I put ultimate upgrades on my downcountry mountain bike.

[@trailpimp6369]

Those wheels are solid and the engagement is crazy. I bought a rear one for my enduro bike for a back up and it is so solid and looks like a world of art

[@josuemedina58]

I really dig your videos man, yeah don’t get me wrong I love the budget builds and all but I really like that you look for the deals on better components and show that it’s worth it to have a better quality ride. There’s only very few youtubers I really look forward to watching.. you’re DEFINITELY one of them. Love the videos man, keep up the great work!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Thanks Josue! That really keeps me motivated to keep on going

[@rainerbowden2714]

@@EvansMTBSaga Already Subscribed!

[@johnykryll]

How refreshing, a channel without massive adds and sponsors, + excellent content, perfect

[@dimitargeorgiev1293]

Your videos are so underrated. Im sure that by the end of year you will hit 20 k

[@mtbboy1993]

The Nukeproof wheel set seems to be a good buy, as it has a very high/fast engagement and does not cost a fortune.

[@strider714]

YAY for the groupset change! I cant wait for you to put those Deore's on the S-Works project!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Dang how did you know!!

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

You know you are playing in the big leagues when a $500 dollar wheelset is considered a good deal or budget🤤. It looks like you are filling the gap nicely between "budget" and "crazy expensive"👍. Great video as usual, and we wish you luck on hitting 20K before new year. Com'on Saga Squad!!!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Haha I used the last of my money from the Mythique sell. I heard you guys will be dabbling in that entry level plus category ($1000-$1500)

[@BuildTheSandbox]

@@EvansMTBSaga sub 3k is a budget build these days.

[@phoenixkellah-nash4351]

I only recently started watching your videos, but I genuinely think it's only a matter of time before you're up there with Berm Peak. The quality of your videos is reminiscent of a much larger channel

[@thedirtbikeguy3804]

Those truvativ descendant cranks are amazing, Ive been running them on my DJ for a few months and haven’t changed since, they hold weight really well ( I’m 126kg and abuse these things daily)

[@larryisaak6431]

I’m am always so excited when you upload

[@doubletrackdodger2512]

This is awesome! Just found this channel and it deserves way more attention!! I subbed and can’t wait to see how far you take this!

[@downtoridemtb]

Good stuff. How do you like those wheels? I’ve been eyeing them for the fast engagement hubs they have. Also what water bottle cage is that with the co2 holder?

[@EvansMTBSaga]

The wheels felt great. I got a rim strike in one of the riding clips and no dings or anything. The rotational weight is the best part. And the cassette sound isn't overly loud, I don't like loud hubs.

[@BalaHewinson]

@@EvansMTBSaga what bottle cage is on that bike?

[@wcmybdbdjhj]

Looks like the syncros one

[@matthewsailor6419]

Horizon V2s are legit

[@MancWithAMouth]

Beware the hubs come with the lower e gagement freehub usually I the wheelset and the higher engagement freehub is an extra part

[@amountainbiker2654]

Awesome video 😀 I wish I could have that hardtail lol i hope to see your worth channel grow this holiday season congrats from New Jersey! I can’t believe your still riding it’s like practically to cold to go on rides here. Keep up the good work! And enjoy your down country machine!

[@bondomingo6837]

it's pretty amazing to see the progression of your channel dude! keep up!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Thanks Bon!

[@Pshpshpshpshpshpshpsh]

I don’t think the cranks are bent especially since it’s carbon, most likely the cranks were just not boost compatible.

[@antoinest-laurentlantagne9347]

Carbon can't bent, it would crack before. that's a good point.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

It's possible the pedal threads arent sitting right in the cranks anymore

[@Pshpshpshpshpshpshpsh]

@@EvansMTBSaga possible, but also from the video the pedals don’t really look bent. Maybe it feels bent from the load? But that could also mean the aluminum inserts for the threads aren’t sitting flush anymore. Either way probably was a good idea to switch them out.

[@mtbboy1993]

@@EvansMTBSaga possible unless it was faulty. But yes loose alloy inserts is common, I've seen footage and pics of some that fell out. Also crank arm from the insert at the axle too. Defenitly good you swapped it before you got injured. But wearing good shoes is also a good idea.

