We have the XC Bike & Equipment thread, but I suspect there is a large number of members who don’t race but are interested in discussing MTB equipment. So, let this thread serve as the hub for that discussion!
I’ll get started: I ride a 2019 Yeti SB130 that I’ve been thinking of doing some upgrades on. Last year, I compared the geo my 130 to the newer 140 (and competitors) and the frame isn’t dated, so I decided to take better care of my bike and revamp it a bit. I ride in New England, ranging from techie New England BS, climbs, descents. Not a park person. I take the bike the Rockies about once a year.
The current components:
Fork: Fox Float Factory FIT4 36, 150mm (rebuilt by Fox fall 2024)
Shock: Fox Float DPX2, 210x52.5 Factory Series (130mm travel, rebuilt by Fox fall 2024)
Wheels: We Are One Triad Enduro (new fall 2024)
Brakes: Shimano XTR M9120
Crankset: Sram X01, 175 mm, 30T chainring
Cassette: Sram GX 10-51t
RD: Sram X01 mechanical
Dropper: Fox Transfer (rebuilt by Fox fall 2024)
Pedals: Shimano XTR or Garmin Rally XC200
To my eye, the two obvious places I could upgrade would be the drivetrain and suspension. Having no comparison, how has suspension technology improved in the past 6 years? Would I have a noticeable performance change? If I wanted, I could go to 160 mm up front and 137.5 mm in back.
I’ve heard bad things about that fit4 damper, so seems like a good place to start.
Unrelated, but its looking like I broke the rear end of my stumpy evo alloy, so starting to think of next steps. The evo is “fine” but I wouldnt neccesarily buy a stumpy 15 for me. I’m convinced these high leverage shocks just lead to bad suspension quality for bigger riders (im at 350 psi). I’ve tried both the float X, and the Super Deluxe Ultimate.
I rented a SC Bronson in the rockies (im a vermonter) and was very impressed with the quality of the suspension, and how it pedaled. An XXL hightower is high on the list for me, but $$$ for frame only. Considering the RAAW Jib LT, and a sentinel. Maybe a norco sight, but im not a high pivot beleiver (for me). The longer travel Fuel could be an option, but I’m luke warm on buying a frame from Trek.
I mostly ride handbuilt chunky trails, on the steep side (I have an XC bike as well), but do the occasional enduro race, which is not the priority anymore.
The big thing probably comes down to who has the best warranty, as I break a bike every few years.
At risk of sounding like a fan boy, head over to Stark Mountain Bikes if you’re remotely closed to Waitsfield and demo a Yeti SB140LR. I tried one out there last year and couldn’t imagine a better bike for the trails in that area. I rented a Pivot Switchblade in the Rockies/Moab a year ago and preferred the 140. The Switch Infinity link may be what you need as a heavier ride. Not cheap by any means, but there are some good deals floating around. Their warranty/crash replacement program is also quite stellar. My buddy got 40% a new 2025 frame after he cracked his 11 year old SB95.
I agree that the fork is probably the most dated. Either a Grip2 damper upgrade or a new 36 would be highest on my list. If the drivetrain is not worn out I would keep it going. Or just buy some fresh tires and use the money for another bike trip!