Should you put wider bars on a budget bike?
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- čas přidán 23. 07. 2024
- What are the best upgrades you should do to your budget mountain bike? Today, we're starting a series to find out. First upgrade is going to be bar and stem to see if it's something that will make you faster out on the trails!
Parts:
PNW Range Bar: bit.ly/PNW_range_bar
PNW Range Stem: bit.ly/PNW_Range
Spank bars: bit.ly/Spank_spoon
Funn Stems: bit.ly/Funn_stems
Tools and Stand:
Bikehand Stand: bit.ly/bikehand_stand
Kobalt Allen kit: bit.ly/Kobolt_T_hex
Torque Wrench: bit.ly/Torque_wrench
Videos:
Park Tools stem install: • How to Replace a Bicyc...
Park Tools bar install: • How to Replace Bicycle...
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#Budgetbikes #Schwinn #MTBupgrades - Sport
What should be the next upgrade be? Dropper, brakes, tires? You decide!
(Also, I never mentioned. We went from a 720mm bar and 60mm stem to 780mm bar and 45mm stem. Everyone is different, so don't take this as the end all HB/Stem setup)
New brakes for sure.
Brakes man
Dropper 1st. U have working brakes and tires. Dropper-tires- brakes in that order. Drivetrain swap is a want not a need at this time. Thanks for the vid, i really like this project.
If the brakes are garbage then brakes, but if they're somewhat decent disk brakes the dropper
Brake, mostly cause I need to replace my mech brakes with some hydraulic ones :)
As this is a BUDGET bike I'd like to see more of the "bang for the buck" upgrades. The average kid buying these wants to know what can help.
Don't lose sight of this.
I’m a kid and own an expensive bike with top end components that I bought myself. If you want to see great budget upgrades check out @wolftickvideos they make videos all about budget mountain biking
Jet Purpoultion 2019
Trust fund baby?
PNW makes fairly cheap components. (Compared to other brands) their range handlebars, which I believe is what he shows in the video is like $70. Price is completely subjective, but I think he’s still keeping it in the “bang for the buck” range.
@@davidbronstein2040 bro he said bought my self, what is triggering you?
Ananth Kutuva
Kid.
Bought something expensive by yourself.
Choose one.
That bike could really use a carbon fiber kickstand.
This guy gets it.
@@TrailFeatures lol
With ceramic bearing pivots
Perhaps he should borrow your aluminum kickstand if he could pry it from your hands...😉
Upgrades? Hmmm stickers. Stickers = gains.
i prefer a clean bike tho xD
Only in Japan that works.
But the gains thooo
Just pulled the trigger on this bike! Thanks for the vids. I'm totally new to biking and I love these types of videos that analyze upgrade paths.
Glad you like them!
I think what's holding that bike down are fork and brakes
I would not call that a false statement.
Defo. Some suntour, rockshox or uding etc. Fork and some Shimano brakes would improve it so much.
Edit:I know I haven't ridden it, its just what it seems.
@@TrailFeatures statement = !false
A decent suntour air fork would be absolutely perfect! There is a reason Vitus specs their low end models with suntour.
what about hub engagement, usually that's horrendous annoying compromise seen even on bike on in higher price range. I haven't seen anyone show or mention this yet about this bike.
is it the cheap Shimano FH-M475 bang bang bang bang kind of engagement, and struggelign on evry climb cus there is such a big dead zone?,
great content! as someone relatively new to MTBing, i'm learning that getting your bike set up to where it feels comfortable for you to be on it is one of the best upgrades iv'e done so far. just upgrading my points of contact on my bike (grips, bars that are longer with a higher rise, shorter stem, and saddle) has made my riding feel much better! So in that thinking, I say go for the dropper post. that's my next upgrade, too!
Do a video on recycled/refurbished parts and where to find/get them...
I like this.
I have the dp model so it came with the dropper and I have the mt200 hydronic breaks. After riding my local trails I think a dropper post is more helpful then changing the breaks.
Could be!
Great channel! I like how you keep it budget wise
Thanks!
Great video bro!!
Thanks!
Brakes, Fork, Drivetrain. I have changed out the saddle, stem, handlebars and crankset on my AXUM DP and it’s really improved comfort and the ride overall. Great video!