[@anttiharing]

@@Pshpshpshpshpshpshpsh You don't know what you're talking about. All carbon cranks have metal inserts in them which the pedals thread into. The insert can quite easily move a little bit causing the pedals to feel "bent".

[@s14tat]

Congrats on all the subscribers Evan you deserve it. Plus your bike looks so sick right now.

[@benhockey380]

I didn’t really like your videos at the start but now I am starting to enjoy them!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Heck yeah Ben thanks for sticking with me

[@_systemd]

lighter wheels are one of the major upgrades if one is concerned with efficiency uphills. It however matters where the difference in weight comes from. is it hubs, is it rim, spokes. the further out , the more it matters, so a heavier wheel may be actually (even though not usually) faster with better weight distribution. The tire inserts are a choice that further impacts this, adding weight the furthest from the center of rotation (second only to tires) and should be thoroughly considered, obviously a good choice for gravity disciplines or for such demanding terain where there's no other choice (pressures already too high, no better tire-casing etc). Wheel stiffness will also play some role in energy transfers and perceived efficiency. its fun to observe your excitement upgrading your bike, we have all been there and it remains the same for most of us, but it is also good to mention that while this is fun to do when you have the resources , it is also - often - unnecessary. People get cought up in the "i need this and that" mentality expecting much better results in fear of missing out while victimized by marketing strategies, it's good to tell them that 10speed drivetrain is just fine. as is 11. or 12.Which applies in most of the areas. Usually no need to upgrade unless something is worn out or broken. Even then it's cheaper to stick with what you have (in case of the drivetrain-speeds for instance). anyway I ve seen two vids only and probably 2 minutes of each so I don't have the big picture and context.

[@mtbboy1993]

2:22 I have one of those, but when Garbaruk 11-50T 11spd arrived I installed that, it ways about half of the Deore M5100. butt costs much more, but it's cheaper than XTR and Xo1, and that's with shipping and added value tax. Both cassettes shift well, but Garbaruk is easier to clean.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Wow I had never heard about that brand. Looks awesome. Thanks for all the tips over all the videos!

[@mtbboy1993]

@@EvansMTBSaga it's made in Poland, they make light weight high end components. They make several versions of their cassette, 11,12 speed XD drive, HG, Microspline. So no matter the system you got you can use their cassette. So far I am impressed with the performance. But will do. Along term review eventualy once I've had enough time on it. But so far no bent teeth, unlike sunrace. Sunrace cassettes were junk, play in river too, shifting shifting point at the largest cog. Not worth it, I had two abou thalf price second hand, other new. I've not tested the Deore m5100 much, only 3 ride son G1 and some on my old xc bike.

[@mtbboy1993]

@@EvansMTBSaga some retailers sell it. But I ordered directly from them, took 2 months, that was several months ago, but it was due to high demand. But despite going for pricy casette, I went for cheap Rd. I dotn see a reason to go pricier if I destroy it. I see xt still uses the plastic part. I am not sure about xtr. But at the price of Deore, it's fine for me. I spend money where it counts. So my bike still costs a fortune. But no super expensive Rd, chain, or aftermarket cage, jockey wheels

[@samonesa9125]

Oh man, thank you so much for the recommendation. I was looking for a potential replacement for my Micro spline cassette that's lighter than M6100 but also without breaking the bank. Struggled to find anything for Microspline until now!

[@mtbboy1993]

@@samonesa9125 keep in mind Garbaruk is pricy but it's below Xtr in pricing. it's about 3 times the price of Deore. I think I can reccomend it, but I've not had enough time on it to do a long term review only used it for few months and did not ride a smuch this year. But it beats sunrace for sure in shifting performance, an dis lighter than those cheaper casettes, and being cheap rthna the big names it's defenitly worth a try I think. I haven't checked how the situation is with demand and arrival time now. Buy they will have something on their sit eif it's high demand.

