This reminds me of when I was a kid and the only bike was a Stingray with bailing wire for a masterlink. We did everything on those bikes and had a blast. The real difference was that we had no other option available. No one should ever let the bike be the excuse - just ride and have fun whatever your budget.
I have a 2001 Cannondale XC bike. I did 2 of 3 upgrades, mainly because the XT/XTR mix of components were working extremely well. The Hayes brakes were past it and very spongy and sticky even after a full clean and service. Swapped out for the latest Deore, and run ridiculously better. Also got cheap bar and stem to significantly shorten reach and widen stance. Both upgrades make the bike feel so much better.
Best vid you've done in a while. It can be easy to forget, but what makes MTB fun..... is that it's FUN! 😊 (Nothing like a little time spent on your 'trials' skills to remind you to laugh)
Best bang for buck upgrade I've done on my budget bike was an air fork. The coil fork that came off was heavy and not adjustable, the air fork gave me more adjustment so the bike rides and handles better plus it dropped a significant chunk of weight. And a low end air fork from Rockshox can be had for ~$200 so within the range you were looking at here
Seeing that Saracen, I would like to see a video with some old, old, old school non-Sus hardtails and best bang for your buck upgrades or project builds on them. There are still some of those out there, and they're still fun.
We picked up a 2014 Niner Rip RDO very reasonably. We upgraded it with a new set of Maxxis tires (DHR and Assegai), bled the brakes and replaced pads and rotors, new shorter stem and 35mm riser bars along with a Tranz X external dropper. The bike went from something ready to retire to a great first full sus for my son.
I actually recently bought a hardtail 26er recently that someone had left outside and done no maintenance. Fortunately I had a spare chain and some hydraulic brakes I took off another bike handy. Of course it matters what you want to use the bike for and I think the bikes in your video demonstrates this. I've gone 1*8 with a 38t chainring up front and replaced bars and stem with a wider shorter setup. New Parts were around $200 AUD. But of course I'm cheating because I raid my spares for some decent upgrades anyway.
I tried making my 2008 Giant Glory 0 work. I switched out the tired spring Marzocchi front and rear for Fox air. I also upgraded the brakes and handlebars. However, though those upgrades improved the rideability, the best upgrade was switching to a 1x10, with a 44t sprocket and a 28t chainring. In the end though, it was still a horrible climber. Had to upgrade to a Commencal Meta AM 29. Hopefully this is the quiver killer.
Cheaper or even used parts, but: - 27.5 wheels - Aggressive tyres - Bigger brake disks - Hydraulic disc/rim brakes in case of mechanical - Wider bars, shorter steams, better grips - 1 by 9 conversion + 11-42 cassette (or 11-50 with goatlink) - Better platform or clipless pedals All 3 bikes would have become an ultimate beasts!
If you put each of them upgrades on the btwin, you'd have a half decent bike. Then look at what cheap suspension and shock you could get and see how far you could take it, kind of like what Seth did with the Walmart bike.
Would like to see the following challenge or race: Pro Racer riding at night with lights (unfamiliar twisty traíl) vs Bike enthusiast at day (familiar twisty trail). Just an idea. Lights sponsors might be interested.
Well good boys. You did Marty proud, just kidding. I found myself thinking I could ride that better than them. Talk about apples and oranges for breakfast. When it comes to the upgrades I have to go with the bar and stem combo, but the drivetrain and the brake upgrades are worthy. This episode felt oddly like a seizure of some sort. Good fun, Cheers. - M
Pends on bike for me - but my usual first place to begin is front forks followed by rear shock. May just be a simple tune, but that may mean an upgrade - esp. if the components offer no tune options. When the suspension is well tuned and sorted I generally can make the bike work very well unless there is a major problem somewhere else... Like an over stretched chain that likes to skip over gears... Actually, bingo - any major mechanical problems like a stretched chain, non-functional brakes, etc should always be addressed first... No broken parts and everything works. No point in risking ones neck when a bike is in dire need of service and is willing to kill you for not doing it. The last thing I worry about is upgrading brakes, group set, pedals, bars, saddle wheels, etc. 😀
They could’ve had the full shoot planned & everyone ready to go but the third fell ill or had an emergency come up last minute, not necessarily a desperate rush to pump something out It’s also free content that you have to pay nothing to watch so…
I appreciate my 10k bike even more not having to listen to all those unholy noises those bikes were making. They were screaming to be put out of their misery.