Very informative! For "what's next" I'd suggest you take your own advice and build the bike the way you'd use it. If you have a vision for what this bike can be, and work toward those upgrades in the most logical order it will make a lot more sense when you're done. Otherwise, you'll end up with a Frankenaxum with lots of nice parts, but the thing doesn't do any one thing well. Maybe you see this as a cool commuter, build that, or a gravel bike, go that route. Most folks probably would want to see a general use mountain/xc bike since that's how most folks ride.
So for instance if you want to use it on your test track, and it makes sense that this could be a nice little downhill/technical hot rod, do the updates to it in order of highest priority to make it work on that hill. Probably brakes first, you didn't struggle with the drivetrain too much on that circuit (though it can definitely use an upgrade), so probably fork second, then dropper, etc. Follow a progression like a person who bought the bike to ride it and planned to upgrade it would do it. Of course having the parts on hand already does matter, this stuff is expensive...:)
Nice One !!
Love it
Great video, so close to 30k subs
I actually have a schwinn rocket thats about 15yrs old and being locked up i started riding it more with my kids. I upgraded raceface pedals and grips, new shimano decor breaks front and rear with a larger front rotor 180, and a PNW 150 dropper. I was also thinking about a stem and bars but didn't know where to start. Good video keep it up
I really like seeing stuff like this-the “can i ride it on a hardtail?” Is definitely becoming less prevalent because of it. Run what you brung!
Love the channel and I just recently started a channel myself. So cool seeing someone else on CZcams in Colorado!
If only I could ride as well as I make myself look on camera. 🤣
Last tuesday i upgraded my bars and stem to a Renthal Fatbar 35/800 with 30mm rise and the apex 50mm stem aswell. What a difference! Feels like a brand new bike. 😁👍
Lifetime motorcyclist inc being a mechanic/machinist.
However... just started as a 60 y/o mtb cyclist newbie...
Thoroughly interesting, easily explained, well narrated.
Watched a couple now, subscribed.
While I don’t have much experience with motorcycles, I have heard that a lot of things transfer but some things are different. Highly recommend goofing off on your bike as much as possible and practice different maneuvers. Just like you would with a newbie on a motorcycle. Try different things and learn how the bike reacts.
Brakes for sure, the confidence is worth it
I have the same bike from watching videos of yours and kevcentral. I have upgraded the pedals, grips, stem and bars. Has made it feel so comfortable and handling on the trails better. Up next is fork and brakes. Those are bike things holding back performance wise. I also need a seat!
Contact points can make a big difference for sure!
have you upgraded the fork yet? If not I would suggest either the Rockshox Judy Silver TK or Rockshox Recon Silver RL. I went from a budget Bucklos LUTU air fork to a Rockshox Recon RL 120mm and I'm so glad i did, the difference is so noticeable.
It's Nice To See That Your Starting To Make More Videos! After The GT Avalance Video, I Was Hooked!
Also, I'm Not Knockin On You, I'm Just Happy To See That You're Uploading More.
Get The Hydraulic Brakes First Because You Wanna Be Able To Stop and Just Wait To Get a Dropper and Avoid Stuff That's To Steep.
I try to only upload when I have something I'm happy with. The channel is a real labor of love. ❤
That's my local trail, good vid!
Support you so much more now that you put yourself out there on the last video I don't have an opinion on that particular topic but... I know how hard it is to be true to yourself and put yourself out there with an opinion that's gonna lose subs for good but despite that you care more about what you believe in then money and won't settle for turning your cheek!!! Bravo my dear sir 💪💯🙌 I wish more people would stand up for what they believe in and do it respectfully ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I appreciate that!
@@TrailFeatures I don't know why people can't just accept your opinion even if they disagree and support you for your amazing ability to follow your heart
I went from 640mm stock bars on my $650 GT aggressor X to 760mm nukeproof warhead bars with a 45mm stem and I have no regrets
FUNN is excellent, reasonably priced as well.
Sick video!! Drive train would be interesting
Your videos are absolutely addicting. Thank you for posting and creating. My vote is for a set of hydraulic brakes. I’m going to the PNW website now to look for refurbished droppers. Thank you for the tip!
cycled.pnwcomponents.com/
Was fun to see cherry creek. Didn’t know you were local. If your brakes work then dropper post. That and tires were two best upgrades I made
I would go with a better fork, better brake pads (mechanical brakes can work great if they're dialed in) and maybe a ghetto dropper post (you know, spring dropped inside the seat tube with a quick release seat post clamp).
When I swapped bars on my Marin San Quentin 2, I went for a bar with more rise which I don't think you talked about. The extra rise helped with my body positioning and now I don't feel so hunched over.
