Mountain Bike Upgrades: How To Improve Mountain Bike’s Performance?

This article contains the latest and best gear for top mountain bike upgrades

Mountain bikes are simply great; providing the best exercise and rejuvenating the rider as they explore deep into the wilderness, kicking up the adrenaline levels. They are expensive for sure, but also fun.

Given how expensive these bikes can be, we think the best approach is to just upgrade your existing bike instead of replacing.

Our guide below will walk you through where we think it is wise to invest.  The upgrades range from $100 to $500 and have the best return on investment.

Did you know: Recent Study states, Mountain biking trails are bringing significant economic benefit.

Mountain Bike Tires

To reduce the rotational weight it is best to swap out the rubber and equip it to handle the specific terrain you ride. 

One of the parts that can make the biggest difference is the tires of the mountain bike. They surely are a game changer. Based on your riding terrain the type of tire you require varies.

We have the best reviewed tire after thorough research. Have a look. 

Schwinn Replacement Bike Tire : The Best Reviewed Mountain Bike Tire

Schwinn Replacement Bike Tire are in high demand in mountain biking tires with dimensions of 20 x 1.95 inch. The tires are well-versed to provide traction on loose terrains thanks to its wide, blocky knobs. 

To provide sidewall protection, the outer knobs are clearly extended and to fit the internal rim width of 19 mm to 29 mm. The PSI range is 35 to 65. 

They are sold on amazon and are packed in a small box with zip-tied and tight rolled tires. They provide total hassle free installation. 

The customer choice for the best mountain bike upgrades – tires is Schwinn Replacement Bike Tire as it is well within the cost range. 

It is the most reliable and best bike tires at a very reasonable cost i.e. within $35.

Types of Schwinn Replacement Bike Tire:

  • Mountain/Kevlar
  • Mountain/Standard
  • Bmx/Kevlar
  • Mountain/Kevlar
  • Hybrid/Kevlar
  • Hybrid/Standard
  • Cruiser/Kevlar

Bike Grips

It is your hands that stabilize the bike on rough terrain.  So to keep control of the bike bike grips are an essential upgrade.

Every hand is different and thus bike grips are a very personal and customized choice. Check our most universal and best reviewed bike grips.

GPMTER Bike Handlebar Grips: The Best Reviewed Mountain Bike Grips

The GPMTER Bike Handlebar Grips are highly in demand grips thanks to its comfort and universal fit. This grip is durable due to its non-slip-rubber. 

It has a single aluminum alloy lock-on system. This ergonomically designed bike grip has an extra gel layer for comfortable hold. 

This grip gives firm grip to the hand due to its anti slip and frictioned rubber material. It actually fits more than 90% of the bikes and is convenient for the rider having a diameter of 0.87 in (22.2 mm) of the size 131 mm in length. 

You can purchase these grips on Amazon as they are easily available.

Mountain Bike Pedals

Upgrading your pedals becomes one of the most necessary upgrades of the bike as pedals are the driving force of the bike.

And they surely need to be maintained for a smooth ride. These are also one of the most cost-effective upgrades and are generally universal for all the bikes.

 Also Read – Best mountain bikes under 500

FOOKER MTB Pedals Mountain Bike Pedals: The Best Reviewed Mountain Bike Pedal

Highly used, known and recommended mountain bike brand pedals is FOOKER MTB Pedals Mountain Bike Pedals and our take is surely on this one. 

The pedals are durable due to the fiber surface on the pedal which is rugged and of nylon. It has Cr-Mo spindle bike pedals. These pedals are shock proof and provide great grip to the rider. 

The bikes with 4.30 x 3.94 x 0.98  i.e. length x width x height are most suitable for this pedal which is a universal size as well. The shoe soles do not get worn out due to this pedal and make the rider very comfortable. 

It is very easy to install and when purchased through amazon it comes with a step-by-step manual.

Best Bike Saddle

Your best mountain bike upgrades – Comfortable bike saddle is a product that decides the smoothness, comfort and longevity of your ride. 

Mountain biking generally consists of long rugged hours of ride, which makes it essential to have a good saddle to the bike. 

The voice of the saddle purely depends on your comfort and body frame. But as per our review we have found a saddle that has been liked by all body framed riders. So take a look.

WTB Rocket Chromoly Saddle : The Best Reviewed Mountain Bike Saddle

WTB Rocket Chromoly Saddle

WTB Rocket Chromoly Saddle

  • Medium-thickness HLX+ gel padding provides ample support 
  • Distinctive, rising whale–tail shape
  • Chromoly steel saddle rails 

This is our highly recommended saddle having medium-thickness HLX+ gel padding to give excess support to the rider. It is a great product.

