Don't Buy a Mountain Bike Until You Watch This!

[@PatrickKend]

This is why I get so pissed when someone puts down someone else’s bike. We all customize our bikes to be our own. So why tell someone that their bike sucks when they enjoy the bike because it’s the way they want it

[@JaredHoff]

💯 percent. How lame would it be if all bikes were the same

[@mrman26]

I totally agree with this. For me, half the fun is making upgrades to my bike. I bought a base model Trek Fuel EX two years ago. I’ve given it premium parts with Fox Factory suspension/fork and Shimano XT brakes. I also put on some Maxxis tires with thicker sidewalls. I enjoy finding new ways to customize it. ✌️

[@JaredHoff]

Heck yeah 👍 sounds like you got an amazing bike.

[@tracymcmanus550]

This only works if the bike geometry of your current frame works for you. It took me going through three bikes before I found one that fits me and my style of riding the way I wanted it to. After you find that then I’d say go for personal upgrades

[@Iggy52]

3 bikes to find out what fits you? That's crazy..

[@glynnb6572]

Who is doing this these or can, if you buy a bike in the 1000s? Most people would be better trying simple things like moving their seat a it, sorting out handlebars as well for width and maybe rise. Than going out and buying anew bike, unless you want to lose loads on old bikes for quick sales.

[@tracymcmanus550]

@@Iggy52 not what fits me as in size. What geometry works for the type of riding I do and what category that fell into. I trusted the bike shop that sold me the first one. Gained some knowledge and got close on the second, and then finally found the one that works best for me. Two bikes can have similar specs but ride completely different

[@JaredHoff]

I hear ya man. I have gone back and forth on geo and finally found what I like 👍

[@MrDavecore777]

It happened to me with my first 27.5 Marin st Quentin. I simply could not gel with it and ended up buying a 29er Orbea Rallon frame and ran it 27.5 till I was able to upgrade to full 29. Now I’m way happier with the full sus. Plus I know I can always just get a new frame and have a new bike if needed

[@lastpme]

I totally agree…I think the nice thing with upgrading your own bike is also learning about how to do your own maintenance and how to maintain their bikes. I am in my 50s and my 2017 Diamondback Recoil works for my needs since I am not doing any jumping or going down the mountain too fast. I upgraded the rear shock, upgraded the fork, upgraded the brakes, tires, and my last updates is to convert it to tubeless and install and covert it to a 1x. It meets my needs and I am happy with it.

[@JaredHoff]

Definitely 👍 I’ve learned so much about working on my bike by upgrading it.

[@sebastiaanleguijt6419]

2014 Kona Process 111 is still the best bike i own. Changed the fork to a 140mm Pike. Added an -2 angle headset which changed the headangle to 65°, new wheelset with 30mm internal width, 1x11 XT drivetrain with 10-51 cassette. Changed the brakes to 4 pot shimano stoppers. Took it down the Megavalanche twice. Awesome bike

[@JaredHoff]

Awesome man! Sounds like an amazing bike 👍

[@bantam700]

I went with a siskiu t8 when I decided to get off my hardtail and go full squish. I liked it then and now that I have heavily upgraded that thing it is my baby. i9 101 wheels with maxxis tires and cushcore, oneup carbon bars, purple spank split stem, ergon saddle with oilslick rails, raceface turbine 165mm crank with an absolute black oval ring, purple pnw grips and purple oneup pedals, fox float x shock, and throwing on some slx 4 pot brakes this weekend.

[@JaredHoff]

Sounds like you’re going to have an amazing bike bro 👍 stoked for you!

[@daddyduck833]

I have a specialized status 160 for a few years now. I put trp dhr evo brakes, sram axis gx drive train, 30t crank, carbon one up bars, one up dropper, cont tires and had the suspension just serviced.

[@JaredHoff]

Heck yeah 👍 those like some great upgrades.

[@marxellbartolome3161]

Using polygon siskiu t7 since 2022. Upgrades done: - shimano slx groupset - slx quad piston f/r - shimano icetech rotor f/r - shimano am pedal - spank spoon stem and handlebar - ergon ge1 deep moss grip - next upgrade maybe front/rear shocks or new wheelset ex511

[@JaredHoff]

Nice 👍

[@NoOneIsGoingToSaveYou]

Plus the gaining of skills and knowledge that comes with upgrading parts.