Good to see another video! I hope to run into you sometime, I'm in the South Metro side of town.
Awesome video
Thanks!
Trail Features no problem keep making great content
Absolutely
I also have the Axum. Replacing the mechanical brakes for MT200s is a game changer. I was having to use three fingers to slow down with zero confidence that I could stop. I have replaced contact points, brakes, 45mm stem and 760mm bars. Next I will be replacing the fork followed by tires more compatible with my riding area.
Hey, I love riding Prairie Loop! Just a fun little ride. We don't have too many places to ride on the east side of 25.
It's a fun little spot when I don't want to drive to the mountains.
This came out as I am waiting for my Stooge Moto Bar 800mm to arrive... Though I haven't decided yet what stem to get, from 760mm with 60mm stem, going to the 800mm bar might get a 40mm stem
the 2-to-1 rule is more of a guideline (10mm change in the stem for every 20mm change in the bar). That's why I tell people to talk to their LBS and see if they can let them try a few options.
i couldn't imagine riding 800mm bars. I'm 6'2 and was riding 780 but recently went down to 760 and it's perfect for me.
Hey love your videos..need your opinion, I just got a 2017 cannondale habit 6 120mm fork and the front is a bit low. What can I do lift the front to add more clearance and feel more aggressive
I'm going to get a stem for my Cannondale trail 8
i had 640s on my bike and recently got 780s... it was the greatest upgrade ive ever made
Doesn't it feel too wide? I mean, the change seems big
@@infinityking194 not really, maybe for doing bars but not in techy sections
Just got a 780mm wide handlebar for 4$ and this thing is awesome.
Im contemplating brakes or better front shock.
I have rockshock air and Shimano disk brake what would you recommend upgrading too.
Fork
Fork makes alot of diference
Depends which shimano brakes, most rockshox are good and brakes are more likely to be dangerous if they dont work properly
mo pj it’s just a generic Shimano brake
Brakes, even cheap Tektro 2 pots will be a massive improvement over cable brakes.
man wish we had a park like there where i live would be nice to just pass the time
I've had a dropper post and hydraulic brakes for all of about 5 rides, but I'm really loving the dropper. Coming from 2.2 26 wheels to 2.8 27.5 has so much more grip too, so lots of differences. I think the dropper really changed how I ride, whereas the brakes just let me go faster. I'm going to have to check out that trail, I didn't know it had those optional features!
on your 27.5 bike how wide are your rims? I just went up to 2.35 from 2.10 and I really like the look and feel. The only thing is I think the biggest i can go is 2.4 on my back wheel, any wider and the tire will start rubbing.
@@NonLegitNation2 For the 2.8 tires I was using 40mm internal width rims. If you are running 2.4s, you'd probably be okay with rims in the 25-35mm range?
@@lucasdehart383 i wish I would have checked my rim width, i just threw on one of those 2.35 tires about 2 hrs ago lol.
i suggest an oval ring, bb, and cranks. [i didn't like the play in the factory issue crankset. it felt fragile]
rather than a full drive train. but i did replace mine as the first upgrade. then hydraulic breaks. next will be my bar and stem. i am waitng on the dp and suspension fork still trying to decide what works best for the axum
I ride that 5% about 75% of the time. I'd vote dropper because it's the most important part of a mountain bike.
what
@@jackkelly324 yep
You're almost at 30k subs!
Woot!
Tip: get the bike stand from Decathlon. It was around 50 Euros for me and it is sturdy enough for my mountain bikes. Been over a year and it is still like new. Keep in mind I don't use it very often (0-4 times a month) but for a home mechanic it is cheap while being of reasonable quality.
I am considering Hope Tech V3 E4 I know they are not cheap, built well, but they seem to be robust, and have nice adjustment. Easy to get spares too. But brake upgrade is a future proof upgrade, so might as well buy best you can,when you start to get to that level of riding where it really shows that the subpar brakes won't do it anymore. I think if you get the brakes on a sale it might be one of the most cost effective options there, that I would consider. I haven't decided yet.
This is coming from a relative newbie. I've fully built up a gut aggressor pro before going all in on a much higher end full suspension. Anyway, the one thing that made the biggest difference on that first bike was the brakes. A cheap set of hydros and a proper fitting pair of levers, made my confidence skyrocket. So much so that I wish I had started with that. (It was the last upgrade I made) lol
I am wondering how the bike would do with an upgraded Fork?
