Don’t Upgrade your Mountain Bike Before Watching This!

In this video, I dive into my bike upgrade philosophy and explore the delicate balance between what we WANT and what we actually NEED. Whether you're a seasoned MTB rider or just starting out, upgrading your bike can be both exciting and overwhelming. Join me as I share my personal experiences, tips, and insights on how to make smart upgrade choices that strike the perfect balance between wants/needs.
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[@tracymcmanus550]

If you have the funds to spend and those parts are gonna get you excited to be on your bike then I see no harm in buying what you want. I have upgraded my bike too and have done well to keep it balanced. There is still an urge to upgrade, but that’s more about want to try different components than about perfection

[@JaredHoff]

I hear ya. I always want to try new stuff to be able to see what it’s like. The other day I demo’d a bike with those new SRAM Maven brakes and they were okay but not worth the hype.

[@tracymcmanus550]

@@JaredHoff My favorite brakes so far have been the Magura MT5s. Tons of stopping power, but they still modulate, so it’s not the only off feel like Shimano has

[@Iggy52]

Everyone who loves to ride struggles with this. We all love good looking bikes right? What will 100% get your mind off of wanting to keep upgrading your bike is learning new skill ☝ You need to re-shift your focus from your bike, to yourself. Riding with new skills in your pocket, well there is just nothing like that feeling 😊 And it is even better feeling when you showcase that skill in front of bikers with premium bikes 😉

[@JaredHoff]

For sure! I’ve been thinking of making a video about this lately.

[@bicifamily]

Lol I'm just happy to have a bike I ride a lot and it brings me and my family joy big ups

[@JaredHoff]

For sure! At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about.

[@dayinnymtb]

My friend and I call this “the sickness”. I was smart in that I waited for deals and chose more or less the best value to performance options. But still, did I absolutely need them? Absolutely not. That said, I totally love my bike.

[@JaredHoff]

I feel the same exact way man 👍 Still love my bike

[@heathballard5398]

I think we all get sucked in to varying degrees. At the end of the day it's the riding and not the bike that should bring the most joy. If you need to upgrade your bike to ride the trails you enjoy then go for it cos you can't put a price on happiness. But like you say you gotta find that balance.

[@JaredHoff]

💯 👍

[@youling1997]

I have no issue with this. I enjoy capable components more than fancy components. I am happy knowing I am not overspending.

[@JaredHoff]

👍 that’s a great mentality. Mountain biking gets expensive

[@kennetenglund3182]

Latest purchase - Hunt Proven Carbon XC Race 29, check. Do I need them, no. Do I want them, yes 😅 It is a balance between ”want” and ”need”. But sometimes it is just to buy what you want when you can afford it. Otherwise it Will be more expensive in the long run when you have to buy stuff twice. Even more important when you have more than one hobby to put your hard earned money on. Like MTB and Fishing. It is also expensive with a boat, rods, reels, lures, electronics etc.

[@JaredHoff]

@@kennetenglund3182 Hunt wheels are such a good deal that it’s easy to justify those. Stoked for you man. I’ve got some more Hunt wheel video coming to my channel in the future. Love ‘em

[@JohnPatton-ki8wg]

Hey Jared - Don’t beat yourself up over the 5 Dev pedals - there is nothing wrong with wanting the best and wanting to be the best! Ride on!

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

Yoshimura & Chromag fans might have a word or two about that statement 😂🤘

[@JaredHoff]

For sure! Thanks man 👍

[@JaredHoff]

@@LaurentiusTriarius Chromag Dagga pedals are good. I think those cost like $185

[@JIBBING_1980S]

Its just like the Rockshox ZEB 3.0 + upgrade kite to 3.1 charger😆

[@JaredHoff]

And that red ZEB 🤤 I wanted that fork from the minute I saw.

