Having a little left-over money from 2009s budget, I am looking to invest in an upgrade on my bike. All things considered, I am relatively new to mountain-biking (had about 18 months on the trail, 4+ days per week, no off-season) and not sure where my money would be best spent. I have about $350 left after my brake/lever upgrade.
My primary goal is to ease the climb (though all suggestions are welcome). I do about 9-12 uphill miles worth of mixed single-track/fire-road 5-6 mornings per week, and would really love to lighten it up-- perhaps by lightening up my wheelset? using a new tire-set for better climbing traction? a low-normal/rapid-rise derailleur? new crankset?
My current bike is a Kona Blast with the following specs:
Frame [stock]: Kona All-Mountain
Fork [upgraded]: RockShox Dart 3 w/ remote lockout
Front Derailleur [stock]: Shimano Acera
Rear Derailleur [stock]: Shimano Deore
Shifters [stock]: Shimano Acera
Chainset [stock]: FSA Alpha Drive
Chainrings [stock]: 44/32/22 tooth chainrings
Bottom Bracket [stock]: FSA Powerdrive
Cassette [stock]]: Shimano Alivio (11-32 tooth range, 8 speed)
Chain [stock]: Shimano HG40
Pedals [upgraded]: Crank Brothers Candy SL Pedals
Front Brake [upgraded]: Avid Juicy 7 Hydraulic Disc Brake
Rear Brake [upgraded]: Avid Juicy 7 Hydraulic Disc Brake
Brake Levers [upgraded]: Straitline
Handlebars [stock]: Kona XC/BC Riser
Stem [stock]: Kona XC/BC
Headset [stock]: TH
Grips [upgraded]: Lizard Skins Lock-On
Rims [stock]: Alex ACE-18
Front Hub [stock]: Formula Disc
Rear Hub [stock]: Shimano M475 disc
Tires [stock]: Maxxis Ignitor 26x2.1
Saddle [stock]: WTB Speed V Sport SE
Seatpost [stock]: Kona Thumb
Seat Binder [stock]: Kona QR
So, for those who have gone through more replacements or upgrades than myself: where would my money best be spent?
My primary goal is to ease the climb (though all suggestions are welcome). I do about 9-12 uphill miles worth of mixed single-track/fire-road 5-6 mornings per week, and would really love to lighten it up-- perhaps by lightening up my wheelset? using a new tire-set for better climbing traction? a low-normal/rapid-rise derailleur? new crankset?
My current bike is a Kona Blast with the following specs:
Frame [stock]: Kona All-Mountain
Fork [upgraded]: RockShox Dart 3 w/ remote lockout
Front Derailleur [stock]: Shimano Acera
Rear Derailleur [stock]: Shimano Deore
Shifters [stock]: Shimano Acera
Chainset [stock]: FSA Alpha Drive
Chainrings [stock]: 44/32/22 tooth chainrings
Bottom Bracket [stock]: FSA Powerdrive
Cassette [stock]]: Shimano Alivio (11-32 tooth range, 8 speed)
Chain [stock]: Shimano HG40
Pedals [upgraded]: Crank Brothers Candy SL Pedals
Front Brake [upgraded]: Avid Juicy 7 Hydraulic Disc Brake
Rear Brake [upgraded]: Avid Juicy 7 Hydraulic Disc Brake
Brake Levers [upgraded]: Straitline
Handlebars [stock]: Kona XC/BC Riser
Stem [stock]: Kona XC/BC
Headset [stock]: TH
Grips [upgraded]: Lizard Skins Lock-On
Rims [stock]: Alex ACE-18
Front Hub [stock]: Formula Disc
Rear Hub [stock]: Shimano M475 disc
Tires [stock]: Maxxis Ignitor 26x2.1
Saddle [stock]: WTB Speed V Sport SE
Seatpost [stock]: Kona Thumb
Seat Binder [stock]: Kona QR
So, for those who have gone through more replacements or upgrades than myself: where would my money best be spent?