This bike saddle is unique for mountain bikes due to its  distinctive raised whale-tail design. The saddle is made of synthetic material and is built with gel padding for maximum support and comfort while riding.

The rail material you have with the saddle is made of high quality steel. The bike saddle is  10.4 inches wide in length and 5 .9 inches in height. It can easily fit to your mountain bike and can be used by any gender.

Bike Stem

A piece that firmly connects the frame of the bike with its handlebar is called a stem. There are 2 types of stems – thread less and quill. 

The bike’s steered tube is held and clamped firmly by a thread less stem. Whereas a quill stem is inserted within the upper side of the fork steered tube which is internally held strongly.

 

Also Read: Best Mtb Inner Tubes

 

Wake Mountain Bike Stem: The Best Reviewed Mountain Bike Stem

The stem is hollow and thus very light in weight. It is very good at holding the bar in position very securely thanks to its 4-bolt bar clamp.

It can be easily installed as it is a universal stem that can be fit to almost all the bikes.

It is of hollow design and is light in weight. The four bolt bar clamp holds the bar securely in position.

It is very easy to install and connect the original front fork stem. It is a universal stem suitable for most road bikes, fixed gear bicycles, mountain bikes, etc.

The pedals comes in avrious bright colours that may suit the look of any mountain bike. However, this stem might not be for your if you are looking for a hard trail riding.

Mountain Bike Handlebars

To set up a bike the most important things that can’t go wrong are the width of your best handlebars, and the length of the stem. 

This combination of these 2 can make or break your ride. It is during these cases that the handlebars are used which ensures your perfect riding position and helps you in providing maximum steering control. 

This is again a choice of personal interest and requirement. Although this can be one of the best mountain bike upgrades, as they really can change the way your bike handles and how comfortable it is to ride. 

ENVEM7 Handlebar: The Best Reviewed Mountain Bike Handlebar

ENVE M7 Hndlebar

ENVEM7 Handlebar

  • a super strong bar that still comes in a respectable weight
  • ENVE offers the M7 in 3 rises
  • build bars strong enough for World Cup athletes

One of the best choices for handle bars is this ENVE M7 handlebar which is best when paired with the M7 stem and wheelset.

This M7 can be used  for 100-140 mm trail bikes. In order to have relaxed or tense rides for the rider there are 3 main rise option, 10, 25, and 40mm. 

This allows you to get your preferred height without resorting the bunch of space that is underneath the stem.

They are both made with 800 mm wideness featuring 8-degrees of backsweep and 4-degrees of upsweep with a 35 mm clamp This helps in preserving a compliant ride keeping the weight low.

 

Dropper Post 

Adding a dropper post is easily one of the best mountain bike upgrades you can make. 

This is the most convenient and super-cool upgrade as it helps the rider to adjust the seat height without breaking the temperament of riding as it does not require the rider to get off the cycle. 

This is not a cheap affair but once installed it is every penny worth it and more.

PNW Components Cascade Dropper Post: The Best Reviewed Mountain Bike Dropper Post

This Cascade Post is a bangon customer choice, which is well tested, well acclaimed and the best no doubt. It has multiple features giving the most pleasant ride to the rider. 

It has a great durable coil which makes the movement of the seat easy and smooth and is also very easy to maintain. It is highly built for those bikes that dont offer internal routing.

The Cascade is available in 30.9 and 31.6 diameter seat posts in 125, 150 or 170mm long travel.

The Cascade Dropper post rocks the sealed cartridge that is highly known for its performance in freezing temperatures. The built of the cascade is easy to self service when it comes down to maintenance.

 

Best Brakes 

Brakes are one of the most important components on a mountain bike. The last thing you want is to be second guessing your stopping power as you race down the trail. 

Upgrading your mountain bike brakes will give you better stopping power, more adjustability, and less “brake fade” on long descents. 

Brake fade is that mushy feeling you get after long descents when you’re really working the brakes hard.

Nicer mountain bike brakes offer more adjustments that can help you dial them in to your exact preferences and to keep them from rubbing on your rotors. 

 

Universal Aluminum Alloy mountain Bicycle Brake: The Best Reviewed Mountain Bike Brakes

The most durable and cool kind of brakes are the high hardness aluminum alloy bike brakes which are super light and don’t put weight on the bike. 

