All things are not created equal: Upgrading Bicyle Parts

2011 Giant Anthem X 29er MSRP $3200

I think most people would agree that a $3200 is expensive by all standards. After all, you can buy a motorcycle with that amount of money. If you pay that amount of money for a bicycle are you looking to spend an additional $600 on wheels and tires. I think what is at heart here is the idea that even if you pay an insurmountable amount of money on a brand new bike, it is not enough.

If you take the weight of the Giant Anthem X 29er including pedals that are 350g, you have a 28 lb bike. This is not to say a bike that is 28 is overly heavy but performance wise this can mean the difference between 11.5 mph average speed and 12.5 mph . Most people reading this are not concerned with this small details which is the reason why bicycle manufacturers have gotten away these specs on their bikes.

Most riders are not concerned because they did not buy the bike to become an XC World Cup champion. They simply wanted a comfortable bike so they could relax and ride the trails. This where I say that people fail to understand what makes biking fun. If you are a weekend warrior, having the lightest bike is in your best interest. If you are someone who does not train, the big limiter is your own endurance. Most people's endurance can be greatly increased by riding more but each time you push yourself on a 28lb bicycle it takes a lot more effort to complete one lap at a park. So basically upgrading wheels and tires can bring the weight down to 24lbs and as a result you can do a lap around your favorite park with way less effort. Climbing, jumping, descending, and turning is better on a more nimble bike.

The solution to this problem is very simple.  You have to use a lighter tubeless wheelsets and tires. This should bring the weight down anywhere from 2-4 lbs. If the company NoTubes.com can build a wheelset and sell it at MSRP $500, why can't Giant offer the same in their $3200 bicycle.

Reality Check: New Mountain Bikers

New mountain bikers are looking at a price tag of $500 to $800 dollar for an entry level bike. This bike weighs approximately anywhere from 30 to 33 lbs. It probably comes with mechanical disc brakes, a coil spring fork and has 8 speeds.  Half of the time most of these parts fail to work appropriately. The bike is going to require a lot of maintenance. Most people have seen a friend taco their front wheel, gears skipping, brakes rubbing  and the list goes on. Now add to the equation that the person is not technically skilled or in shape, this means that riding this bicycle is going to be tough.

I don't think anyone has ever been stopped by having a really hard workout on their bikes. The trend is that beginners push through that barrier and just ride a lot of lower pace.  They have more falls and develop bad habits. Those who stick to it and enjoy the sport go through the process of upgrading the complete bike. Maybe even take up racing as another challenge. Then they turn around and say that upgrades are not needed on the bike and unless you intend to race your bike you shouldn't waste your time nor money making your bike better. It's always worth getting a better bicycle.

Mountain Bikers Always have more Fun

The great thing about mountain biking is that it has different goals. Overall mountain biking or trails riding has different aspects, one is the fact you are out in the woods enjoying nature and the other that you are doing something that is challenging and potentially dangerous which i believe is the perfect recipe for adrenaline rush. Yet don't think for a second that you have the same experience on a walmart and a $5000 dollar bike. Stay tuned for the next blog where i discuss the major differences.