[@aznguyen316]

I love the shots of you doing your maintenance. I enjoy car maintenance and am just getting into MTB. Looks to be similar in ways and the shots give me confidence I can work on my bike if I have the right tools. Also Downcountry is what Im looking to upgrade to for FL trails. You got a new sub here! Let’s get to 20k!! Cheers

[@MTBTank]

Nice!! Finally watched all your videos now up to date. Respect the sincerity you have on the videos and your passion for MTB. 🤘🏽keep up the videos man. Hopefully you make a Trek video one day. I roll on a Trek Fuel Ex5. Send it bro!!!

[@ForEverMTB]

Mannnnn that is awesome... Hope you hit 20k soon. Have a great day

[@hoopman05]

Congrats that your channel is growing so fast. We're with you all the way to 20k!!!. Man, that D7 looks great. I think there's nothing left to upgrade anymore haha. Instead of giving away a bike i think you should do a parts giveaway instead hahaha.

[@mioutdoors426]

I definitely agree with you on down country bikes being the best category of bikes. As an Xc racer I don’t want to have to ride my race bike everywhere but I still wanna go fast so a down country bike is the perfect solution.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I'm glad you and I are on the same page!

[@yonatanfilo2499]

Love your videos man, keep it up its just a mater of time before you receive a silver play button. 💪

[@Ekstrada]

Love the vids. I was doing exactly this when i started mountain biking. Upgrading and buying parts, and it cost me tons of money. I realised that buying a fully built bike that comes with a decent components are generally a lot cheaper.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Haha I get that a lot. Hindsight is 20/20 for sure, but dropping $6k on a bike for a newcomer or novice is a tough pill to swallow!

[@RadioReprised]

@@EvansMTBSaga I paid $1800 shipped to the door and I was not disappointed AT ALL in the Bang for the BUCK! D7 has got me out there riding everywhere the ''Big Dogs'' go......

[@MountainBikeCulture]

Epic video mate! Keep up the quality content

[@jinavl]

That's an awesome thing you're doing with this channel and the giveaway..keep on keeping on my guy🤙🤙

[@whitm8823]

The specialized ground control tires are probably one of the best Downcountry tires in my opinion. Great grip for the weight

[@athishmarutharaj6001]

after some summer and winter riding in sniw and ice they do wear out pretty quick

[@whitm8823]

Idk how much he is going to be dealing with ice lol. If you are having problems with wear you could try the t5 version

[@athishmarutharaj6001]

@@whitm8823 yes

[@eugene44569]

The red portion of the tires that say Vittoria is like how new cars have the name of the dealer written in the license plate holder. Easy and free advertising.

[@Xenon720]

I had great luck with MTX brake pads. They're also made in the US. Also, TRP 4piston pads fits Shimano 4piston too.

[@MazdaMiata-gt8kw]

downcountry seems super interesting, great vid

[@JC-id4ob]

awesome got my d7 about 2 weeks ago now i wanna upgrade everything thanks Evan haha

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Haha! The bike stock was a blast and so capable. I did a really fun Enduro double black on basically a stock bike minus the fork and brake. Super capable and well rounded

[@JC-id4ob]

@@EvansMTBSaga Yeah man its a great bike i live in NZ our tracks are pretty serious even the beginner ones but this bike has stood up to all the punishment i have thrown at it so far hahaha

[@amountainbiker2654]

@@JC-id4ob nj is like that too lol i know your in a different country but…

[@neilk22]

The one piece Sram cassettes are an engineering marvel. 900g tire plus 200g insert plus 100g of sealant negate the gains on the rims IMO. Here in Cape Town, the elite XC riders that podium the cape epic do pretty insane terrain on light wall schwalbe thunder burts at 500g a tire with no inserts, those gains negate any wheel upgrade, but combining the two makes your bike feel magical.

[@purplegarage05]

man those are some super nice upgrades i just wish the colors all matched better

[@topseller17]

He needs to ditch the blue !!

[@purplegarage05]

@@topseller17 nah i thibk the blue compliments it well but the red and orange thows it off

[@FillyDing]

Congrats on the channel growth!

