| A standard mountain bike is inherently sophisticated, | | | | reverse is also true, the higher the quality of the bike |
| however you do have the option to replace individual | | | | you start with, the smaller the improvement will be if |
| parts of the bike with better ones. Upgrading can be | | | | you upgrade it. |
| carried out as parts wear out, or beforehand if you | | | | Upgrading can often mean customising, so what |
| find a replacement that is more efficient, | | | | starts out as a model number on an assembly line |
| comfortable, or easier to use. With a few tools and a | | | | becomes unique to you. Much upgrading has to do |
| little experience, a bike can be stripped to the frame | | | | with experimentation. For every lasting mechanical |
| and rebuilt with different parts in a matter of hours. | | | | improvement that comes out mountain bike |
| One reason to upgrade certain parts is to reduce the | | | | development there are dozens of dead ends. So if |
| weight of your bike. Weighing just a few grams less, | | | | you do choose to upgrade to a particular part do |
| you achieved a higher speed for the same energy | | | | your homework on that part before you purchase it. |
| input, which is particularly helpful when climbing. This is | | | | Often times if you are deciding to upgrade a number |
| particularly important for mountain bikes as the lighter | | | | of parts at the same time it may be more |
| weight counts at all times off road. You must never | | | | cost-effective to buy entirely new bike. It is generally |
| sacrifice strength just to reduce weight however, as | | | | advisable not to spend more than a half or two |
| this will increase the risk of your bike failing. | | | | thirds of the original price of your bike on improving it. |
| The lower the quality of the bike you start with, the | | | | If the parts become too good for the frame, it is |
| greater the improvement if you upgrade it. The | | | | time for a new bike. |