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I Need Ideas On What To Upgrade

2033 Views 39 Replies 13 Participants Last post by  larlev
I recently bought a new giant 2011 Talon 29er 2 and i was having problems with my shifters and derailleurs, and i flat out want to upgrade my components i currently have the sram x4 shifters and just the base line derailleurs i assume....so if anyone has ideas on what i should upgrade too please let me hear, i was looking at the sram force for a rear derailleur but other then i dont know...i was hoping not to spend to much but i want decent stuff so i am willing to spend some money..let me know. THANKS
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Sram force is for road bikes, not mtn bikes. For better shifting performance get new cables and a tune-up. You don't always have to buy new components. If you still want to upgrade, upgrade the shifters only. The rear derailleur only does what the shifters tell it to do so it's not as important. New cables make all the difference though.
Upgrade the skills first .
Hey man, I would go with the derailers first then the shifters. AND you always want to make sure your cassette and front chainrings aren't worn down/match components etc.

But yea, rear derailed, just go all way and grab the x-9 if you have the money the xx they're great. I recently put a x-9 on my epic and they fantastic. Neways you also want to make sure you have the correct component, meaning that match up with the chainrings/cassette. I always match up my components under the same roof (sram/shimano/microshift/etc); you by no means don't have to follow this but it settles my brain XD

But yea, derailer (rear), thats my vote
AZ.MTNS said:
Upgrade the skills first .
Welcome.

I'd vote on that one if it's a 2011 bike.

I have cheap stuff through high level and I just broke an X-0 der as easily as I did a Deore. The cheaper replacement works just as well and I could save more weight by using the toilet before I ride.

More logical upgrades for a new bike would be a more comfy saddle, tools and service parts. Maybe tires if what the bike has is a big mismatch for where you ride. Good wheels can be a worthy upgrade but cost a lot.
Danp87 said:
Hey man, I would go with the derailers first then the shifters. AND you always want to make sure your cassette and front chainrings aren't worn down/match components etc.

But yea, rear derailed, just go all way and grab the x-9 if you have the money the xx they're great. I recently put a x-9 on my epic and they fantastic. Neways you also want to make sure you have the correct component, meaning that match up with the chainrings/cassette. I always match up my components under the same roof (sram/shimano/microshift/etc); you by no means don't have to follow this but it settles my brain XD

But yea, derailer (rear), thats my vote
Are you just typing to see yourself type? Your post makes no sense and you contradict yourself halfway through. Please stop giving advice to people looking for advice if you have no clue what you are talking about.
Your cassette and components do NOT have to match. The ONLY thing to has to match brands is the rear shifter and rear derailleur. Also, really, the XX? Common man, he isn't going through all the trouble to upgrade to Sram XX.
I'd say upgrade your seat collar...that should be a safe bet.
Remember the saying "if it ain't broke don't fix it" or whatever the hell it is. If you must upgrade, I would look at tires or wheels. Something that you'll notice...lower weight, grip...etc.
tl1lm0n52 said:
I recently bought a new giant 2011 Talon 29er 2 and i was having problems with my shifters and derailleurs, and i flat out want to upgrade my components i currently have the sram x4 shifters and just the base line derailleurs i assume....so if anyone has ideas on what i should upgrade too please let me hear, i was looking at the sram force for a rear derailleur but other then i dont know...i was hoping not to spend to much but i want decent stuff so i am willing to spend some money..let me know. THANKS
If the OP wants to upgrade. Let him upgrade. Hes going to love his bike even more. Sram x4 is base level stuff (aka crap, well not crap, but close) Spend a few bucks, upgrade to x.9 shifters, FD, and RD and you'll be very set for the drivetrain.

If you're looking for more of an upgrade, go for a fork, or a wheelset.

The OP isn't going to want to ride his bike unless its the way he wants it, you guys ever think of that? Never understood people posting replies in "upgrade" threads telling them not to upgrade and to improve skills. Maybe they just have more money than you?
AZ.MTNS said:
Upgrade the skills first .
Get out of my head!
I clicked this thread with the intention to say just that :D
Mount Dora Cycles said:
Are you just typing to see yourself type? Your post makes no sense and you contradict yourself halfway through. Please stop giving advice to people looking for advice if you have no clue what you are talking about.
Your cassette and components do NOT have to match. The ONLY thing to has to match brands is the rear shifter and rear derailleur. Also, really, the XX? Common man, he isn't going through all the trouble to upgrade to Sram XX.
Ant even that's not always true.
I have SRAM shifters with an XT mech.
highdelll said:
Ant even that's not always true.
I have SRAM shifters with an XT mech.
Thank you for reminding me, yes, there are even exceptions with that.

edit: BTW highdell, read your kickstand thread after reading Eric2.0's misfortunes. Good stuff. Needed a laugh tonight.
Mount Dora Cycles said:
Thank you for reminding me, yes, there are even exceptions with that.

edit: BTW highdell, read your kickstand thread after reading Eric2.0's misfortunes. Good stuff. Needed a laugh tonight.
yeah, that was a fun one.
I don't think I could pull another one off - people know me too much now and it would be spotted a mile away :p
skyliner1004 said:
If the OP wants to upgrade. Let him upgrade. Hes going to love his bike even more. Sram x4 is base level stuff (aka crap, well not crap, but close) Spend a few bucks, upgrade to x.9 shifters, FD, and RD and you'll be very set for the drivetrain.

