I don’t think that’s a fair assessment at all, and I think it’s clearly covered in the piece.
First, I used what I had available - spent $0. If I was spending on new components for upgrades I could have gone about it very differently.
Min-maxing I would have bought a Bontrager Line Comp rear wheel. It is under $300 with 108pt engagement. There are also so good values in pre-built wheels with I9 1/1 hubs.
Neither the bar or inserts are going to come on any stock hardtail at any price point. Clearly inserts could be installed in the stock tires. Mine were already installed in my tires/wheels. Clearly most folks are happy (enough) with 35mm bars and 7-9* sweep.
I think inserts make a huge difference to riding hardtails locally.
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Upgrade cost to make bike “not suck to ride” <$300.
Dec. 14, 2021, 7:06 a.m. - Andrew Major
I don’t think that’s a fair assessment at all, and I think it’s clearly covered in the piece. First, I used what I had available - spent $0. If I was spending on new components for upgrades I could have gone about it very differently. Min-maxing I would have bought a Bontrager Line Comp rear wheel. It is under $300 with 108pt engagement. There are also so good values in pre-built wheels with I9 1/1 hubs. Neither the bar or inserts are going to come on any stock hardtail at any price point. Clearly inserts could be installed in the stock tires. Mine were already installed in my tires/wheels. Clearly most folks are happy (enough) with 35mm bars and 7-9* sweep. I think inserts make a huge difference to riding hardtails locally. ——— Upgrade cost to make bike “not suck to ride” <$300.