Bike upgrade suggestions

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inot
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inot
Edited Date/Time 4/17/2020 7:58pm
Late August 2019, I decided it was time to pick up my first bike. Being my last semester of college I had a limited budget and purchased a used Raleigh Tokul 1 to see if I even liked the sport at first. I ended up loving it. I ride every chance I get, usually 3-4 times a week. However, I want a better bike. My original plan was to have enough saved up to purchase a full suspension by the time the new trail system down the road opens. Things have not gone as planned post-graduation and with the start of the pandemic, it doesn't look like a new bike will be happening for a while.

Bringing me here, what are some budget-friendly upgrades I can do to my bike for a noticeable better ride? Or would I be wasting my time and money?
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adamdigby
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adamdigby 3/26/2020 6:25pm
3/26/2020 6:25pm
New tires, brake pads and/or rotors, or a new seat if the current one is not comfortable for 1hr + rides. Brakes are the things I am most particular about and new pads can completely and positively change the feel of your bike. A good set of Galfer metallic pads and rotors makes your bike stop a lot harder/faster and leaves you more confident on faster/steeper terrain.

If you haven't tried different contact points, finding the right pedals, bars, and saddle that fit you well can make a huge difference with your comfort, especially on longer rides.
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bturman
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bturman 3/27/2020 9:37am
3/27/2020 9:37am
This one?



Agreed about a dropper post. You'll be hyped on that! PNW Components and OneUp make proven, reliable options at good prices.

What do you not enjoy about it?
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inot
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inot 3/27/2020 10:00am
3/27/2020 10:00am
bturman wrote:
This one? [img]https://media.raleighusa.com/catalog/product/14-0211025/14-0211025-tokul-1-2020-18496-dark-grey-web-profile.jpg[/img] Agreed about a dropper post. You'll be hyped on that! PNW Components and OneUp make proven, reliable options at good prices. What do...
This one?



Agreed about a dropper post. You'll be hyped on that! PNW Components and OneUp make proven, reliable options at good prices.

What do you not enjoy about it?
I wish! I have the older version, I've had troubles finding the year. I want a dropper post but it feels like I already have a mess of cables in the front.

What I do not like about my bike currently is not having air forks. My forks only adjust the rebound which makes little to no difference, the seem pretty low end. I also have a low-end rear derailleur that does not have a clutch making my chain slap frequently.
Big Bird
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Big Bird 3/27/2020 12:43pm
3/27/2020 12:43pm
I think you just answered your own question. Perhaps a gently used fork and a low end clutch derailleur.
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bturman
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bturman 3/27/2020 1:32pm
3/27/2020 1:32pm
A chain slap protector of some sort will also help make it a bit quieter for cheap. You can use an old tube and electrical tape, purchase one, or get some 3M Mastic tape for a cleaner look.
westeegarden 4/17/2020 7:58pm
4/17/2020 7:58pm
people have said it, but for real get a dropper post. you can get a post and lever for $200 total. PNW and Oneup both make great affordable ones. It's incredible the difference a dropper makes if you actually use it. Second, and with less priority, a fork. That will be more like $500 to make it really worth it, but there are some discount pikes out there, and the marzocchi bomber z2 as well as the DVO beryl are great budget options. Especially for a hardtail, a good fork is important and will make a difference.

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