[@JaredHoff]

For sure 👍

[@charlie_one_9]

2017 Trek Remedy, bought used and fixed better than new. Upgraded Pike select fork internals with new charger 3 damper and debonair air spring making it into an Ultimate as well as changing out the stock shock for a Super Deluxe Ultimate. Changed the Bontrager hub’s pawls with new ones and added two more so the 54 points of engagement are now 108 making it instant. Also gave her a professional fresh blue fade paint job just like on the more modern Trek Slash. Who needs a new bike as long as the geometry is modern?

[@JaredHoff]

Heck yeah 👍

[@matthewwalter3423]

Great videos Jared! I've just bought my first duel Sus bike in October a second hand 2015 Giant Reign got it cheap. Was already converted to 1x10 I've put a new dropper post on it and looking at 4pot Slx brake upgrade. It's been great and love how I can upgrade and personalize it without spending $1000's of dollars. Progressing well with my riding and still doing what most people are doing on a lot more expensive new bikes. 👍

[@JaredHoff]

Heck yeah 👍 that’s what it’s all about.

[@Runnin2Live]

I have a Diamondback Hook I bought in 2018. I have upgraded to air fork, hydraulic brakes, 1x12 drivetrain, wheels and tires, dropper post, pedals, and seat. I pieced it together over 2 years and have been riding in the current configuration for 4 years. I have considered jumping up to a full suspension but I always change my mind since most likely I’d be riding the hard tail more anyway.

[@JaredHoff]

Just don’t ever get rid of that bike. Even if you get a full suspension,,, you always need a good backup bike.

[@TommyGoesEnduroMTB]

I'm a Collosus N9 owner and I really love it!! It's green (my favorite color) and the frame design is so smooth and aggressive that makes me feel like I'm riding a tank ready to do everything I want! Next upgrades will be a Fox 38 Factory and the X2 Factory Shock and a really nice chrome or bronze Title handlebar

[@JaredHoff]

Nice 👍

[@tymothyallen5392]

I just got back into MTB after 17 years of not riding, March 24 I bought a Trek Roscoe 6 in Matte Keswick, I could have bought an 8 or 9 but liked that color. So far I’ve swapped out the 9 speed to an Advent X, square tapered bottom bracket to a Wheels manufacturing shell with RaceFace Affect cranks w/RF 32 tooth CR. RF Chester black peddles. PNW range stem and bars and grips. Swapped wheels to Bontrager Line Comps with rapid 108 hubs and front and rear specific Continental Kriptonal tires. In future plans XT 4 piston brakes, SRAM GX group minus cranks, Rockshock Lyric fork, PNW loan dropper. All once factory wears out. I get tons of compliments about my bike and I love this thing.

[@JaredHoff]

@@tymothyallen5392 heck yeah 👍 some people will say you upgraded too much, but there’s something so special about having a unique one of a kind built by you and just for you

[@heathballard5398]

Got back in to mountain biking after years away from it, can't believe how much bikes have changed. I bought a second hand Norco 3 which is complete entry level hardtail with limitations i didn't even know were limitations when i bought it. Example being qr axles and straight steerer. Upgraded the fork with SR Suntour Epixon 120mm air fork, cranks/BB, bars and stem, removex the front deraileur (was a 2x9) i just manually engage granny gear in hilly terrain,wide grippy tyres cos I'm old and want grip over speed and grips, seat etc to perso alise it and i love it....the best bike is the one you own.

[@JaredHoff]

Definitely agree 👍

[@ronm7489]

Started riding back in ‘97 and have always enjoyed upgrading my bike to make it my own. I know that even if I bought the highest spec bike I’d still be tempted to swap out parts.

[@JaredHoff]

Definitely 👍

[@DiamondbackAxis]

a Black 1991 Diamondback Axis... modded. it has quad piston XT brakes with 203 rotors. SLX groupset. Carbon rigid fork with Redshift suspension stem. Cane creek seatpost suspension with brooks cambium c15 saddle. Powergrips pedals and it's running 27.5 wheels (stock is 26) and planning to do a mullet setup in the future..29 front and 27.5 rear. so yeah, I fully agree with you. Personalizing it since 1991 😁

[@JaredHoff]

Sounds like you built a one of a kind dream bike 👍 nice man!