Where is Blakey boy
Idk he read the comments about how he should start his own yt channel? 😂
His Insta no longer has GMBN listed.....
@@danevans3381team rider for GMBN
@@danevans3381it does still for me 🤔
@danevans3381 it does, just checked.
This reminds me of when I was a kid and the only bike was a Stingray with bailing wire for a masterlink. We did everything on those bikes and had a blast. The real difference was that we had no other option available. No one should ever let the bike be the excuse - just ride and have fun whatever your budget.
Next video, Martyn teaches Isaac and Rich how to do trials. Actually that would be pretty cool. 😎
I have a 2001 Cannondale XC bike. I did 2 of 3 upgrades, mainly because the XT/XTR mix of components were working extremely well. The Hayes brakes were past it and very spongy and sticky even after a full clean and service. Swapped out for the latest Deore, and run ridiculously better. Also got cheap bar and stem to significantly shorten reach and widen stance. Both upgrades make the bike feel so much better.
Excellent vid. Thanks GMBN. It's cool to see the worth in upgrading select components on budget bikes.
Best vid you've done in a while. It can be easy to forget, but what makes MTB fun.....
is that it's FUN! 😊
(Nothing like a little time spent on your 'trials' skills to remind you to laugh)
the rockrider is by far the best bike, especially with those 4 pot brakes
Best bang for buck upgrade I've done on my budget bike was an air fork. The coil fork that came off was heavy and not adjustable, the air fork gave me more adjustment so the bike rides and handles better plus it dropped a significant chunk of weight. And a low end air fork from Rockshox can be had for ~$200 so within the range you were looking at here
Where is Blake?
I upgraded my wife's bike from some 3x7 to 1x and it's absolutely great. Four years and counting, no issues whatsoever.
Really enjoyed this vid !
Seeing that Saracen, I would like to see a video with some old, old, old school non-Sus hardtails and best bang for your buck upgrades or project builds on them. There are still some of those out there, and they're still fun.
That was excellent. The trials section... 🤣🤣🤣 If only there was a channel with handy tips on how to improve your trials skills!
With the rolling hills and tech in my area, if the bike is going to see dirt, my first upgrade is a dropper. No question.
We picked up a 2014 Niner Rip RDO very reasonably. We upgraded it with a new set of Maxxis tires (DHR and Assegai), bled the brakes and replaced pads and rotors, new shorter stem and 35mm riser bars along with a Tranz X external dropper. The bike went from something ready to retire to a great first full sus for my son.
the best 27 minutes of the day
wow this was such a good video. hilarious duo
Isaac was rippin on that Sarazine, Sarasota?! Whatever that peace of crap got the ride of its life 🎉
Now run the Btwin with the improved brakes and scrubbed tyres. Only 1 upgrade per bike you said 😉
Nice 1 respect guys!
I actually recently bought a hardtail 26er recently that someone had left outside and done no maintenance. Fortunately I had a spare chain and some hydraulic brakes I took off another bike handy. Of course it matters what you want to use the bike for and I think the bikes in your video demonstrates this. I've gone 1*8 with a 38t chainring up front and replaced bars and stem with a wider shorter setup. New Parts were around $200 AUD. But of course I'm cheating because I raid my spares for some decent upgrades anyway.
More upgrades: One Blake for the Marin.
I tried making my 2008 Giant Glory 0 work. I switched out the tired spring Marzocchi front and rear for Fox air. I also upgraded the brakes and handlebars. However, though those upgrades improved the rideability, the best upgrade was switching to a 1x10, with a 44t sprocket and a 28t chainring. In the end though, it was still a horrible climber. Had to upgrade to a Commencal Meta AM 29. Hopefully this is the quiver killer.
WHERES BLAKE
Cheaper or even used parts, but:
- 27.5 wheels
- Aggressive tyres
- Bigger brake disks
- Hydraulic disc/rim brakes in case of mechanical
- Wider bars, shorter steams, better grips
- 1 by 9 conversion + 11-42 cassette (or 11-50 with goatlink)
- Better platform or clipless pedals
All 3 bikes would have become an ultimate beasts!
