I’m relatively new to MTB. I bought an REI Co-op DRT 1.1 hardtail about 2 years ago. It’s decent but I ride with guys who have full-suspension Santa Cruz or Cannondale bikes and they can manage to get up more tricky terrain. I find myself walking my bike more than I’d like.

I’ve seen some 6 or 7 year old seemingly better bikes on FB marketplace for $600-800 like a Ghost Kato FS 7

Is that decent upgrade from a hardtail while on a budget? What’s the best options for upgrades under $1000?

It’s mostly rocky hilly terrain and some gravel narrow tracks in central Texas.

  • kersplooshEnglish
    1•1 year ago

    While I think that Ghost Kato is objectively a better bike than your Co-Op hardtail, I agree with others that you should keep your hardtail a bit longer unless you’re riding “big” terrain or looking to go fast downhill. Work on fitness, technique, and picking your line. Also, learn how to dial in the preload and damper adjustments on your fork so it isn’t making your ride harder than necessary.

    A couple thoughts on inexpensive upgrades…

    • Dropper posts are a game changer IMO.
    • Try lighter tires and/or convert to tubeless. Reducing mass from your wheels provides multiple benefits: overall lighter bike, quicker acceleration and braking due to reduced rotational inertia, and better suspension performance due to reduced unsprung mass.
    • I assume you have a Suntour coil fork. If you are a very lightweight or heavyweight rider then consider changing out the spring to match. Those forks are heavy but can work surprisingly well if they’re properly adjusted and regularly serviced.

    I wouldn’t bother upgrading beyond that. Anything substantial will quickly cost more than you paid for your whole bike.

    • LumberjackedOPEnglish
      1•1 year ago

      Thank you! Great advice.

      I’ve been thinking about dropper post. I think I need to go borrow/rent some nicer bikes to see what I’m missing.