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!
With Black Friday deals coming out, what’s on everyone’s wish list?
As discussed, I’m still considering upgrading my suspension to a 36 Factory Grip X with 160 mm and Float X Factory in 210x55 (=137.5 mm travel). I’m likely moving to the Rockies or PNW next summer; I don’t think having more squish is going to make me unhappy.
I’m also due for new tires. I’ve run DHF/Dissector for 4 years. Maxxis just released their new Dissector. I was thinking of trying out Conti Kryptonal F/R in Enduro casing.
I keep thinking I want to buy a Ripmo V3. Had the original before I got the XC Bug, and I demo’d both the Ripmo and Ripley in Southern Utah this spring.
But, not sure if I’ll end up pulling the trigger as I have my Epic and I’m training for Leadville again.
Epic Evo 7 is a fantastic bike. New bikes are fun but can’t see any other bike being an upgrade worth the cost of a new bike (if at all). If you’re dying for an upgrade, put Flight Attendant on it and let it rip!
I swapped a 2017 FIT4 Fox 34 for a Grip X Fox 34 this year. It is better - more responsive to small bumps was most noticable - which is why I switched - I had been getting arm fatigue on long descents. I also upgraded my 2017 SRAM Guides brakes to SRAM Codes. Very happy with the combo upgrade.
I have also - in the last year - upgraded my drivetrain to SRAM mechanical XX1, and rear wheel to a DTSwiss carbon wheel. Very happy with both of those upgrades also.
One thing I’m sensitive to is - once I go down the upgrade path, and have a lot of $ in new parts - it makes less financial sense to buy a new bike - which I’ll probably eventually need. But will cross that bridge when I get to it.
Finding the right ties for me has been very frustrating over the past couple of years. The biggest issue I’ve had is that nearly every tire I have bought has been undersized.
All I’m looking for is a tire that is a true 2.4. To get that, I had to buy a pair of 2.6” Vittoria Agarros - which measure 2.45. Have been very happy with them so far. Planning to ride Moab Rocks next spring in them.
Those are reasonably different bikes. One more race oriented. One more fun oriented. Are you planning to change the type or riding you do, or types of trails you ride?
I have an in-betweener bike - a Trek Fuel 130mm//140mm. I race on it, and also ride tech trails.
The alternative for me I think would be 2 different bikes - something like an Epic Evo and SB140. Not sure I “need” to go down that route however - as I’m pretty happy with my Fuel.