[@Iggy52]

I love the research and upgrading my bike. Not only you learn new things but each upgrade is like mini Christmas. It's not that expensive either if you sell the parts which came off the bike.

[@JaredHoff]

For sure 👍

[@michaelreynolds6543]

I bought a Vitus nucleous Hardtail sold that, bought a Vitus Sentier Hardtail sold that, bought a new Vitus Mythique full sus.( in 2022) . . . paid around £1300 new for it i recently finnished upgrading it to get it to where I want it now its a beast . . . My upgrades . . . Hope wheels with pro 5 hubs shimano 4 piston brakes Ice tech rotors 203/180 SLX shifter rockshocks monarch rc3 rear shock Lyric ultimate forks DMR vault pedals pro-mudguards front & rear Now I cant blame the bike for all those failures that keep happening . . . hahahah

[@JaredHoff]

Nice 👍

[@bellarogers7202]

I do agree with you Jared about the current bike. My only issue is that I feel the bike is too big for me. I have a T8. Upgrades are: SLX 165mm cranks, SLX chain, one up carbon bars, Trail1 stem, Oury grips, I9 Hydra Trail S rims, PNW pedals. Also swapped out the Tektro brake levers for SLX. Only other things I’d upgrade are fork and possibly rear shock.

[@JaredHoff]

Getting the right size bike is everything. I’m not sure how old you are, or if you’re still growing… but I would definitely recommend getting a bike that fits you right. I always save my stock parts so I can put them back on my bike if I ever want to sell it.

[@colinl2908]

I've had a GT Avalanche sport since 2021 (love the blue colour). My obsession starts with upgraded cranks and BB to 1x Deore , Absolute black 34 oval chainring, XT shifter and SLX derailleur with XT jockey wheels, FUNN mamba SPD/flat pedals, Hope fortus 26 wheelset and veetires, SLX 4 piston brakes with front 180mm and new rear 160, PNW coast suspension dropper with shimano lever, SQlabs 611 active saddle, SQlabs grips with innerbarends, SQlabs stem and 16 deg backsweep bars, Markhor 120mm fork with ABS+ damper upgrade and custom manitou stickers. YBN waxed chain from zero friction cycling. Lots of tools too. I have 2 sets of wheels and swap between off and on road riding. Hanging out for the next video as I think I may have gone too far 😂

[@JaredHoff]

I always go too far 😂 I should have that next “upgrade addiction” video posted by next Friday. I’ve been trying to be consistent and post one long video a week.

[@shid0619]

I just buy the frame and built it when things are on sale

[@JaredHoff]

That’s a great option

[@feliperodriguez6885]

I bought a trek marlin 5 hard tail 3x7 used from a friend, I paid 250$ for it. I actually thought of upgrading components, i figured out that I'll spend around 700$ to get it to what I want but wouldn't it be better to spend that money on a new bike with modern geometry and components, I'm leaning towards a new bike since I'm kinda limited on wheels and tires I can use on this frame.

[@JaredHoff]

@@feliperodriguez6885 new bike would be better at that point. You can find really good deals on hardtails like the new Roscoe right now.

[@impaledface7694]

The history does matter with a bike. The bike you rode and hit your first 4ft drop on, or the bike you did that gnarly rockgarden on. Upgrades that make it more your own are even better. Buying a frame and building a bike up from that is the ultimate customized bike IMO. Can easily color match components, with the stuff you want right out of the gate. I never spend a crazy amount, just spending enough to get the stuff I like.

[@JaredHoff]

I’ve always wanted to do a frame up build.

[@Forthetimebeing72]

It probably wouldn’t matter how nice my bike is, I would want to try new things for fun. Bike geometry is so good right now that upgrading like you are describing does make sense. I did so on all my bikes because of the price of parts.