[@markymarknj]

Jared, as someone who had his old bikes (both road and MTB/ATB) overhauled recently, I grappled with this topic. I focused mainly on needs, but I got something of what I wanted too. On my MTBs, I had the chainrings changed. The original ones were stamped units that couldn't be changed; I had them swapped out for a removable chainring setup, something that I'd always wanted; I'd always wanted the flexibility to change my gear ratios, something that removable chainrings allow you to do. Of course, because the chainrings were both new, I had to get new cassettes, as the teeth were worn on the originals. That, in turn, necessitated new chains; that's okay though, as I still had the original chains on my bikes, so after being there for decades, it was a good time to change them. My one MTB is a 1999 Raleigh M30 rigid. I got it to see if I'd like MTBing enough before getting something fancier later. Though I did some trail riding early on, I found that I mainly rode the street, bike paths, canal trails, and the occasional inviting meadow off said trails. I found my old rigid fine for that, so I stuck with it. When I had it overhauled recently, I upgraded the drivetrain, which was driven by both wants and needs; for me, the biggie was aforementioned removable chainrings. Since I could no longer get Conti T&C tires for it (Conti stopped making them), the LBS recommended Conti Contact Plus City as the closest, modern counterpart to the old T&Cs. My MTBs are set up more as ATBs, or all terrain bikes. Recently, the LBS took in an old Fuji Nevada hardtail on trade. It was in very good condition, and I liked it enough to buy it; that's the other MTB I referred to above. It has a basic, SR Suntour front fork with 80-100mm of travel, and it has an Al frame. I bought it and had the LBS do the same with the Fujj as he did with my Raleigh. I had it overhauled and had him do the same upgrade to the drivetrain. I got it so my brother has something to ride when he visits. While I have two road bikes, he's not into them; his personal bikes are MTBs. That's the excuse I used, anyway; I just liked the Fuji, so I got it! Even with the overhaul, I'll be out $450 total to get a bike exactly as I want it. Considering that no one makes new bikes as I like them (3x drivetrains, 26" wheels, etc.), it was money well spent. Would I LIKE to have disc brakes? Would disc brakes be nice to have? Sure, but I rarely ride in situations requiring them. My old Raleigh M30 can't take them though, as disc brakes wouldn't come to MTBs for a few years yet; my M30 was made in 1999, and disc brakes wouldn't come until the early-mid 2000s. While my Fuji has provisions for disc brakes, I don't know if I'll have them fitted; we'll see. That would be more of a WANT upgrade for sure! For at least 95% of my riding, the existing rim brakes (V-brakes) are fine. Plus, they're simpler than disc brakes, even the mechanical ones. They both have 26" wheels too. While I understand the reason why 29s became popular, I don't need them for what I do; the 26" wheels I run on both bikes are fine, so there's no need to get a bike with them. Besides, I just like 26" wheels. Since no new bike is made exactly the way I like, it made sense to overhaul the old ones, and to enjoy them for years. I also have two, old school road bikes. I like the more relaxed geometries of the older bikes, particularly my old ChroMo Marukin with downtube shifters. It still has its original Suntour ARx groupset, Sakae crank, etc. Back in the early 2000s, when I first had it overhauled, my old LBS swapped out the old steel chrome rims for some aluminum ones, and he put a 7 speed cog in place of the original 6 speed. The rim upgrade made sense, as those old, chromed steel rims from the 1980s suck; the new rims enable the bike to ride better. Those were the only upgrades I had done to the Marukin. During the recent overhaul, my new LBS had to change the cassette, as the old one and the chain were worn. The bike, from a distance, looks original; only when you get up close can you see that it's not with the Al rims. When I was having my Marukin and Raleigh overhauled at the LBS, I noticed an old Cannondale ST500 hanging from the ceiling. The LBS owner had taken it in on trade, and he kept it. However it was too big for him, so he seldom rode it. I had him get it down for me to try on the frame. It fit me PERFECTLY! I asked if I could give it a home, and he said yeah. He overhauled it for me, but I left it original with the 27" rims, the downtube shifters, etc.; only the consumable items, e.g. tires, were changed. Though it was one of the first bikes to use an Al frame (mid-late 1980s), it's a work of art. It still rides nicely, and it's still quite fast. Though I didn't intend to ride it much, I changed my mind after the first time I took it out; that old Cannondale is just FUN! Plus, with that deep, dark metallic blue (picture the azure blue of the ocean when you're well offshore) paint job, I couldn't pass it up... 😁😁 But yeah, our bikes and the way we fit them out are a reflection of our personalities, our riding styles, our approach to life, and our philosophy for living life. For the riding I do, I don't need or want a new bike. I don't care for the 29" wheels. I HATE 1x drivetrains! Give me an old 3x7 or 3x8, and I'll be happy. They've been used for decades because they're tried and true; they work. Why fix what isn't broken? I like old school bikes. I like their frames; I like their frames materials; I like their frames geometries; I like their equipment; I like their basic, no-nonsense nature and design philosophy; I like how they look; and they're fun to ride. None of my bikes, either my ATBs or road bikes, can be purchased new today; there's nothing on the market like my bikes, so I'll just stick with what I have TYVM. Thanks for indulging my long, rambling rant... 😀