Depending on which mechanical brakes the bike has, you might be able to get substantially better performance by swapping in some sintered or semi metallic pads. That would save more of the budget for other upgrades. Better tires set up tubeless would be my first change though.
Any recommendations for an externally routed 27.2mm dropper? I’m 6’ 3.
www.pnwcomponents.com/collections/27-2-dropper-posts/products/coast-suspension-dropper-post-external
Get the Magura Trail brakes. They sell for about $150 on Amazon, and are very good
Thinking of buying a schwinn axum. How assembled does it come in the box? Is it something someone whos never assembled a bike before can do?
It's ~90% assembled and you can do it with basic tools. This is a great video park tools did on how to assemble a whole bike. Give it a watch (on 2x speed cuz its an hour long) and it'll give you a really good idea of what you're in for: czcams.com/video/LuJmbEmh7vY/video.html
Most bike shops will be more than happy to build up a bike for you, even if you didn't buy it from them, but there will be a charge for it. Each bike shop has their own rate so call ahead to see what they charge.
@@TrailFeatures thank you
Brakes would be my choice. With the bars I don’t think people spend enough time setting up bar rotation and stem height before swapping them out. Benefit of the lockdown I spent ages with stem length/height and bar rotation
TBH, I likely need to spend time on this myself!
I think brakes would be a bigger impact with being able to brake easier, though a dropper would be nice, maybe cut a little off the existing post to be able to drop it down a little further in the interim?
9:54 not something I have experienced to a high degree with my new bike yet, it stays planted and calm, but it's well balanced, long, and has 62deg head angle, which no budged xc hardtail will have from Wallmart.
but on my old Trek 6300 I experienced that a lot, actually just riding on asphalt the bike reacted to evry move I made, and front was wandering a lot, which is more of the experience you will get with a Wallmart bike.
Short stem makes, sense if combined with slack head angle, I use a 33mm stem, on my Nicolai/Geometron G1.
also I don't have nay issues with the other things you mentioned, like too little weight on the front, actually my bike is very balanced, and the fork will of course add weight to the front, and longer reach spreads the weight, so you still get some weight on the front.
but this is not the case of badly sized, cheap XC bikes with old school geometry.
but of course if you don't know how to ride a bike properly, or don't react or position your self according to the terrain, or have hands placed correctly on the grip then you might experience loss of control, and crashes, a enduro machine like G1 won't solve that for you, but it sure will make it a lot easier to ride.
Contact points make a huge difference in my opinion!
Very much so!
Keep a quill stem, or get an adaptor to go threadless?
Thanks for the great videos. I vote dropper cuz, ain’t know body got time to dismount and adjust their seat post. Plus, saves your children.
I got time for dat but my riding companions don't...
It was a major pain.
Which one gives more bang for the buck? I say dropper post since you already have brakes.
Yeah I have this bike too.
I would 100% say the brakes need to be upgraded next.
I did the handlebars already as well.
I kinda think the Roters on this bike are trash though. Seem like with any prolonged breaking they flex
Would be very interested if you could just upgrade those and have decent stopping power with the tektro brakes
Just out of courage i bought a bar and stem that, in total, cost around $25 and i was actually surprised they didnt break on me on a red trail jumping around
What’s happened to the gt sensor al sport???? You haven’t done a update
Hydraulic Brakes! Also post a link for those refurbed brakes too
You fancy!
in my opinion buy same nice budget brakes. The dropper post can wait and i think a good pair of brakes will transform this bike
For me a dropper post is essential even before the brakes.
If you are confy behind your saddle in good position you don't need your brakes as now🤔
Brakes are tricky situation so make the situations less tricky = go for a dropper post👌
How's the Sensor going?
Would definitely upgrade the brakes first
Got the dp version...loving the bike than 21 marlin 7
I got on the 780mm bandwagon, until i got tired of not being able to get my bike through most doorways. I went down to 760 and like it better, I could possibly go down to 740 but tbh I like how the 760mm bars feel.
I need to upgrade my bars cozy brother cut em down to 540mm coz of brotherly rivalrys and pranks. At least they were cheap alloy bars
Do a video on the gt avalanche comp vs
the gt avalanche sport
Really tough to say as I feel the dropper is one of the biggest game changers in mountain biking, but in the end, you can't go fast if you can't stop, and fast is fun, so I'd upgrade the brakes first, then add a dropper.
