Top 7 Budget Mountain Bike Upgrades | Customise Your MTB

Do you fancy upgrading your mountain bike but don't want to spend loads of money on a new wheelset or suspension? Worry not, here are 7 budget ways you can upgrade your MTB. From fresh grips to new tyres 🤘
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What else would you upgrade on a budget?
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Leave us a comment below!

[@gmbn]

What else would you upgrade on a budget?

[@ollie6427]

chainring

[@stanp2281]

Chain and bash guide. I got an old mrp one they are as good as the new ones just not some silly carbon or whatever

[@Wildernessoutside]

new set of bars or a new set of pedals ?

[@elvisderblasehase9522]

settings

[@bendaff9618]

Yoga

[@TheProjectX3]

New air in my tyres. That's the upgrade I can afford.

[@mysterymanforu]

I find that a mix of 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen works the best for me. This is of course allowing for variations of your local supply and other trace gasses that may be mixed in.

[@yorkshirebikes1805]

Lol same

[@andys4971]

Nah bro helium is where it’s at cause it weight reduction

[@cartermacrenaris705]

You can’t afford $25 grips or a $15 mudflat? I work at Target on normal hours and can afford them

[@jiriboucek8332]

True my man

[@donmanuel8917]

Why did I expect to hear "...you beautiful people" after hearing "welcome back..." in the intro? 😂

[@breadunslicer8580]

At first I thought he said that

[@BigVanLittleAdventures]

would have been better.

[@migatron1]

"Prepare to be assimilated"

[@migatron1]

Best budget upgrade: Squats

[@mylesdillon889]

Ilike this

[@The_Dude_420]

I dont get it

[@thelongestnameinthecomment9677]

Anti squat

[@ProtoKJ]

@@The_Dude_420 so u got muscles to paddle

[@richardpayne5176]

🤣🤣🤣 definitely that’s a bonus leg upgrade

[@stefromfortworth]

This must the the 3rd or 4th time GMBN have made this EXACT video. Grips, saddle, pedals, tyres, go tubeless. You’re welcome!

[@samwheeler801]

“ I use the same saddle on all my bikes actually” Haha, I do too, on my only bike

[@furqaanshah5570]

haha aha

[@furqaanshah5570]

same

[@SuperGaming121]

Lol

[@lonelycrona2388]

haha I use 3 different saddles on my bike all the factory ones cause I cannot afford any other lol

[@stanp2281]

This is the perfect type of video for gmbn to plug all their sponsors at once

[@DirtSailor5]

I started playing a game of spot the sponsor. Even if they are focused on a product, you can always find another sponsor hidden somewhere.

[@gmbn]

Our sponsors help make all of our amazing content possible, videos like this and our longer weekend features!

[@stanp2281]

Global Mountain Bike Network I mean my mum wanted a new saddle so I recommend ergonomic because of you guys (and skills with Phil) I know they make really great ones for women

[@DirtSailor5]

@@gmbn it's perfectly fine to be sponsored, really thought good for you. I appreciate the sponsors enabling your content. That said, with the exception of Blake actually doing something and having the sponsors in the background, a lot of the videos are just infomercials. Doddy has been out there selling products like Billy Mays. I think you should do like GCN and other creators, let people know when you are giving advice vs advertising. This video qualifies as an advertisement for Ergon that was sponsored by Crank Brothers, Canyon and a few others.

[@David-rb3tk]

To change they would need the permission of their corporate masters, Discovery Channel/Network. Where do you think the idea for the selective compassion shown last Tuesday. Shame they aren't concerned about the wage slaves in the developing world who make their kit.

[@mickhead77]

My weapon of choice regarding the grips are the "ritchey truegrip foam",there s nothing more comfy,the only drawback is, they wear out very fast (even when ur bike is just sitting in ur garage).

[@Sam-qt5lg]

U guys always make the vid I need

[@stuarttierney6678]

Best upgrade on a budget? A diet for the rider

[@Monster-hx8qx]

?

[@dietznutz1]

What so you’re weaker with less energy

[@stuarttierney6678]

No so your stronger with more energy!

[@dietznutz1]

stuart Tierney a diet will only work if you’re fat

[@stuarttierney6678]

No thats not true Correct diet will fuel your body properly and improve the function of all your muscles and internal organs improving your physical health and performance vastly Plus carbon bars would be considered an upgrade because there a few ounces lighter for £100 but i definitely have seen people who wouldn't miss a few ounces at a cost of £0

[@northern_21]

Pro bikers: use grips Me: *glove*

[@ldutoit2]

haha I was thinking the same! I mean grips can be good, fair enough, but if you are looking into comfort for longer rides, gloves first, grips then. One pair of gloves can be used with all your different bikes too! Amazing :) Now back on my hardtail to upgrade my watts

[@insanebmxthomas]

i was sorta pro at bmx. I had sponsors lol. and i can confirm almost no-one rides gloves in bmx. they do make for a comfier ride (not a consideration in bmx) but mostly they protect from crashes. can't count the amount of times i had to superglue wounds on my hands/fingers to keep riding. I could see gloves making XC or Enduro ish rides more comfortable, but all they ever did for me is give me blisters

[@bobbybox3968]

Love your honesty and content. Kind regards from Bonnie Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿. Keep safe

[@gmbn]

Thank you! You too!