You can easily install them on 2.2cm diameter mountain bike’s handlebar for great stopping power. The installation is very easy and can be done within minutes. 

They come in 3 different colors and are made up of Aluminum Alloy. The brakes are inexpensive and perform great under pressure. 

They perform very well and work as they advertised in term of performance. You can easily enjoy a tough fall hiking ride with these amazing brakes.

 

Suspension Fork

The fork upgradation, gives the bike a complete new feel while riding on different terrains. It is all nice and amazing to upgrade the fork, provided you keep in mind the previously built stork fork which is relative to the bike’s geometry.  

So do not upgrade from a 100 mm travel fork to a 160 mm. Our best take on suspension forks is the Bucklos. Take a look.

BUCKLOS MTB Air Suspension Fork: The Best Reviewed Mountain Bike Suspension Fork

The 3 prime things that contribute to a great suspension fork are as follows:

  • The spring 
  • The damper 
  • The fork 

Here, Bucklocks has created a fork having all the 3 must’s which is cost effective too. It is build with high quality aluminum alloy and magnesium. 

The  suspension fork is designed in such a way that it offers a cost-effective product to cycling enthusiasts.

You have 2 remote locking and manual options that can be turned off when you are riding your bike on a smooth road. This makes you ride more efficient.

the 9mm tool free option is great and releases quickly. The BUCKLOS not only looks great but has hi-strength structure and 120mm stroke.

 

Mountain Bike Drivetrain

All the tiny to the big components a bike consists of which is used to pull or push the bike all through is known as the drivetrain. The key components are:

  • Pedals
  • Cranks
  • Chainrings
  • Chain
  • Cogs 
  • Derailleur

BUCKLOS MTB Square Taper Crankset: The Best Reviewed Mountain Bike Drivetrain

Whether you are understanding mountain for the first time or whether you are an MTB life searcher, no worries BUCKLOS MTB Square Taper Crankset is ready to discover with you and take you to next level.

It brings you huge range of gear changes that are engineered with simplicity and durability. So that you can focus on what matters the most. This engineered product is proudly bearing all the ace level bits which help in the pushing and pulling of the bike. 

It is developed with an aim to give a high-performance ecosystem. It provides top performance, security for the rider and a real strong and long durability.

 

Mountain Bike Shoes

As the bikes have flat pedals, having a great pair of shoes is a mandatory band necessary to have a smooth comfortable ride. 

Definitely the regular shoes do not serve the purpose of the rider who needs firm grip on the pedals. Take a look at the best reviewed shoes.

Five Ten Trailcross LT Mountain Bike Shoes: The Best Reviewed Mountain Bike Shoes

 Five Ten Trailcross LT Mountain Bike Shoes - Men's

Five Ten Trailcross LT Mountain Bike Shoes

  • Lightweight EVA midsoles provide long-lasting cushioning 
  • Stealth® rubber outsoles offer reliable grip
  • Bungees stow your laces to help avoid tangling

Men’s Five Ten Trailcross LT mountain bike shoes tackle all the trails with your pedals. They are breathable, they are super light and they are perfectly perforated making them the most in-demand shoes for riding. 

The high mesh abrasion designed on the upper part of the shoes offers durability. The mesh tounge with EVA tongue enhances the comfort while riding. The mesh also keeps you feet cool in intense riding.

They are weather resistant with its synthetic material and are best to protect the toes as well thanks to the EVA’s reinforced toe boxes. They are shock proof and have great stability.

It is lightweight and offers long lasting cushioning.

 

Mountain Bike Chain

There are innumerable reasons why a chain needs replacement which need not be mentioned to any rider for sure. It just happens.  

But while buying a new chain for replacement it is necessary to check whether it fits all the components of the cycle and does not disturb the make of the cycle. 

We have listed the best mountain bike chain which is a really great customer choice have a look.

Zonkie 6/7/8 Speed Bike Chain: The Best Reviewed Mountain Bike Chain

This bike chain is of tensile load 950 kg and is made up of special steel. Due to the special forging steel, repeated forging, and strict control of materials, this chain is very strong. 

The chain is very easy to install and disassemble when needed to clean, it can also be reused whenever needed.

The chain is built up with strong forging steel that id forged again and again to ensure the strength.

With its surface polishing and internal oiling, the lubrication is really very smooth. It is highly durable to rust and corrosion.

No matter which bike or trail you ride, the chain is a great choice. 

