Jump to content

What to upgrade?


Zaskar09

Recommended Posts

Hi guys,

 

I'm new here and newish to mtb'ing in general. I bought a GT Zaskar Elite last year (great bike btw but what would I know, it's my first proper mtb). I've saved a bit of money and would like to upgrade something, nothing is really broken, I just like to buy stuff for my bike :). What would make the most difference? Obviously, if I upgrade something I actually want it to be an upgrade.

 

My current setup:

 

FRAME

GT NEW design hydroformed Kinesis Superlight custom tube-set Machined Head tube, disc compatible

FORK

Rock Shox Tora, 100mm of travel, 7050 al steerer, Air sprung with rebound damping and motion control

CRANKSET

Shimano Nine speed Octalink ,

BB

Shimano Octalink

PEDALS

Shimano PDM-520

FRT DER.

Shimano Deore

RR DER

Shimano Deore SLX

SHIFTERS

Shimano nine speed trigger

CASSETTE

SRAM 9-speed, 11-32

CHAIN

Shimano Nine Speed

WHEELSET

WTB Speed Disc XC with single eyelets

TIRES

Front/Rear 26"x 2.0 Kenda Karma 120 TPI with kevlar bead

HUBS

Shimano Deore Disc

BRAKES

Avid Juicy 3

HANDLEBAR

Ritchey Pro butted 2014 alum, Flat, 31.8 mm clamp, 680 mm width,

STEM

Ritchey 6061 cold forged stem, with 6 degree rise, and 4 bolt face plate

GRIPS

GT Lock Down

HEADSET

FSA Integrated, sealed angular contact bearing

SADDLE

WTB Rocket V Comp with CrMo rail and Kevlar shoulders

SEAT POST

Ritchey 31.6mm 3 D forged

 

Thanks guys (and gals), advice would be appreciated!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I thought Rock Shock Tora is a coil spring oil fork but none the less would strt with that and change to air fork ie Fox F32 RL 100 or Rock Shock Reba/Sid 100mm

Link to comment
Share on other sites

First off, you're in luck that the Zaskar is a great frame to work around as far as upgrades are concerned. The rest of your stuff is lower-spec than the frame, so it's actually worthwhile upgrading...

 

I'd say look at stuff in this order:

 

Big-ticket:

1) Fork - consider something like a Recon (the Race is great if you get it with pop-lock remote lock-out). If you want to take it another step up, consider a Reba.

2) Wheelset - entry-level Mavic, say the CrossRides would do fine. Anything more would be quite pricey at this stage...

3) Crankset - get a hollowtech setup, SLX would be quite a bit lighter.

 

Smaller-ticket:

1) Shifters and rear derailleur - SLX Shifters and XT derailleur, you'll notice it to be quite a bit crisper.

2) A top-end cable set, or continuous cable housing - You won't believe how much smoother your shifting will be with XTR cables, and it'll only cost you around R300.

2) A nicer (lighter) seat - Look at the Prologo range for example.

 

Hope that helps!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I thought Rock Shock Tora is a coil spring oil fork but none the less would strt with that and change to air fork ie Fox F32 RL 100 or Rock Shock Reba/Sid 100mm

 

Sorry, it's the Tora SL, definately air. My link

post-18337-047566700 1284667165.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If money is not a problem SID XX world cup at 1.4 kg...not surewhat the cost of one of these are.

 

:) Isn't money always a problem? Let's put it this way, what upgrade would cost the least but would make the biggest difference?

 

The whole 20/80 principle thingy

Link to comment
Share on other sites

:) Isn't money always a problem? Let's put it this way, what upgrade would cost the least but would make the biggest difference?

 

The whole 20/80 principle thingy

 

Then it is the middle way Reba/Fox F32. Personally I like the fox more as the lock out works much easier on the fox ie very light to turn compared to the Rock Shox Tora I had. The weight difference is huge from the Tora for the price you paying. If possible also go for a QR15 or QR 20 but that means you will have to change wheels or your front hub at the same time.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

yeah I had a Tora and put on a second hand fox rl 100 its a different bike you can run at much lower pressure and it is much smoother and plush, another big difference is to lighten your wheels either by lighter rims and/or tubeless, rotational weight cuts make a big difference

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
Settings My Forum Content My Followed Content Forum Settings Ad Messages My Ads My Favourites My Saved Alerts My Pay Deals Help Logout