[@edwardalyn3026]

This is my favorite mtb channel

[@emilkrol4816]

Nice Video and very good products you showed off!!

[@Hjorten93]

Dang, most of these things i’ve been thinking about getting lately 😅 you read my mind

[@surajn4890]

Playing around with your air pressure 😉 that's probably going to give you the best bang for your buck in terms of upgrades

[@newttella1043]

In your tires AND suspension. So many people don't have a clue about their suspension air pressure or dampening.

[@ethanbates5267]

Gmbn vids are getting me through lockdown

[@reillys7981]

I always upgrade my pedals, grips, bars and others. But never my saddle. I started getting really uncomfortable. I bought a REALLY expensive saddle. Best $120 ever spent

[@macfin4862]

I've even found a 15 dollar gel cover made an enormous difference

[@martinhayes5087]

I was buying the ergon marketing to begin with. Tried them, I won't be going back, their grips and saddles are actually amazing. Well impressed

[@libra7930]

Great video found it very helpy👊👍

[@cKrazyDUcK]

Good watch. Holed up in the pain cave after an epic scorpion Saturday!

[@davidcuddy5609]

GREAT tips on a budget.

[@noracable2575]

Thx for helping me a bunch!!!

[@switchplays8153]

I love your video’s you really inspire me

[@gergoolle5773]

But when you combine the prices of tyres, tubeless valve, grips, etc then its a whole lotta money

[@user-br4no6ri6m]

Very helpful 👍👍

[@BULLDOGVII]

Love it!!

[@TayTheDay]

I literally just watched a video where Doddy said he has large hands and prefers thicker grips 😅

[@thegrannyringmtb1818]

There is defo one where he says despite having large hands he likes the slim grips as it gives more feel of the trail

[@wcmybdbdjhj]

Same

[@horusgarcia1]

Don't forget frame scratches and scuffs. Makes the bike look like your a master MTBer.

[@ferdinandheinisch3632]

Great Video

[@ricosuavez_uk]

Great video! Been doing the same recently! 😎

[@jurijrozanec]

So how many of their sponsors were mentioned in this video?

[@robinburt5735]

It did come across a bit like an advert i agree.

[@LeMADFacteur]

I have a feeling that lately it's the case in most of their videos... Sadly!

[@owenbirch6188]

You cant blame them. They need to make money so just take it all with a pinch of salt. But I know they are sponsored by ergon, crankbros, and I think nukeproof

[@LukaszMielczarek]

@@robinburt5735 but that's how sponsorshipment works...

[@TheWebstaff]

If it is they are supposed to disclose it are they not?

[@grantteliaken7333]

Realy fascinating that i am about to buy upgrades

[@yvan2218]

repainting your bike. definitely a budget job, extremely stressful, but extremely worth it at the end.

[@bananasstuff3344]

who does that help?

[@smokedsalmon3907]

I couldn't really imagine doing that to a new bike. But for a retro revamp it would be awesome. Ton of work though.

[@TheWebstaff]

@@smokedsalmon3907 it's not really that much work. Just do it when you do your annual / major service and the bikes already stripped. Very satisfying job though once it's done. But you should also do coloured cable runs to finish it off.

[@teebyf718]

I have just come back to mountain biking, with a budget bike which is a Calibre Two 3. I don’t see any video’s guiding people on what they can upgrade with a sub £600 bike. My journey does not as of yet recommend moving to a better hardtail or a Full suspension. I do like the sound of a 1X10, 1X11 gear set and tidy bars etc please advise.

[@julianrossi8460]

Its good he came up with some original ideas. Alot of the time they seem to recycle the same dot points

[@thomasvaughan294]

Looking everywhere, can you get Vittoria Barzo tyres in 27.5 with the amber walls, or just 29s?

[@techunboxingwithpranshu8816]

Rim tape, grips, tyres, disc breaks if u have v brakes, gears if you have a single speed one

[@jarnokerswill]

Do you have the link to the tyre upgrade you mention in this video ? New to mtb my tyres say tubless ready on the tyre wall, how easy/hard is it to install tubless set up ?

[@tampenismall2195]

Omg....so many things to remember

[@SurlyRider2019]

Odi grips are all I will use.

[@stas7378]

5:57 oj that's my name

[@iwillseeyoutomor1607]

nice!