[@JaredHoff]

Heck yeah man. Sounds like you’ve got a ton of experience and have some great bikes that fit your style perfectly. It’s always good to keep those extra bikes around for family and friends. One issue I have with that is that I ride XL so not many people fit my “extra” bikes. Thanks for the amazing detailed comment. All you guys that take time to comment make this KZbin thing worth doing 👍

[@markymarknj]

@@JaredHoff thankfully, my brother is about the same size as me, so we can use each other's bikes. I ride L, BTW.

[@aazarzabal9250]

You earn a subscriber here for your honesty

[@JaredHoff]

@@aazarzabal9250 thanks 🙏🏻 truly appreciate you.

[@RudeboiRasta]

I totally get, I have a perfectly good wired droper post, but I WANT a wireless one!!😅

[@JaredHoff]

@@RudeboiRasta for sure! That’s something I’ve always wanted. Wireless dropper is a total WANT

[@barrettwalker5294]

Great Review, different and the Truth!

[@JaredHoff]

Thank you! I really appreciate the feedback.

[@reggiefuentes4599]

Yeah. I did the same with my last couple of bikes. Constantly making upgrades. With my current bike, there is no need for any upgrades. But I do think about making a couple of changes but talk myself out of it. The bike is already dialed in. Now, there is no need to spend any money unless it is for maintenance.

[@JaredHoff]

Heck yeah. Companies are making such good bikes these days. I recently went to an ARI bike demo. The top spec ARI e-MTB needed to upgrades. It cost $8k but literally had everything I would want, even the right tires, grips, saddle… they thought of everything.

[@YongPark-g3h]

I'm planning to upgrade(or downgrade ) my cassette to 10 or 11 speed when my current 12 speed worn out. I think 12 speed is just too many cogs in tight space and longevity of thin cogs and chain are just not that great. Also 12 speed is more prone to have shift troubles. But I totally understand about wanting the best, expensive things...you gotta reward yourself with 'want' sometimes so you can live with 'need' for most of times.

[@JaredHoff]

Definitely 👍

[@myerereynolds3752]

Want, need? It's all need homie!!! 😂

[@JaredHoff]

👍👍👍

[@salty-guardian6121]

Just recently built up a bike from frame up so I had to find the balance for every single part between building that dream bike but saving money. Ended up using lots of work horse components that are awesome. DT350s, GX transmission, even getting MT5s over MT7. Would it have been awesome to get DT180s, XX transmission and MT7s? Absolutely but my bike still preforms basically the the same as if I did run those parts just with a marginal weight gain. That being I do work at my LBS so I still did save quite a bit of change but even working at a shop bikes are still very expensive

[@JaredHoff]

Got to find that balance. Sounds like you did a good job. Stoked for you! 👍

[@Mill72]

Alot of it is being bored with a bike, and looking to upgrade. Alot cheaper than buying a new bike.

