Mountain Biking - Upgrade Help

What would you upgrade on this bike if you had only $200 to spend. I am ok with the fork, since I just trail ride. What would you upgrade in the drive train?


FRAME Alpha SL aluminum

SUSPENSION InSync 323

WHEELS Alloy F, Shimano RM40 R hub; Matrix 750 rims

DRIVETRAIN:
crankset SR XCC150 42/34/24
rear derailleur Shimano Alivio

SIZES 13, 16, 18, 19.5, 21, 22.5"

COLORS Matte Lava Black/Matte Black, Midnight Blue/Pearl White

Advertised Retail $359.99*

Side by Side
Compare the features of up to three Trek bikes at once.
Trek Technology
Alpha Aluminum, a lightweight, all-around performer.
The Essentials
The right bike isn't the only thing that makes a great ride. You also need the right accessories.

FULL SPECIFICATIONS

FRAMESET:
FRAME: Alpha SL aluminum
FORK: InSync 323

WHEELS:
WHEELS: Alloy F, Shimano RM40 R hub; Matrix 750 rims
TIRES: Bontrager Connection Trail, 26x2.0"

DRIVETRAIN:
SHIFTERS: Shimano EF29
FRONT DERAILLEUR: Shimano C050
REAR DERAILLEUR: Shimano Alivio
CRANKSET: SR XCC150 42/34/24
CASSETTE: SRAM 850 11-32, 8 speed
PEDALS: Alloy platform, clipless adaptable

COMPONENTS:
SADDLE: Bontrager Sport
SEATPOST: Bontrager
HANDLEBARS: Bontrager Sport, 25mm rise
STEM: Bontrager, 25 degree
HEADSET: Aheadset, semi-cartridge, sealed
BRAKESET: Alloy linear pull w/alloy levers

DISC OPTION:
BRAKESET: Shimano Alivio mechanical disc w/alloy levers
WHEELS: Shimano Alivio disc hubs; WTB Speed Disc rims

For $200, I would either:

Get a new saddle and bars (and maybe a stem) for a better custom fit

OR

get new rims (eg Mavics) and maybe tires.

if it was me... ID go drive train, but thats basically cos im nuts on how well my drive train performs but if it was ur bike.. I think it would be rims..

I was going to say the suspension, but you're happy with yours at it is. From there I would say any of the moving parts. A wheelset upgrade to a lighter set will "feel" most dramatic as reducing rotational mass is the best.

Touch points are also a good recomendation.

Actually, come to think about it, for $200, I'd get a set of good clipless pedals, new clipless shoes and a hydration pack (Camelback or other).

L8R

http://pricepoint.com/media/Truvativ_5DCrankset2002.jpg$31.98

http://pricepoint.com/media/Avid_SD7BrakeKit.jpg$70.00

http://pricepoint.com/media/Wheelset_LX_SunRhynoLite.jpg$90.00

that should keep you within your budget, well except for shipping anyway, but that's what I would do if I were in your position.

Sweet looking frame, but deserving of more serious XC racing parts rather than some of the hybrid/road Bontrager parts. The high-rise bars and stem are a little too commuter looking for me.

Jcivic made a good point about upgrading the brakes. Some Avid V's will cost next to nothing and give you better braking power.

New stem, bars, and Avid V's and your bike will be more XC worthy already.

The rest of the parts you can ride until you trash them and upgrade as necessary.

Luckily, parts are easy to upgrade. Check EBAY for good deals.

i say save the money for hydration pak and spare tubes until you start to break things. i'd ditch the stem, bar, wheelset, and fork, not necessarily in that order. new shifters/levers if you're picky about ergonomics.

i say save the money for hydration pak and spare tubes until you start to break things. i'd ditch the stem, bar, wheelset, and fork, not necessarily in that order. new shifters/levers if you're picky about ergonomics.

I agree, your money would be better spent on accesories.

I recently bought my girlfriend the Trek 4300, and while it's a nice bike, it will never be cross country racer material. Outfit yourself with good clothing and gear that you'll need and use for a long time; even when you move up to a more hard core bike.

For $200 you can get these things: Hydration pack, $50-70. Clipless pedals, ~$80-120, Shoes, $50-120, 1 pair of gel shorts: $60. Money all well spent, IMHO. Oh yeah, and ride the bike hard, break stuff, and then upgrade what you need to.

I recently bought my girlfriend the Trek 4300, and while it's a nice bike, it will never be cross country racer material.

ain't that the truth :) my friend's 4500 is sooo solid and smooth but it's just not quite XC geometry.

I have started with this. 10-4 on the gear. I have already spent a few hundred in that department. :D I think I will just wear out drive train components and then replace them. Thanks for all of the replies.

My wife has the same bike so after riding it I would say you should replace the grips and the wheels. I would also add something to stiffen the seatstays because I noticed alot of flex from them while braking.

Something like this. (http://www.salsacycles.com/site/brakeArc.htm)