[@serger0878]

Best budget upgrade saddle bags

[@tjwilliams7566]

Best upgrade to buy , bandages.

[@dietznutz1]

Can anyone find me a new air spring to up the travel to 140mm on a 2019 reba ? Cos I can’t find one

[@walesforlife4890]

Nice

[@jay5748]

Can you please do a best mountain bike under $400 for up hill and down hill riding

[@user-et4kw5fv8w]

Best upgrade: buy new bike Easy

[@mylesdillon889]

Love it come out after i spend all my money lol

[@isaacjackson15]

Haha me too

[@isaacjackson15]

It did come out two years ago though

[@rodrigomartinez4974]

5:14 is that place nevados de chillan bike park?

[@rhyscompton6925]

Best cheap upgrade is by far tubeless

[@lowi2568]

Cheap?

[@stevem9529]

Best?

[@matteonegrisolo3550]

I ride inner tube and it is good, don't need tubeless

[@buggermonkey94]

@@matteonegrisolo3550 I used to have your mentality. Then I got 4 punctures on four separate rides so went tubeless and haven't had a puncture since. I still keep a tube handy though

[@stevem9529]

@@matteonegrisolo3550 I was hoping the 3rd comment was gona be 'upgrade?' 😅 but yeah im the same. Theres a sort of snobbery in mtb ive found. Its almost as if if you dont have tubeless tires, dropper post and a 1x crank then you are a pauper. Well I prefer tubed tires, I prefer a 2x or even 3x crank, and dropper post is way too expensive when I can just get out my allen key and do the same thing in literal seconds. Yeah i get im not hitting mad trails, im not a pro and I have a £600 bike. Its easy to spend more than the actual bike costs if you always 'upgrade' to latest and greatest

[@jesuschrist4185]

Cool

[@naniv]

Ima cycling novice and have no idea what i need to replace and when.

[@josep.peruga]

I did all those upgrades now I can backflip, cork 1440 and I can do the rampage, I swear...

[@david-yj1em]

I don't see the link he mentioned about tyres?

[@retroonhisbikes]

When did bar ends become unfashionable?

[@kaydenlines1428]

does anybody know what size stem a 2011 fox 32 float steerer tube is, as i need a new stem. thanks!

[@Will99x]

Rich has some amazing hearing 🤣

[@tookken3183]

when you were talking about the saddle you had your bike placed on the side of the chain and everything

[@eamonkelly9007]

I bought these Raceface boots that go over the end of the crank arm and protect you from bashing into rocks. They were like 10 bucks on Amazon.

[@CoffeeMonster12]

The best and cheapest uprgrade is a sticker on your seattube

[@kingsolo303]

What type of rims are those?

[@bardeswati68]

I would upgrade my grimm donut in budget 😀😀

[@Gabriela-jc4pt]

#AskGMBN: What's the biggest size cassette I can put on a QR 135 x 9mm hub? I currently have a 9 speed 11-36T on the rear and a 2 speed in the front and I really want to upgrade to a 1x. Or should I just buy a new rear wheel? In that case how do I find out the frame spacing? I have a size S GT Avalanche Comp 2019 27,5. Thanks!

[@martindunajsky5136]

hey, I had the same question when I was upgrading my bike, I had a 2015 Norco sight c 7.3 and i upgraded to an 11 speed XT cassette. Good luck! :)

[@aakos26]

Sunrace mx3 11-46t 10 speed cassette. 34t front. Gave me really good range. If you have good grip tyres you'd climb walls and go fast on straight/slope.

[@Gabriela-jc4pt]

@@aakos26 so the biggest cassette i can fit is 46T?

[@aakos26]

@@Gabriela-jc4pt I don't know if that is the biggest you can fit. I have this set up and the range is more than enough. Rarely use the granny gears. I have to add, where I live there isn't long, steep climbs. Only short ones. And if you don't think it's enough, your technic will adjust. On the way down, better line choice, more pumping. On the way up... Well, you just get stronger. Also you might have to think about chain length and B tension screw. I had to change mine to a longer one.

[@judemarshall6494]

He says in other videos “keep gears up when you lay your bike down.” How the turntables have turned

[@davel2119]

I thought you said budget upgrades?

[@dietznutz1]

If you think these aren’t budget you probably shouldn’t be into mtbs

[@christiandruan]

Don’t be an asshole

[@The_Dude_420]

@@dietznutz1 if you think those are the best budget upgrades you can get your an absolute idiot. There are much better upgrades available in terms of price to performance.

[@louisdavies2746]

Make sure to get your bugdet hope brakes with braided lines😂

[@1987richyboy]

Vs £1000 for fox 36 forks, pretty cheap!

