Mountain Biking - Upgading my bike

Last October I purchased a 2004 Kona Cinder cone. I have been fairly happy with it, but recently I have had some extra cash and plan to upgrade it. So far the only thing I've done with it is replace the stock saddle with a WTB Rocket V Race. I have been thinking about a set of Avid BB7s, as I'm not satisfied with the Shimano mechanicals that it came with. However, I'm not sure if there are any other components that might warrant replacement sooner than the brakes. At this time I'm not interested in clipless pedals, as I don't feel that I have sufficient skill to necessitate them. I have had some trouble with the Deore front deraileaur, and I also dislike the stock grips. I have about 190 dollars to work with, and I would really appreciate any input you might have as to what components should be upgraded first, as well as recommendations on brands and such.

Here is a link to the spec list:
04 Cinder cone (http://konaworld.com/shopping_cart/FrontEnd/Products/product_detail.aspx?productid=236&parentid=188)

Note: the Kona site lists the rims as Sun Mach IV, however they are actually Mavic 117 disc rims.

Thanks,

Jeff

I wouldn't waste money replacing the front front deraileaur, check out this site and get it set up right and it'll be fine:

http://www.parktool.com/repair_help/FAQindex.shtml

If you want better stopping power with out oing over to hydros, then an avid BB7 on the front will do that for you.

Pedals, grips and saddles are all down to personal taste really.

Last October I purchased a 2004 Kona Cinder cone. I have been fairly happy with it, but recently I have had some extra cash and plan to upgrade it. So far the only thing I've done with it is replace the stock saddle with a WTB Rocket V Race. I have been thinking about a set of Avid BB7s, as I'm not satisfied with the Shimano mechanicals that it came with. However, I'm not sure if there are any other components that might warrant replacement sooner than the brakes. At this time I'm not interested in clipless pedals, as I don't feel that I have sufficient skill to necessitate them. I have had some trouble with the Deore front deraileaur, and I also dislike the stock grips. I have about 190 dollars to work with, and I would really appreciate any input you might have as to what components should be upgraded first, as well as recommendations on brands and such.

Here is a link to the spec list:
04 Cinder cone (http://konaworld.com/shopping_cart/FrontEnd/Products/product_detail.aspx?productid=236&parentid=188)

Note: the Kona site lists the rims as Sun Mach IV, however they are actually Mavic 117 disc rims.

Thanks,

Jeff

They seriously named their stock grips "Kona Jack****s"?!
I have a set of Avid BB5's on my bike and have had no problems whatsoever...the BB7's should be a nice upgrade.
If that doesnt blow your wad, maybe upgrade the seatpost (Thompson makes some nice ones).

Thanks for the replies guys.
Well I went down to my LBS today and bought some ODI Ruffians. I also ordered a black Thomson set-back seatpost. Should be here by the beginning of next week. After that I'll be looking a little more seriously at a set of Avid BB7s. If anybody has any other suggestions I'm still open!

Thanks again,

Jeff

Sorry for straying a teeny bit OT, but are avids supposed to feel like hydros, only with cables, or are they mushy, but with lotsa stopping power?

Sorry for straying a teeny bit OT, but are avids supposed to feel like hydros, only with cables, or are they mushy, but with lotsa stopping power?

Don't really know, actually. But from everything I've read they are supposed to be the best mechanicals out there, and thats good enough for me.

Sorry for straying a teeny bit OT, but are avids supposed to feel like hydros, only with cables, or are they mushy, but with lotsa stopping power?
They damn sure ain't "mushy" they're not quite as smooth as Hydraulics but they're plenty close