If you're looking for more of an upgrade, go for a fork, or a wheelset.

The OP isn't going to want to ride his bike unless its the way he wants it, you guys ever think of that? Never understood people posting replies in "upgrade" threads telling them not to upgrade and to improve skills. Maybe they just have more money than you?
Have you ever heard the saying, "The problem is between the keyboard and the chair?"

It's a "recently" purchased 2011 model bike. How can he be having trouble with the shifting on a new bike? Unless it's not set up properly, which will be easily fixed by a trip to his LBS. Considering he mistook a road derailleur for a mountain bike derailleur indicates he may be somewhat new to this sport. I'd say it's a safe assumption to make that he would be better served putting some miles on his bike just like it is and then decide later what needs upgrading. He may find the money is better spent on a new fork, or a new wheel set.

Take the bike to the bike shop where you bought it and explain the issues you're having. Hold on to your money for now. Unless it's burning a hole in your pocket, in which case give it to me.
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bclagge said:
Have you ever heard the saying, "The problem is between the keyboard and the chair?"
when someone doesn't agree with what you're saying, do you feel the urge to resort to personal attacks? do it again

bclagge said:
It's a "recently" purchased 2011 model bike. How can he be having trouble with the shifting on a new bike? Unless it's not set up properly, which will be easily fixed by a trip to his LBS. Considering he mistook a road derailleur for a mountain bike derailleur indicates he may be somewhat new to this sport. I'd say it's a safe assumption to make that he would be better served putting some miles on his bike just like it is and then decide later what needs upgrading. He may find the money is better spent on a new fork, or a new wheel set.

Take the bike to the bike shop where you bought it and explain the issues you're having. Hold on to your money for now. Unless it's burning a hole in your pocket, in which case give it to me.
so what if its a new bike. i bought a new car in 2005 and upgraded some things on it within the first few weeks/months. The same for my 2010 mountain bike, the same for my 2010 road bike. When you upgrade, you get specific parts that u want on a bike that you couldn't have gotten unless you got a much more expensive model. For example he may want x.9 shifters, well those dont come standard on bikes unless they're $2k+. He can get x.9 shifters/drivetrain on his bike for much less than that.

Take the bike to the stop if you want, they may fix it, or not. Sometimes the lower end parts go out of whack easier than other models. thats my experience with shimano atlus level crap. and sram x.4 crap.
When you decide to upgrade, x.9 or Shimano Deore XT is the way to go. Why would anyone give away money when they can buy something for themselves, what an idiot. see what i did there?
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skyliner1004 said:
Have you ever heard the saying, "The problem is between the keyboard and the chair?"
when someone doesn't agree with what you're saying, do you feel the urge to resort to personal attacks? do it again
You've misunderstood. I'm not attacking anyone. I only typed half a thought there and didn't flesh it out fully. I meant to compare that saying to the problem for him being between the pedals and the handlebars, or something along those lines. Thus suggesting that it may be an experience/skill related matter and not a problem with his equipment. My apologies for any confusion. :thumbsup:

skyliner1004 said:
so what if its a new bike?
If it's a new bike then there shouldn't be any problem with shifting, barring a setup problem.
Take a trot to your LBS and ask their advice. You could either have them try to adjust the shifters as they sit, or have them install and adjust new cables and possibly housing. If I had that bike, the first thing I would upgrade is the fork. You get the biggest change in performance by changing the fork, IMO. And if you haven't already, take the ugly ring off the outside of the crankset. It adds like....20grams at least ;)
hardtailkid said:
Take a trot to your LBS and ask their advice.
Did that really just come from you Mr. Anti-LBS? Could it be that you are finally seeing why LBS's exists? :eek:
:mad:
hardtailkid said:
Take a trot to your LBS and ask their advice. You could either have them try to adjust the shifters as they sit, or have them install and adjust new cables and possibly housing. If I had that bike, the first thing I would upgrade is the fork. You get the biggest change in performance by changing the fork, IMO. And if you haven't already, take the ugly ring off the outside of the crankset. It adds like....20grams at least ;)
Oh lord....the last thing he needs to worry about is weight...come on' now. I doubt he knows how to fix a flat
Mount Dora Cycles said:
Did that really just come from you Mr. Anti-LBS? Could it be that you are finally seeing why LBS's exists? :eek:
They exists to lie, steal, lie again...and then give you crap service by folks who usually don't know half of what they think they do.
Show me a good LBS...a truly good one and I'll take it all back.
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