[@The_Real_JN]

Just a tip when climbing, stay in the saddle for as long as possible. It places more weight over the rear wheel meaning more traction, less wheelspin etc and lock out your suspension.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Alright! I'm new to mountain biking and trying to get into XC racing so any advice helps

[@SoloSportsSpirit]

Great. Good Job Bro. The Upgrade soo amazing... 👏🔥

[@fishrideandski4910]

I think ur gonna hit 20k in no time 👍

[@andrerichard628]

I have the 2021 siskiu d7. I plan to just beat it up for a year and then get a better bike with better spec rather than put money into it. But props on the upgrades you got some skills. To any wondering the bike is awesome for the cost I think. I rode with a guy today on a $10000 specialized and kept up fine.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Good mini review! I love the geometry. Are you impressed with the Recon fork? I thought it performed so well.

[@andrerichard628]

@@EvansMTBSaga I've literally never ridden a full suspension bike and have no comparison to judge it by. I think it suits beginners perfectly and the improving rider to a point. So far super fun!

[@drewquarrie2116]

I finished building up a NOS '14 Trek Superfly FS, it leans towards the light weight side of DHXC, I ended up custom building my wheels myself with WTB KOM29 and DT Swiss 350 hubs with DT Swiss revolution butted spokes and a Rock Shox revolution fork (150mm)

[@s1mpl3_]

Really high quality videos, man!

[@phil_dubss8335]

At some point you should give a pair of sintered pads a try. They’re absolutely amazing and can last for ages in most weather conditions

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Both front and back are sintered. I love the feeling of them

[@williammarshall5651]

can we just appreciate how much money Evan has spent for the sake of his yt channel. 💵

[@slaylorswift6338]

more like: how much money he threw away

[@amountainbiker2654]

@@slaylorswift6338 he didn’t throw it away he enjoys every ride, it’s more like money spent towards fun

[@Jamesssbarker]

^

[@eugene44569]

Happy 15k subs. The thumbnails are good and more eye catching. Also they look more professional 10 days left to hit 20k or else no one gets a bike

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I'm gonna change it to bike giveaway at 20k

[@topseller17]

I think you should get the orange loan grips and seat post accent, and ditch the blue. The orange on the tires plus the PNW orange accents would give you a 2 color look !!!

[@nobody_noob2694]

i would like so much to have enough money to buy a bike. Love you channel keep it up

[@hoor8d667]

hey ! just wanted to say it would be cool if you’d make a toturial series. for example how to bunnyhop and other tricks.

[@PaulSelka-b9b]

Good luck on 20k

[@topseller17]

Hey Evan, by now with all the cable Re routing you have don’t your little black grommets are probably all messed up. Did you know bikes online sells them! Be sure to pick some up!! Can’t wait for the next build !

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I did not know that. They do include 2 extras in the bike box. Luckily they're still holding up fine. Thanks!

[@fengcarlos]

Great vid. What's your opinion on the Vittoria Syerra? Do you like them?

[@c.franca2259]

Actualy you can use that 11s deore with 12s shifter and cassete, you dont need to use that piece of plastic!

[@eugene44569]

he had those parts laying around anyway

[@snad4070]

Great video, maybe include more of you riding?

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I was so excited about the announcement! Just wanted to cut to the chase haha. Thanks for watching though

[@Justmyopinionlol]

Taking a crap before a ride is the best upgrade there is and it’s free too. 😮😮😮

[@GhettoSuguru]

Love these types of videos

[@KermitOfWar]

Sick upgrades man. I too got a good deal on mtb tires this past Black Friday. Instead of buying a PS5, I got myself some new carbon wheels, crankset, & tires, but parts are becoming halariously expenisve...

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Heck yeah man bike parts are getting pricey so I love a good sale. Let me know how those carbon wheels are

[@peterronzoni9264]

Cool video. Maxxis tires have a huge yellow logo on the side and have easily become one of the most recognizable tire brands in the world. Most manufacturers do some sort of logo advertising

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I'm cool with Maxxis logo, but that obnoxious red Vittoria logo is new and WAYYYY too much red (a red logo would be fine, but massive red background, yikes).

[@jakejansen16]

@@EvansMTBSaga did you not see that before you bought those tires

[@EvansMTBSaga]

@@jakejansen16 I saw it on the news article and thought it was just for a demo because no other Vittoria tires are like that.

