not come with a dropper in the entry level build. The latter definitely require one, and the former require one if I am riding it!

As others state, most bikes at a reasonable price point come with decent enough tyres. But again, many are under-specified for their intended use: e.g. enduro bikes with Maxxis EXO carcass.

-1 reply

One thing that changes on a bike taking a position in my collection is tires that aren't so stiff that they don't require air. Being that I am a beanpole, lighter tires that can be adjusted by changing the pressure is important to a rider that has no desire to ever run max inflation for a wholesale traction throwaway. Trials background, so I do run on the soft side to enjoy the Velcro traction.

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