This is my bike a few years ago. A pretty much standard mountain bike. After spending many many weeks in the saddle, I learned what to change. For example the handlebar stem was too long, and was causing me back pain & knuckle numbness. So, I changed it to a shorter one, with a higher, more upright angle.Riding Position...
I also changed from a traditional quill stem, to an ahead stem, using a quill adaptor. I added a cable hanger too, as there was now no cable roller. (Price £20)Gear Change...
I have also changed the rear cassette & chain to give me a smoother ride, and higher gear ratio, for those big sickening hills. I'm not entirely sure about this change though, because i'm used to riding in the original ratio, and i'm worried this is going to feel a little strange for me. (Price £15)Brakes...
I have upgraded my brakes to Avid Shorty 6 cantilever brakes. This allows me to use V-brake shoes & pads, which are easier to fit, and I can just carry pad replacements without the shoes. I'm using Koolstop pads, but that's just because they were given to me. (Price £30)Tyres...
My tires are also new. I quite like the Continental double fighter tyres, but they wore out completely, and I was getting too many puntures. So, i've upgraded to Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres. They are very narrow tyres, and you feel the bumps a lot more, but hopefully they should roll a little faster. They are heavier than my previous ones, but they also have a puncture resistant layer. I am curious to know how long I wil go without a flat. I am also worried about flats, because removing & refitting these tyres is going to be very stressfull, on myself, and the wheel rim...I have worries about these. It's going to be either complete love, or total hate...(Price £15 each)Speedometer...
My old speedometer broke too. It was an old cateye one. So, I managed to get a cheap wireless VDO MC 1.0+ speedometer. It has a thermometer, and altimeter. And is incredibly complicated. I've tried to read the manual...(Price £19 ebay)Handlebar Bag...
I have now got a handlebar bag. It only cost £6 from Lidl. It is the same construction as the Ortlieb panniers, and waterproof. I think it will be good to hold snacks and my camera.Grips...
New Handlebar grips...I miss my comfy old ones, but they just wore away. Besides, they were free...And free is good.And that's all there is to my bike...