[@ravioliravioliravi]

Criminally under subbed

[@Sloththejack]

Great video sir. Thank you, for the upload.

[@ericbennett480]

The Decendant 170mm crank is the same crankarm as the 175mm version. Just the hole is drilled further upward. May not help with pedal strikes vs. your 175 crank.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I heard about that!! So sad to hear 😢

[@freddyurg5270]

Love the vids good job evan

[@j1mbobable]

Those 170mm cranks aren't actually any shorter they just move the hole further in

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Haha dude no way! I never considered that. Devastating news

[@Digital_Gangster]

I went from those same 6k cranks @ 175 to the 7k @170 and they were about 2.5mm shorter. Maybe the molds are slightly different between the 6k & 7k

[@GokkunGuru]

Music in this video is BOMB!

[@zubayrbhyat8077]

Awesome upgrades!

[@eddiegarza4908]

Making me wanna go down country style on my Scott Spark 😅

[@MovetcH]

Man's video quality is better than some million sub channels

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Thanks for noticing that. One day I'll show my filming set up. I try super hard to have really good footage.

[@MovetcH]

@@EvansMTBSaga really excited for that video, i am actually a subscireber since you had 4k subs and i am a big fan of your videos

[@stevebennett3587]

👌nice ride, would like to see a review on ragley marley or big Al😉

[@baddreams0919]

"without breaking the bank" 500usd is almost half a months salary in my country xD

[@DemonicVelocity]

You should try the Newmen Evo SL A.30. Around 1600g and insanely strong.

[@_itzmax_3394]

Nice video Evan. Have you heard about the Schwalbe Wicked Wills Down-Country tire? Maybe if you don't like the red logo that the vitorria tires has, you can swap them for the Schwalbe one's, you can get them in a tanwall version or black.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I have not heard about them. This is why I love having the Saga Squad. Huge flow of information that I would've had to learn about the hard way. We are stronger together. I will check them out, thanks Max

[@TheCaptainsCog]

The polygon is lookin rad because downcountry is the shit! Im intrigued by that steel hardtail at the end. I wanna see more of that thing. Yes the red fade logo on the tires are whack!!!!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Haha do you have any ideas how to remove that ? Lol

[@TheCaptainsCog]

@@EvansMTBSaga cover it with sharp or take a dremel to it with a wire wheel?

[@bobbyhempel1513]

Those tires remind me of my Maxxis Ikons.

[@Silverhaze78]

Give Miles Racing brake pads a try. They sell them on Amazon for 18$ a set. Jagwire and Top Brake also sell cheap pads for Shimano 4 piston brakes

[@flyingnorseman]

Maxxis Forecaster and a Ardent race are what I run on my DCB.

[@Jamesdavidluar]

Good vedio...you inspired many bikers in the world..also me..but my bike its so Budget build...

[@VaskoTheScoutMain]

Hey evan, i’d recommend you try a fox float dpx2 its wayy better than the stock shock that comes on your bike.

[@loganjacobson2335]

The deluxe isn’t a bad shock

[@VaskoTheScoutMain]

@@loganjacobson2335 i didn't say it was bad. i just said the dpx2 is much better

[@littlewill4446]

I agree

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I like the Deluxe, but I'm considering going coil!

[@VaskoTheScoutMain]

@@EvansMTBSaga like to hear that! A coil on a DC bike

[@golden7983]

Man i love your videos

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Thanks Golden!!

[@wtfchazpwnt]

Nice upgrades

[@bar5600]

You should try some maxxis rekons I have them on my down country bike and love them . Especially for dry and loose terrain . If u can even get them in a double down for no pinch flats

[@juluisreyes9094]

Nice upgrade dude..your bike should be also categorized as a trail bike depending on your fork travel..

[@MTB_Rider_96]

There are several carbon wheelsets for under $1000 for those that really want a light and very strong wheelset. I just bought a new carbon wheelset with DT Swiss 350's for $850 on ebay.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Oh sweet could I get a link. I might be interested for a future build

[@kronborganton]

Love your videos and since you now are talking allot about downcountry bikes I wondered what the difference between a trail bike and a down country bike is ?

