Originally Posted by Pete Fagerlin
You don't really think that a newblet is going to notice a difference between that drivetrain and an "upgraded" drivetrain, do you?
He needs to ride. That's his best path.
So you "upgrade" for purely cosmetic reasons? What a fashionista!
Yeah, I like my bike to look good. Who doesn't? Nobody wants to ride an ugly bike. I don't, for example, change parts just because of color or something, but when changing parts looks does play a part in my decision.
If he wants to upgrade, then good for him! I say let him build the best bike he can. But he has to RESEARCH and find out what he wants and needs first.
Personally, if you are upgrading slowly I would go straight to XTR and skip XT. If you're like me, as soon as you get XT you'll want XTR anyway