[@JaredHoff]

For sure!

[@thevapingpolisher9717]

I want to get the yoshimura stem $199 and there peddles $ 224 . I will get them in do time when my current stuff gets used and abused.

[@JaredHoff]

Heck yeah 👍 At least you’re wearing out the stock parts first.

[@TheAngryHusky]

I have this issue. I call it upgrade-itis

[@JaredHoff]

For sure 👍 That’s a good name for it

[@jeremybrown3429]

There are true upgrades (things that fix a problem or significantly improve performance), and then there are modifications (personalization). But for some reason, mtb/cyclists call everything an upgrade.

[@JaredHoff]

@@jeremybrown3429 word 👍

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

I spent more than a rainy day & material milling 7075 to make a seat clamp or some linkage part... Also bought a 1200 pieces mixed colors torx & allen titanium fasteners box. I paint my forks lower sparkle purple with a two stage mettalic paint. Is any of this useful? Nah it's about having fun doing it 😂

[@JaredHoff]

I’ve always wanted to paint my fork lowers. That’s one of the reasons why I like the orange lowers on the Fox 36 so much.

[@youngstadan4999]

A peddle is a peddle

[@JaredHoff]

Definitely NOT true. Have you ever rode a true black diamond downhill run? Now do it with some cheap plastic Walmart pedals that have NO metal pins 😬 Unless you’re Sam Pilgrim,,, that’s a bad idea.

[@Stockfish1511]

I always try to get thing upgraded on sales like black friday etc. I also dont pay to much money for expendable stuff like pedals etc. I have supacaz pedals on my rail and slash which i got for like 25 bucks and they have been excellent. I have older expensive ones and they are not that much better. Some upgrades just cost to much like say ttype transmission. Its just way to expensive. I recently got new rail and only upgrade i would be looking to do is rear suspension and airspring on the fork. 700 dollar and thats enough. I think some upgrades are not worth it. The addiction of getting all the best possible things for your bike is just addiction honestly. It entirely depends on how much benefit it will bring. For me getting rear suspension rail will be crucial because it will improve it drastically. But getting say transmission will not have that much of an impact on the bike. Is 2500 dollar worth getting to say make ride quality better by 2-3 percent? Not for me.

[@JaredHoff]

There’s definitely a balance. Those $250 pedals perform so much better than the $15 ones, but the $49 Trail One pedals are the smartest choice and probably best for most riders.

[@davidpisoa5288]

I understand you complitly . I am a want guy 😂

[@JaredHoff]

I just love the upgrades 👍

[@davidpisoa5288]

@@JaredHoff totaly

[@orishomer]

I understand you i am also like this

[@JaredHoff]

It’s just the way it is!

[@topchoice1621]

240$ for pedals is just insanity the pedals on my bike cost 59$

[@JaredHoff]

You’re NOT wrong! LOL

[@jf8534]

Let's not forget, KZbin influencers. Everyone wants to fit in somewhere and somehow. I was a want, for my audio hobby and my bikes. Now I'm more of a need. You need to find a balance. Sometimes it's ok to go to the want. But who are you trying to impress? Will the 250 pedals make you a better rider? Nope. (Not directed at you, just a good example)

[@JaredHoff]

Totally agree with you, man this is something that I just struggle with love upgrading my bike, but I always seem to spend too much lol

[@youngstadan4999]

Bet you spend more time fkin with bike than riding it. Just ride it

[@JaredHoff]

🤔 not sure how to take this comment. I have actually been riding a lot lately and been on some epic adventures with great friends. I think almost every video I try to mention that it’s all about getting stoked to go ride and have fun 🤷🏼‍♂️ Cheers man.