Definitely BRAKES! Some good grabbing hydraulics will boost your confidence going quicker over and through things knowing you will be able to brake quicker when needed!
Im still debating if i should change my bars from 670mm to780 any suggestions
See if your local bike shop will let you try some on, that's a massive change so you will for sure need to swap out the stem to compensate.
@@TrailFeatures ok thanks
Bro u where wearing a skill with Phill t shirt
Respect mahnn
Does this come in 27 inch
“Don’t just order em on Amazon, cuz that’s kinda a jerk mood”
I laughed my balls off at that for some really really odd reason 😂
Cards in spokes! Speed +100, Style +100
Personally, I don't like hydro brakes. I also don't like cheap mechanical brakes. Medium to high priced mech brakes, set up with Jagwire cables and housings, with good pads are a wonderful thing. I'm running TRP Spyke's on two bikes, set up as described above. Works very well, 2 years now. No maintenance until pads wear out. No hydro oil, no bleeding, no cold temp probs, just ride. Dropper is a quality of life upgrade, I vote for that.
That hill at 5:55 reminds me of the windows XP hills wallpaper
Holy shit yes
I always think of safety first that's why I upgraded to a cup holder to hold my beer and it doubles as an ash tray too.
If the terrain you typically ride is represented by what you ride in this video, IMO a dropper would be a higher priority than hydraulic brakes. Both eventually would be good, though... 😉
Dropper post! Dude, everyone has already talked about upgrading brakes, drivetrain, and fork. But no one seems to focus on the advantage a dropper post and how it can change your ride. I've been practicing jumps and lowered the seat post and just doing that made a world of difference, now I can only imagine how much I could improve on the trails if I had a dropper post. I'm looking into getting one soon. Any suggestions?
PNW components! Their new droppers come with a three-year warranty. If you’re on a really tight budget, they have the PNW cycled program, where they take returned droppers and refurbish them to sell at a much lower cost. The warrantee isn’t as robust as a new one, but you’ll save a significant amount off a new dropper. Also helping prevent unneeded waste in the bike industry. Something that a lot of companies could do better on.
I highly recommend cutting down the seatpost a bit. I cut mine down so I can slam the saddle on my “budget” hardtail (2018 Specialized Rockhopper Pro aka an overpriced entry level hardtail) and I just stand up for all of the climbs. I’m currently running 120mm of travel up front with 720mm bars and a 50mm stem. I might get a shorter stem and higher rise bar, maybe jump up to a 750-760mm bar.
I just bought a dropper as my next upgrade
The post cams in but the lever still hasn’t so I have a $300 stick until it comes😂
Can’t what 🤞it comes soon
Budget fork and dropper post please
show us how to put a dropper post in a hardtail
Lets see you add a droper post next.
I have that same bike and I rode it on some hard trails it survived but at the end I did a couple jumps and I bent the hub and my derailer roller came lose and disappeared. Other than that I love the bike just needs some upgrades
I bent the axel
I think better, more reliable brakes are much more important. I'm always fighting with my brakes, tried different pads and the ones that work well gave me big confidence. The mushy, bad ones made me brake my rib by locking up the front wheel from "anxiety-grabbing" .... Hope you understand what I'm trying to say there.
Love the skills with phil t shit!
Scientifically proven to make you 10% cooler.
@@TrailFeatures it's a good one!
Trail Features 😂 truth.
i need a lot of help, i cannot find the right stem and bars combo! I tried 50mm stem with 755 bars and i was sitting too far back on my seat suddenly, then a 80mm stem puts my weight too much on my bars. The biggest problem is that i don't have a bike shop near me, the nearest thing to a bike shop is a guy that just repairs flats and standard stuff.
Then try a 60mm! Keep trying. As he said, there no way to objectively say what you need without trying it. Try to get to a bike shop, but if you really can't then you'll just have to keep trying.
Sadly it is just a trial-and-error to find the right setup. 10mm and make a big difference.
I'll get the hydro disc brakes first and then the dropper post.
I think Brakes are a good next upgrade
I would do brakes first, (mt200, new deore ?) maybe saw the saddle tube if too long. But whatever you feel like. Also why not both ;)
i definitely would upgrade the brakes and I think the Shimano mt 201's are pretty good budget brakes
They are a solid deal.
I think I may have some laying around... 🤔
Trail Features i feel like hydraulic brakes are necessary before comfort like a dropper post