[@Danil-Crypto]

Grips is the best bike upgrade. Only a new bike is better)

[@TeamAvode]

You said a madness at 1:26

[@marinberndt4049]

where can i buy these epic ergon grips?

[@slinkytreekreeper]

Just about all online bike shops, ebay, amazon and ergons own website.

[@cornishcactus]

Wanna go faster, buy a training day ( warning, you may need a day or twos rest to recover muscles you didn't know existed )

[@BMH1965]

Not many places will offer the opportunity to choose the best saddle for an individual - telling people this is possible is the bike sellers' false PR.

[@jannis500]

Ive got a nee bike 🥳🥳😂 from Scott

[@sunnyday3385]

I will upgrade every part of my bike except my inner tube...😃🍗🚲

[@lilboomthememegod]

I bought a bike second hand and the brakes had to break pads and had been breaking with metal completely destroying the disks

[@mattgies]

At 3:51, rich says "this area through here", but he isn't on camera. Might've been best to edit it so we could see where he was pointing when he said that. As a mechanic, I know where he meant, but I'd wager a lot of people don't.

[@khuba2500]

Not gonna lie, branded saddle and grips are nowhere near "budget" upgrades for me :/

[@rfldss89]

They're budget compared to buying a whole new bike i guess

[@Senzeni]

@@rfldss89 There are bikes in that price range :)

[@repentorperish1386]

You don't have ti buy branded. They mean the part itself

[@insanebmxthomas]

lol 80 dollar grips and probably 100 dollar seat. ODI bmx grips are like 10 bucks and bmx seats are like 30. Hardly any different

[@Pricess671Subscribe]

Hi

[@alexandervandenbossche1059]

what for bike is that on your video???

[@alexandervandenbossche1059]

that were you was sitting on when talking

[@tlayable]

Como envian la bicicleta?

[@rm709]

Upgrade your hairstylist and barber?

[@borix__942]

Lmao go ride ur 80$ wall mart mtb instead talking trash

[@koomba2733]

Seth’s bike hacks already did this

[@ProtoKJ]

7 mountain bike upgrades* not top or budget

[@owain7629]

Do these vented brake pads actually work or is it a bit of a gimmick?🤔

[@geemail369]

Diminishing returns for riders pushing the limits only.

[@priyankakhuntia8874]

Dual suspension aluminium vs hardtail carbon fibre which is better

[@calebdavenport1231]

The hardtail would be more fun

[@mk4prasu610]

Im just saying i dont trust carbon frames id go with the full sus

[@th_js]

@@calebdavenport1231 Depends on the terrain.

[@ninjobrown6868]

Full squish since they'll probably be around the same price sort of lol

[@hanzonoob4579]

What up rich?

[@richardpayne5176]

HANZONOOB Yo

[@brokenlegz]

But but but gmbn tech latest video doddy said he likes big grips for his big hands.

[@willaukema322]

Dude I just got new grips and they legit completely change ur bike

[@gmbn]

The best cheap upgrade!

[@adammackenzie]

New tires, grips and brake pads... maybe new chain and lube job on bike

[@judehatton-holland2314]

Anyone think he looks the slightest bit like Jay Watson from Tame Impala

[@matthewkharlalivio9460]

I bought some upgrade and all i need is a bike

[@Aeleas]

Shame those gorgeous Black/Oil Slick GE1's are completely sold out in North America.

[@newtonsantos_photo963]

Grips & Saddle are a must !!! Comfort upgrade allowing us long pleasant journeys. Besides to carry stuff on the bike rather than on the biker 😉

[@lukecooper1993]

If you give your bike to your fitter and faster friend and they pay for your bike your making money

[@TheBrucePage]

I’m enjoying the bike so far kzbin.infoUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA My only real complaints are the brakes and the pedals. I feel like a bike designed for bigger people should have much larger pedals and more heavy duty brakes. I’ve only gotten two really good rides out of it, minimal downhill action, and the brakes feel like they’re already going out. A larger person has more momentum, so I think this wasn’t thought through very well. Also, I wear size 13-14 wide shoes. My feet cramp up on these pedals that are clearly made for smaller feet. Since I’m not a pro rider (and I don’t think many are who purchase this bike) I don’t think that the straps on the pedal are necessary at all. None of this takes away from the enjoyment I get from riding, however. I’ll just head to a bike shop to improve on a few things.

[@carl2235]

Hello

[@iffy_too6465]

The link is in the description below.... MY ARSE IT IS

[@sigma.smarts5503]

I stand alot on my bike lol

[@paoloamores2911]

atay mahala pd ana dire sa pinas oyps

[@BMH1965]

It is almost impossible to straighten the Shimano Icetech rotors if they warp. Never buy a sandwich type rotor.

[@louisdavies2746]

Budget: one up edc😵😂

[@alexpaterson1382]

Dropper