got a new mountain bike. what should i upgrade?

Question

GT Avalanche 2.0 Disc 2007

Fork
Suntour XCR

Crankset
Truvativ ISO FLO, 42/32/22

Bottom Bracket
Truvativ Power Spline Cartridge Sealed

Pedals
ATB Resin body

Front Derailuer
Shimano Altus

Rear Derailuer
Shimano Deore

Shifter
Shimano Altus EZ fire shifters

Rear Cog
Shimano Altus 11-32 ratio

Chain
IG-31

Rims
Alloy double wall ATB

Tires
Kenda Nevegal, 26 x 2.1

Front & Rear Hub
Alloy 8 speed Cassette with QR for Disc

Spokes
Stainless steel 14 gauge

Nipples
Brass CP

Front & Rear Brake
Tektro Aquila

Brake Lever
Shimano ST-EF50

Handlebar
Alum. 20 mm Rise, 6 degree bend, anatomically sized

Stem
GT ATB

Grip
GT Dual Density ATB

Headset
Tange Seiki system for 1 1/8"

Saddles
WTB Speed V

Seat Post
Alloy Micro adjust

Sit Clamp
GT Forged Alum QR


I am going to upgrade the rim, hub and pedal
any reccomendation on what brand rim and hub below $150?
and anything else need to be changed?

decide to change the rim to mavic rim
is it good for my budget?
pedal change to any shimano off-road pedal

hi.. budget about $350 for
Truvativ handle bar and seat post which cost $55 for both
Shimano pedal and wheelset

Answer 1

Honestly, as far as priorities go 1. anything that's unsafe, 2. the first thing that brakes or wears out.
First priority would be anything that makes your riding uncomfortable, seat handlebar or pedals come to mind. Then go for whatever seems to be holding you back. The tires are not bad general purpose tires, keep them at about 40psi, depending on weight, and they should get you through a good season. While some people look down on the suntour forks, they're actually halfway decent, if you set them up for your weight, particularly the initial sag. Longevity is sometimes questionable, so when it does go, just upgrade. I like marzocchi and Fox, althrough pricy, they last and last. . . Make sure the bike is set up properly, particulaly experiment with tire pressure and fork adjustment, and ride it till something breaks, then replace!

You've got a decent entry level bike-ride it!

Answer 2

I'm glad you're deciding to upgrade, very exciting! Well, as you go up the trek line and bounce into the 4 series (4300, 4500), you'll be entering into entry functional mountain bike territory which includes double wall rims, a cassette type cartridge, and a thinner aluminum (alpha black vs white). As another member mentioned, the 6000 series, would be more yet of an upgrade... it keeps the same aluminum, but gives you a better fork and a more aggressive, bent over geometry. Treks also make the gary fishers, which have a longer cockpit length and more of a vertical handlebar/ground wheel contact line for additional control. The Gary Fisher line has a number of 29ers available, which will help you in longer races (Check out the Mamba or Cobia). To answer your question directly, your best bike with a new "street value of about 1000k would be seeking out a Trek "Gary Fisher collection Cobia in my opinion, however, make sure the fit is optimal, as it could not be more different from your current ride (Trek's 3700 is a very straight up, casual ride). Specialized makes a nice Rockhopper Expert which will certainly give you an incredibly light frame and an aggressive geometry. Cannondales (f4, SL 2) have a double butted aluminum frame which is arguably better than what trek could offer into the 2k price range, however, spec may be about 100 dollars overpriced, but will feel very similar to your current trek as far as your stance and the geometry in general. Giant has a good line as well, check out the Talon 1 29er. My advice as you keep going and get more advanced into this sport is to seek out a bike with a nice, durable, light frame that you'll feel comfortable putting money into and upgrading. My one tad of an issue with Trek is that you don't get a substantial frame upgrade until the 8000 series, which is out of your price range. Specialized Rockhoppers (M4 upgrade from A1 aluminum of Hardrock), Cannondales (Trail SL 6061), and Giants (Aluxx SL aluminum) will give you an arguably superior frame at about the 800 dollar price point than what you'll find in treks up to the 2200 dollar range (when you move to an "Alpha Red" frame). Questions, just ask! :) Good luck shopping!

Answer 3

I would upgrade the fork. This would provide the most notable improvement. Especially over rough terrain. Its also one of the most expensive parts to upgrade so you'll have to decide if it is worth it.

As far as the wheel set. I bought Shimano LX hubs with Sun rims and have beat the crap out of them for the last four years with no problems. I paid $80 for the set at an online superstore.

Answer 4

Check this out... it's what Bruno says (LX hubs laced to Sun Rhyno Lite rims.

http://pricepoint.com/detail/13297-365_SHILB4-3-Parts-75-Wheelsets/Shimano-LX-Wheelset--w_-Sun-Rhyno-Lite-Rims.htm

But, before upgrading anything, ride the hell out of that bike. I think it's a solid build, and time will let you know what should be changed.

Of course you can go for a better fork, which also brings a noticeable difference, but you would need to spend a lot of money for that. Maybe budget around 300 usd or more for it, but by then, you would have already spent probably what you have spent for the whole bike.

Answer 5

congrats on your purchase.

mavics will cost you a bit more than your 150 budget.
not sure if you can get a used set for cheaper, but that may be the way to go as long as theyre true, no hops or skips.

for $150, you may be good for eggbeater pedals and shoes only.

I question the BB, I'm not a fan and wonder how much it will take until you'll need a quality one. guess it depends on how hard you ride.

Answer 6

I would just upgrade parts as they break. I would also go clipless (assuming you plan on doing any actual trail riding).

Answer 7

Get some marzocchis. drop offs maybe and new brakes. anything hayes or avid are good

Answer 8

you need a new front suspension maybe marzocchi or manitou or rock shox