[@hazza4679]

downcountry bikes tend to have less travel and are more lightweight

[@amountainbiker2654]

A down country bike is more suited for climbing and has slightly less travel, also if you were to buy from polygon you would be saving almost 200 dollars from this bike to the t7. The major differences between these two are the 12spd drivetrain and the travel. The person who should buy the down country bike is someone with more climbs than descents and doesn’t want a xc race bike. Someone who should get a trail bike is someone who has more descents than climbs and wants more comfort.

[@mtbboy1993]

Downcounyry bikes are xc bikes with bit more travel, so basically what some lower travel trail bikes are, but not as slack geo and long reach,ttailbikes have shorter stems, and longer reach. Some even are mini Enduro bikes.

[@mtbboy1993]

@@hazza4679 I think pinkbike did a video on it.

[@hazza4679]

@@mtbboy1993 yh there are a few good ones

[@invictarose203]

Bro, I WISH I could afford new bikes and parts like this lol hoping to pick up a siskiu T7 very soon.

[@sweetpotato8466]

Love itt broooo🔥🔥

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Thanks Potato!

[@franbelta1533]

Those are great disks I have the same ones

[@04SilverGhost]

The new gear set I got for my full suspension down hill kona is the new box 9 drive train. Got the box 9 box 2 11 to 50 tooth gear set and it feels greas

[@fran.6496]

Yesss

[@johnbuntin7188]

Like your videos. Man those bars look way to wide. Keep up the good work

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Thanks for the tip. I ended up feeling that and have bars cut down to 775mm now

[@kalso69]

upgrades.....been there done that...2x. what i've learned is that it is always more expensive to buy the budget bike spec & then upgrade later.

[@KevAlberta]

“Without breaking the bank” > Wheels cost almost half of what my whole setup is lol

[@justsomeone9876]

dude seth is a shredder gotta expect bent cranks im gonna ride my stock 3by cranks till they break my plastic pedals even got demolished from a jump man

[@justsomeone9876]

man bike stuff is getting really expensive

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I know right! It's good to run inexpensive parts because you won't be sad if they break

[@justsomeone9876]

@@EvansMTBSaga yeah knowing that your bike costs more than what someone earns is just scary to break

[@NS-zv9qf]

Tire looks like the recons I am replacing with Eddy Currents.

[@fillerschreiberfamily5213]

Absolutely amazing. You look like your in az, we should ride sometime!! lol

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Yup! In Goodyear. What about you guys?

[@petererbse6253]

As a downcountry tire you could also try the Schwalbe wicked will.

[@ElderlyAnteater]

i think it ends up being worse than a maxxis rekon in almost every way. its a shame because i was looking forward to the wicked will.

[@petererbse6253]

@@ElderlyAnteater what do you mean?

[@ElderlyAnteater]

@@petererbse6253 i have heard that the wicked will rolls the slightest bit faster than the maxxis rekon, but sacrifices on grip and durability way too much (the latter being the way it goes for most schwalbe tyres)

[@petererbse6253]

@@ElderlyAnteater have you tried the wicked will yet?

[@ElderlyAnteater]

@@petererbse6253 no, unfortunately not - i think you can only get them as OEM tyres until 2022. I should have clarified!

[@BikeTripBro]

Vittoria tires are awesome.

[@justinwbohner]

I have a NIB set of those exact rotors that I couldn't give away on Pinkbike last year. oh well.

[@vorillas_kataktitis1830]

In my opinion you should have taken the synthesis alloy

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Pretty expensive! But almost no brands are in stock, I was looking for Stan's too

[@mudkayak6305]

Put a slackerize -2 headset on there and transform the bike into a beast. Would work with a mix wheel setup as well and help drop weight at the rear. With slacker ht and 27.5 rear you may also want to go with 160 or 165 cranks. Get sideways during flight !

[@tomroth5115]

Instructions unclear: I downgraded my upcountry bike.

[@fackerhidonbush8420]

You should get ceramic pads from aliexpress for those shimano xt breaks. They are 2-3$ a pair and i bent my 203mm adapter from all that power