Advice tips needed for upgrades on entry level 29er

[Jakes O 87]

Hey fellow Hubbers. I bought a 2015 Trek Excalibur 7 about a year ago and planning on doing some affordable upgrades on it. The bike is still original and equiped with Shimano Acera components 3x9. I only did two races with it and some exercising and preparing for the upcoming Karoo2Coast in September. What parts would be compatable with this bike getting more potential out of it? I was thinking of changing the rear deraileur and the front crank. btw The bike still running with original tyres and tubes. Will be fitting maxxis ikon 29x2.2 tubeless within the next month or two. Sorry for my spelling. Im new to this. Any suggestions reccomendations welcome please. Will also try to post a photo of the bike

[OemD]

The question you need to answer is, "what are you going to use your bike for?"

 

i.e. if you plan to do the Epic, then there are loads of thing you can upgrade (incl the entire bike), but if your bike is merely used for fun and exercise, make small upgrade, depending on your riding style and terrain you riding. There no point in upgrading to expensive components, if your current components services your needs.

 

Also 1st consult your LBS. They know the terrain where your riding and should be able to assist you. 

[bullet77]

The tubeless conversion is the best upgrade at this stage. Ride the 3 x 9 until it's worn out, then upgrade properly to 2 x 10/11 or even 1 x 10/11/12.

[dave303e]

tubeless, hubs and wheels, then gears and brakes...

[JacBrand]

tubeless, hubs and wheels, then gears and brakes...

What Dave303e says

But I would first find out if the frame is worth upgrading. I went trough the same exercise 10 years ago. I had a nice mtb frame that would justify up to an XT upgrade. My road bike on the other hand does not justify an gear set upgrade, but rather a frame or complete new bike.

The Shimano Acera components 3x9 are the bottom of the Shimano range. All other gear sets are 1x or 2x 10 or 11.

Upgrading can become expensive, so weigh the options of getting a complete bike that is better in all aspects.

[Allrounder]

I was in the the same boat as you. In the end it would have been to expensive to upgrade my bike. I saved a bit and then sold my bike and bought a better spec bike. 

 

good luck. 

[bikebloke]

Air Fork

1 x 9

wheels

[karlito]

Consider going for a 2.3 or 2.35 up front. This will allow you to run lower pressure and get more grip and help reduce a bit of vibration from the handlebars.

 

I have always liked the staggered approach to upgrading. Do one thing and see how it affects the bike. Then you can do some more research and look forward to you next upgrade.

 

Also helps to keep you motivated as you are constantly enjoying the novelty of new upgrades.

[Jakes O 87]

Thanks for all the replies and advice guys. Highly appreciated. Ill stick to the original gears untill their worn, but upgrade to tubeless as everybody reccomends. Tanx for the tire size advice Karlito. Will definitely ask my LBS when I take the wheels for upgrade

[ChrisF]

Welcome Jakes

 

 

Just went through the same .... The upgrades would have cost more than the bike is worth, and then still the maintenance of an old bike ....  Traded it in, and bought a bike that suits my current needs.  Much better bang for my buck going this route.

 

Speak to your "Local Bike Shop" (LBS).  They probably do trade ins ... which also means they occasionally get decent bikes in when people upgrade .... some really nice deals out there if you have the patience.

[Christofison]

Thanks for all the replies and advice guys. Highly appreciated. Ill stick to the original gears untill their worn, but upgrade to tubeless as everybody reccomends. Tanx for the tire size advice Karlito. Will definitely ask my LBS when I take the wheels for upgrade

Don't put an Ikon on the front. It's okay as a reader tyre but sucks as a front tyre for cornering. The Ardent is pretty fast rolling and has some nice cornering knobs as well.

 

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[Eugene Brown]

If I were in your boat, I'd go for comfortable lock on grips (that can be transferred over) like Ergo or whatever fits you best, the best saddle you can afford (for fit, not name or weight, etc), and a decent bike fit. The grips and saddle can be transferred if you upgrade, and the bike fit will get you comfy enough to enjoy your riding. Will give you enough time to decide if you want to throw more cash at your bike, or look out for something different. If you keep it, a solid, wide set of wheels that are tubeless ready, with adaptor caps for the different axle standards, would be my first serious investment.

Good luck with your decision, and keep pedalling☺

[BSG]

I've been looking at exactly doing the same, one of the biggest problems I have is my bike has a straight steerer which means that if you get a straight steerer air fork you 99% of the time has to go new (ridiculously) expensive, normally more expensive than what the complete bike is worth. I got a much better set of rims than my the OE spec Alex rims, just made a few custom changes and they work well. Then tires do make a big difference as well. Other than that, one must outweigh the price of upgrades vs a new or new second hand bike.

[VicanZA]

Wheels and fork, group set after than, then replace frame.

[droo]

Depends really. If your current wheelset can go tubeless, then tyres first with tubeless conversion. If not, wheels and tyres first. Then fork, then wheels (if they weren't done already.)

 

When your current drivetrain wears out, go 1 x 11.

 

When you've got some spare cash, bars (nice and wide in my opinion) and stem (short, to go with the wider bars).

 

A dropper will change your life, but also cost about as much as your current bike.

 

Don't upgrade stuff just for the sake of it - make sure there's a decent reason, and don't go at it half arsed cos you'll just want to upgrade again later.

[WaynejG]

I started on a Avalanche and also looked at upgrading. Managed to pick up a Sola4 for a good price and worked out cheaper than upgrading the Avalanche. Would still have the Sola but managed to get a Giant Anthem also at a good price.

 

I think sometimes a good 2nd hand bargain is cheaper than upgradu6

 

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