[@JaredHoff]

I always like seeing the upgrades people choose and their custom bikes 👍

[@Gojira_Wins]

I recently bought a $75 broken 26 inch bike from my local Pawn Shop. I assumed I was going to be able to fix it but after adding some parts, tweaking it, riding it and tweaking it some more, I realized that the amount of money I would need to spend on a $75 bike to get it running the way I wanted, would cost me over $500. I'm talking, the frame was damaged with spray paint all over the place. The rear derailleur is bent and the teeth are worn. The cassette is worn and wobbling. The rear wheel is bent. Both tires were worn out. Front fork was blown and would bottom out (to the point where it was unrideable because it would lock the front tire). The front chain ring was a worn to the point where the chain would consistently pop off at a specific rotation (repeatable). The bottom bracket (square taper) was dented and worn out. Overall, the entire bike needs an overhaul to make it work well. So I decided to shop around and found out that REI was doing a sale on Mountain Bikes. I ended up paying $800 for a Co-op DRT 1.2 with a 1x10, hydraulic disc brakes, boosted thru axles, Suntour XCM fork and more. I was also able to get it in the size that fits me, so I am able to ride my DRT for long periods of time without my hands/arms going numb from a bad riding position, like how they would on the Pawn Shop bike. This bike has everything I could ever want or need on it and for a great value. My point is that this video likely only applies to those people who already have an amazing bike like the DRT 1.2 or better and are considering an "upgrade". Yeah, they likely don't need it. But for those of us who have a cheap bike that needs essentially everything replaced including a new paint job, there's no reason why spending a little more on a new bike that will last 10x longer would be a bad choice. I will be riding my bike for years to come and love every minute of it. With the Pawn Shop bike, I would always find something that needs to be checked, tweaked or upgraded because it just has so much wrong with it. It's an older bike and it's not for a rider like me.

[@JaredHoff]

You make a good point 👍

[@KotakMeister]

I agree with all your points. I also believe with a bit of imagination and compromise, a good frame can cross over disciplnes...xc to trail, or trail to enduro, without having to spend too much or to buy a completely new bike. It's ok if money is no object but for people like me, a well thought out build with a few parts to change its configuration is more than enough. Also, shout out to Fahmi ✊🏻 I don't know who you are but I'll recognize your bike when i see it at BT or Chestnut

[@JaredHoff]

Thanks for taking time to leave a comment.

[@aggregatemelons]

I love my 2022 Trek Slash 8, so far the upgrades I have are SRAM HS2 rotors, 203mm front and 180mm rear, one up carbon bar with the 35mm rise as it makes the cockpit feel smaller, which I like. One up aluminum pedals in purple, PNW loam grips in purple, chromag saddle purple and finally my favorite upgrade, we are one the union carbon wheels with Hope pro 5 hubs in purple. I love the look of the purple accents with the black/grey frame. To me it rides perfectly right now, considering upgrading to Shimano Saint brakes in the fall and maybe a fox 38 if I can get a good discount. Just don't want to go through the hassle of selling my current bike and then buy a new one.

[@JaredHoff]

Sounds like you got an amazing bike. I definitely recommend the 38. It’s such a great enduro bike fork.

[@SilverShamrock71]

This is obvious, if you bought a new bike, you'd upgrade the stuff on that anyway. I'm on a 2023 Sirrus X 4.0 (not an mtb but suits my usage perfectly and I only have space for one bike), upgraded: Crankbrothers Stamp 7s, WTB Volt, DT Swiss G1800s, Pathfinder Pros 700x38 - Planned upgrades, carbon bars S-Works DH, Terra post, Sram 1x 12 drivetrain with carbon crank set. I did my first BMX full strip down and build around the age of 12, I'm now 52, although have just come back to cycling after a 15 year break

[@JaredHoff]

Sounds like you’re building an amazing bike 👍

[@SilverShamrock71]

@@JaredHoff still someway to go, but starting on a reasonable platform to begin with

[@badagaioo]

There's no stock bike out there that fulfills all my needs without costing an arm and a leg. I built a Transition Sentinel from the frame up and upgraded some "lower" spec parts along the way and I love it. Currently waiting for a Cannondale Habit HT 3 (the lowest spec possible) just to upgrade the hell out of it 😂 One thing is certain, you need a good platform for upgrading, having a QR frame per example is a big no no in my opinion. Upgrading is fun and it's a way to spend your money gradually, even if in the end you spend more than a full build you learn more about the bike, yourself and like you said, make it yours.