Cracking film 🎥 cheers guys
If you put each of them upgrades on the btwin, you'd have a half decent bike. Then look at what cheap suspension and shock you could get and see how far you could take it, kind of like what Seth did with the Walmart bike.
@@Isaac-Mundy hi Isaac
Wasn't Blake with the guys last time? Nice Bobble head.
That Saracen sounds like you're dropping a toolbox down the stairs
Shimano for the win. TBH contact point stuff is always the first to be upgraded.
Where's blake
Based off his instagram lately, probably at an event somewhere else
@@Dlawler swatch nines?
Enjoyed the video, but what's that animal that ran behind you two at 24:45 to 24:50?
@@TheClick56 looks like a rabbit
Would like to see the following challenge or race:
Pro Racer riding at night with lights (unfamiliar twisty traíl) vs Bike enthusiast at day (familiar twisty trail).
Just an idea. Lights sponsors might be interested.
Fun to watch....
Surprised you guys don't drop the seatpost for the downhill . Huge advantage
Wheels are the single most important part to upgrade
I would really like you to test those brakes! At that price it’s a bargain, but will they withstand a full enduro day?
I usually change pedals, tyres and brakes
As I find the stock ones on a budget bike are not the best
I would like to upgrade to electronic shifting.
you should upgrade them to the max
The newer models of those btwins decent for dirt paths but it wrecked easily broken crank shaft and the Shimano brakes were bad
big fan of your🥰🥰
Imagine the unlimited budget upgrades for the Saracen or Marin
Well good boys. You did Marty proud, just kidding. I found myself thinking I could ride that better than them. Talk about apples and oranges for breakfast. When it comes to the upgrades I have to go with the bar and stem combo, but the drivetrain and the brake upgrades are worthy. This episode felt oddly like a seizure of some sort. Good fun, Cheers. - M
where is this?
Link for first vid?
Apparently Blake didn't want to be there without the horn on his bike?
Before watching this.......
DO NOT REMOVE THE AIR HORN!
@@Isaac-Mundy No doubt Blake can buy one, if not I'll buy one for him!
Anyone know where theyre filming is?
They are filming at cannop cycle centre in the Forest of dean.
@@EdwardJKnight awesome cheers 👍
wheres blake?
How you gonna leave out one of the original 3 cast members without even mentioning why they're missing? 😔
Pends on bike for me - but my usual first place to begin is front forks followed by rear shock. May just be a simple tune, but that may mean an upgrade - esp. if the components offer no tune options. When the suspension is well tuned and sorted I generally can make the bike work very well unless there is a major problem somewhere else... Like an over stretched chain that likes to skip over gears...
Actually, bingo - any major mechanical problems like a stretched chain, non-functional brakes, etc should always be addressed first... No broken parts and everything works. No point in risking ones neck when a bike is in dire need of service and is willing to kill you for not doing it.
The last thing I worry about is upgrading brakes, group set, pedals, bars, saddle wheels, etc. 😀
Clarks think they can rebrand an aliexpress brake and sell it for 200 bucks???
Hilarious!
Where’s Blake?
nines
probs
Wheres blake no mention of him hope he not left aswel
Thank god that bloody horn is gone!
i want these verified no way these were 150$...
(we want BLAKE)
WTH happened to his head?
Open face crash helmet & goggles look ridiculous. Get some trail glasses.
thank god Blake wasnt there! he's such a noisy git!
Naw naw you can’t go cycling another man’s bike in a budget mtb challenge…sacrilege!
2/3 presenters, feels like a rushed and unfinished job...
Oh go back to bed you!
They could’ve had the full shoot planned & everyone ready to go but the third fell ill or had an emergency come up last minute, not necessarily a desperate rush to pump something out
It’s also free content that you have to pay nothing to watch so…
No horn, im out.
I appreciate my 10k bike even more not having to listen to all those unholy noises those bikes were making. They were screaming to be put out of their misery.
God I hate “mo”
Where's Blake?
Where’s Blake?