Recommended Read – Best Winter Cycling Gear

 

Mountain Bike Wheel

To have a great bike ride, the wheels play an important role as you lose the rotational weight in this. 

That is the force and the weight you need to put every time you pedal to turn the wheel. The best bike wheel gives a new look to the bike and stiffness to the bike as well. 

It is again completely the rider’s choice. As per our review the wheel that we have shortlisted is mentioned below.

Shimano WH-MT620 Wheel: The Best Reviewed Mountain Bike Wheel

 Shimano WH-MT620 Wheel

Shimano WH-MT620 Wheel

  • Tubeless rims are lightweight yet offer reliable durability
  • 24 straight-pull J-bend spokes laced to Center Lock hubs for excellent strength and durability
  • Center Lock design makes disc rotor installation easy

The top-notch quality wheel at the most cost-efficient rate. The Shimano WH-MT620 Wheel is designed with sturdiness and excellent strength along with durability.

It is designed with tubeless rims which are light in weight however, still offering durability and rigidity for aggressive mountain rides.

The wheel in the back is built lightweight and features with Micro Spline 12-speed hub. It has a center lock design which makes installing of disc rotor easy.

It is specifically designed for fun on the trails and boasts excellent value and performance in this price range.

 

Best Front Rotor

Buying the best mountain bike upgrade to upgrade the mount bike is probably the last choice, but is an intelligent choice as it will lessen the weight, noise and give higher braking power all at a low cost. 

Our take on the best rotor is as mentioned below.

Disc Brake Rotor Fit Mountain Bike: The Best Reviewed Mountain Bike Wheel

The common version of 203 mm Avid 39A Alloy-AllStop rings. They provide mounting HW with 2 discs which are very easy to mount on the disc brake frame. 

The rotor is build with high quality stainless steel for great performance. It has a mounting hole of 2.4 to 6mm that can easily fit into your mountain bikes.

You get the product in black and silver combination that out stands your overall bike’s look. The thickness of the rotor is 1.9mm and has the center distance of 44mm.

Hence, the rotor is a great fit to all kinds of bike whether be it, universal, mountain, bike, or road racing bike. 

 

Get Your Bike tuned Up!

Spring is almost here, meaning you can ride your bike outside without freezing your hands, without dealing with snowy trails, and slushy snow. 

Isn’t it great to be able to take your bikes outside with nice weather and the birds chirping? 

Yes? Then get your bike up and running that has not been touched by you in the whole winter.

Make sure you tune it up before you hit on the trails. Here are few tips that you may need to get your bike ready to ride once again: 

Take a Look at your Bike

Take out the time to go through every part of your bike, this should take only a few minutes if you know your bike. 

Look at the tires, wheels, frame, seat post, handlebars, chains, gear, and etc. 

Notice any damage to the bike’s cables, and brakes. Check whether these things affect your bike performance by giving it a nice round around the block. 

Even if there are no major issues, you must know what is going on with your bike. 

Clean your bike

There may be dust sitting on your bike around, sprinkling mist of water on your bike is a must so that you don’t send streams of dusty water  near your bottom bracket or headset. 

Use gentle soap mixed with water and form a light lather over your bike. Use a sponge if you like to scrub down your bike. Use a toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach areas. 

Make sure you remove the excess water from your bike. Apply a cleaning or protecting spray after this process.

Clean your Chain

Chains deserve some extra attention and extra TLC. Clean it with a towel, make sure you check the breaks and excess dirt and rust. 

If you like to de-grease your chain then have a small brush and magnets in hand. Work on every link and brush down the de-greaser deep side. 

Check your Brakes

Good Brakes are a key to a successful ride after a while. Make sure you test your brakes before heading out with your bike. It’s time to make some adjustments if you hear scraping and experience wobble while riding. 

Take your bike to a shop and learn. You can find videos online to understand how to fix your bike. Look for wear and tear of the brakes. If the thickness is less than 1.5mm then it is a sign of damage. 

Make sure your replace them before you ride this spring.

Fix your gear

Test your gears on a smooth road by riding slowly. Shift from one to another until you have tested them all. If your bike jumps around and skips gear then it’s time you need to make some changes. 

Get professional help, if you have no idea how to do this.

 

Conclusion

The performance of your mountain bike will be improved without throwing down the cash to buy a new one thanks to these above mentioned best mountain bike upgrades. 

Upgrading your mountain bike is a fun process, making it truly yours, so take these tips and build up your dream bike.

 

Last update on 2025-02-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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