[@JaredHoff]

Great point about having a good platform to upgrade 👍

[@Vibethis2008]

2022 Rift Zone 1 - race face turbine 35 stem red - race face atlas 35 handle bar gold- race face Guetta grips - marzhocchi z2 140mm with 51mm offset - fox mudguard - SDG Tellis dropper 150mm - SDG Oso radar bear saddle - race face atlas 165mm red cranks and 32 race face chainring - race face bsa30 BB - crank Brothers double shot 3 pedals- next want to get new wheels brakes and rear shock

[@JaredHoff]

Heck yeah!! Sounds like and amazing bike.

[@andrewsiasparks]

2023 norco Fluid FS A4 i only changed the grips"cult vans" bar "spank spoon 35. 65mm rise" pedals"MEC Chinook" i also changed the rear shock by changing theoil weight to 12.5 w because there's no compression damping. And the fork was extrnded 10mm to 150. Now the bike is a fun jump slead

[@andrewsiasparks]

I forgot. I also changed the IFP pressure to 270 psi by taking out the bleed screw and adding a Schrader valve. Any of these Schrader valves from fork caps fit. Just add some thread lock and you're gold.

[@JaredHoff]

Heck yeah! Sounds like you built and amazing bike man 👍

[@andrewsiasparks]

@@JaredHoff thanks

[@shafiqjan1474]

I recently upgraded a '18 Kona Process AL/DL with Ohlins Coil suspension, Hope Brakes and some GX AXS purchased for another bike that ended up going 11s and cable activated R Der. Add in a Hand-built set of wheels, much better tires and cockpit and contact points dialed and it's almost too stable and capable on my trails so it is my choice for rides when I feel totally ready to go play on my favorite local trails. All of my take off parts have trickled down to other bikes. My '16 Salsa Mukluk is 1x12 now instead of 2x10 and now 4.8" tires fit perfectly and my Wife's Beargrease got a switch from cable to hydraulic brakes and a serious drive train upgrade. 😂❤👍🏻 N+1

[@JaredHoff]

Nice 👍 sounds like you got an amazing fleet of bikes.

[@shafiqjan1474]

@@JaredHoff I agree 👍🏻

[@petedog9581]

I spent nearly $ 2K over the last 3 years upgrading my 2013 Stumpy Elite 29er as parts finally failed. Just bought a 2023 overstock Rocky Mountain Instinct C30 for $2900 delivered to my door. This is the time to buy new imho. I waited 10 years to get a new bike, bc prices kept going up. Gotta strike while the iron is hot. My son ride s the Stumpy now.

[@JaredHoff]

You make a great point about now being a good time to buy due to the sales. Sounds like you made the right choice for what you want/need 👍

[@petedog9581]

@@JaredHoff The frame alone was almost $4K in early 2023. I needed a bike bc my teen son started trail. He gets a sweet hand me down. I gave his Raleigh Talus to the kid across the street. For once, timing was on my side... and an Industry collapse. Lol.

[@hardmtnbiker]

I personally buy frame only and my wheels are always hand built, not complete wheels. I have that same saddle but got the Ergon grips with oil slick clamps to match, among other bolts and parts. I really interested in those 5Dev cranks just because I want to get 160 or 165(I’m on 170) Still trying to decide. Thanks for sharing your custom parts

[@JaredHoff]

Frame up bulls is a great option. Not sure about 5DEV. The cranks are amazing, the 5DEV pedals are as well, but the cost is expensive.

[@christhrift6165]

I've done changes/ upgrades to all the parts on all 3 of mine. A 2019 trek roscoe 7, 2023 trek remedy 8, and a 2024 specialized stumpy pro.

[@JaredHoff]

Heck yeah. I bet you have some awesome bikes.

[@christhrift6165]

@@JaredHoff yes I do! The remedy got a set of spokex wheels with onyx hubs and full fox suspension update! As well as carbon cranks from praxis and lots of other things from PNW carbon bars and 5dev pedals and oval chain ring! Weight 31lbs The Roscoe got I9hydra hubs with race face arc35 hoops and a lyric 140 the newest! 12speed gx set up to get rid of the 10 as well! And sram rsc brake set up with one up carbon bars! The stumpy came pretty specked out but have changed out just the pivot bolts and some other parts to match the kashima from fox

[@octodadmtbmartyrichards2862]

Yt Jeffsy ❤ upgrade to 150mm pyke, mullet, shorter cranks and coil 💪

[@JaredHoff]

Heck yeah man 👍

[@orishomer]

I have trek fuel ex 9.7 i changed everything. Rear shock ext coil, front fork ext. Saint brakes etc etc

[@JaredHoff]

Sounds like a dream bike 🤘

[@orishomer]

@@JaredHoff yes i wish i could send a photo

[@everydaycarryzilla1591]

I'm planning to have one of each. Hard Tail and Full Suspension.

[@JaredHoff]

Nice 👍 Sounds like a great choice.

[@Andre-i6e9i]

I mostly agree with your video. There are some cheaper bikes though that have terrible geometry and weigh too much for what they are and spending any money upgrading them is wasted. Fluid bikes from anaconda are an example of this.

[@JaredHoff]

You’re right 👍 there’s definitely a place and time to buy a new bike.

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

The way I shop bike is more about frameset design, then I figure out what's the lowest specs available since I know I'll trash everything, if you get high end bikes you have to sell the components at a good price to get some money back, lots of takeoffs on the used market and you never get expected value for these parts ..

[@JaredHoff]

Yup. 👍 I usually keep the stock parts so I can throw them back in the bike if I ever want to sell it.

[@mohamadhaizann]

Im riding a siskiu T7.. just a few changes i made are slx shifter and derailleur, magura mt5 brakes and handlebar/grip/pedal.. im still considering to replace my fork and shock to marzocchi z1/bomber air.. and for the wheelset not sure to go for hunts wheelset or silt AM.. can advise me on this?

[@JaredHoff]

Hunt wheels are probably the best value you’ll find. I’ve been happy with mine so far 👍 But I’ll do a long-term review video eventually and let you know if they hold up good. I’ve heard good things from other riders.

[@mohamadhaizann]

@@JaredHoff alrite.. i shall wait for your review.. looking forward to it.. thank you very much..

[@evilldead6824]

I did need to buy a new bike because i was riding a 1996 Cannondale Killer V. Went to a Turbo Levo Expert LOL!

[@JaredHoff]

Heck yeah 👍 stoked for you!

[@evilldead6824]

@@JaredHoff it’s like riding a rocket ship. Lol

[@billmcmillan7735]

With the price reduction available now I don’t think this is true! I just bought a new e-bike with all the top line build for $7,200!!!

[@JaredHoff]

As long as you got the bike that gets you stoked to go ride man. That’s what matters 👍

[@CJGrand1]

Unless you replace a entry level part with another higher end one, it is a preference, not an upgrade.

[@JaredHoff]

The point of this video was to inspire you to upgrade your bike the way you want. Hopefully it did that, and hopefully you’re not worrying about what other people think is “high-end” and rather just go with what you like. It’s all about what gets you stoked to ride your bike! Right?

[@trailblazeratv6306]

Everyone has Santa Cruz at my local trails

[@JaredHoff]

They make some good bikes.

[@chrishurley5711]

Unless it's an ebike as the industry has decided that motors and batteries are not upgradable components.

[@JaredHoff]

I hate that about e-bikes.

[@kellywysknowski5355]

I built my bike for me. Not or anyone else.

[@JaredHoff]

Exactly 👍

[@alexrobles6492]

Hmmmmmm… makes you wonder👍 good video

[@JaredHoff]

Thanks for the feedback 👍

[@WillyBFree6]

I want 29er and have 27.5. YOU'RE WRONG

[@JaredHoff]

Got to do what’s right for you 👍

[@bertusbob]

👍

[@JaredHoff]

Thanks 👍

[@steviefpv]

I used to ride a kona stinky back in 2005 stopped in 2009 after a bad accident nearly tore my foot off. Just getting back into it bought a trek roscoe hard tail and so far I’ve swapped out the 50mm stem for a 40mm renthal stem and some renthal fat bars and some dmr v12 magnesium pedal. Next is changing the clunky coil spring for for some rock shox Judy’s that will be it for the bike. Cause next year I’m going full sus again

[@JaredHoff]

Heck yeah! Sounds like you’ve got a great bike man. I would keep it even if you decide to get a full suspension. It’s always good to have a Hardtail. That’s one bike I need to get for my fleet.

[@steviefpv]

@@JaredHoff for sure I’ll be keeping it cause I’ll still use if for cycling up and down the canals here in the uk full did will take to much energy out but I need a full sus for my local trial