How to Upgrade Your Mountain Bike

If you’re looking to get more performance out of your mountain bike, upgrading a few key components can transform how your bike rides and feels on the trails. From comfort and control to speed and safety, here are some of the most effective upgrades you can make.

Dropper Seatpost

A dropper seatpost gives you the freedom to adjust your saddle height on the fly, letting you climb efficiently and then drop the seat out of the way for steep descents. It’s one of the most game-changing upgrades you can make for trail and mountain bike riding.

The Satori Sorata Pro Dropper Post is an affordable choice for Carrera, Voodoo, and Boardman MTBs, offering 150mm of smooth travel and neat internal cable routing for a clean finish. For riders who want more of an upgrade, the RockShox Reverb AXS delivers wireless control, simple setup, and customisation via the AXS app, making it one of the most advanced droppers available.

Pedals

Pedals are a direct link between you and your bike, and upgrading them can give you more grip, control, and efficiency.

If you prefer flat pedals, the DMR V12 Pedals provide a larger platform than standard pedals that usually come with mountain bikes, a slimmer profile, and replaceable shoe pins for reliable grip on rough terrain.

If you want to get better performance out of your mountain bike, then a clip pedal ensures that your foot always remains engaged with the pedal, which enables better power transfer as you’re able to pull up on the pedals as well as push down on them. The Shimano PD-M540 SPD Pedals lock your feet in place for consistent performance in all conditions, with excellent mud-shedding and lightweight reliability.

Saddle

Similarly with pedals, most entry-level mountain bikes come with a generic saddle that might not be the right shape or provide the right level of performance you need for mountain biking, especially if you’re riding competitively.

Similarly with pedals, most entry-level mountain bikes come with a generic saddle that might not be the right shape or provide the right level of performance you need for mountain biking, especially if you’re riding competitively.

The DMR Stage 2 MTB Rail Saddle is a versatile upgrade, with lightweight foam, CroMo rails, and a shape that works well for climbing, descending, and long days out. For a premium option, the Fizik Argo Vento R3 combines a short-nose design with a pressure-relieving cut-out and responsive foam, ideal for aggressive riding and all-day comfort.

Tyres

Tyres are one of the easiest and most effective ways to change how your bike handles. Mixing tread patterns front and rear can dramatically improve grip and control.

For an entry-level upgrade, the Schwalbe Hans Dampf is a great all-rounder, excelling in both front and rear use with strong traction and predictable handling. If you want a high-performance setup, the Maxxis Minion DHF is a legendary front tyre thanks to its balance of rolling speed and cornering bite, while the Maxxis Minion DHR II makes the perfect rear companion with outstanding braking traction and stability.

Brakes

Stopping power is as important as speed, and upgrading your brakes can massively boost confidence on technical trails.

The Clarks React 4 Hydraulic Disc Brake Set is a budget-friendly way to step up from mechanical brakes, delivering reliable four-piston stopping power with easy installation. For a premium upgrade, the Shimano Deore M6120 brakes bring consistent modulation, fast engagement, and four-piston performance designed for aggressive downhill and enduro riding.

Grips

Bike grips are the rubber (or sometimes foam/ergonomic) handles that slide onto your handlebars. They’re one of the three main contact points you have with your bike (alongside pedals and saddle), so despite being small, they play a big role in comfort and control.

The Clarks Lock-On Grips are a simple upgrade, offering a secure fit and a durable rubber feel at an affordable price. For riders who want more performance, the Ergon GFR1 Factory Grips use a special German-made rubber compound for outstanding grip and comfort, with a secure clamp and replaceable bar plugs for extra durability.

Handlebars

Swapping handlebars can fine-tune your bike’s handling and position, making turning easier.

The DMR ODUB Handlebar is a strong, lightweight aluminium bar developed with pro rider Olly Wilkins. It offers a choice of rises to suit different riding styles, with clear cutting guides if you want to trim to your perfect width. Finished in durable black anodising with laser-etched graphics, it’s built to perform and look sharp for the long haul.

Upgrading your mountain bike doesn’t have to mean replacing the whole thing; small changes to contact points, tyres, brakes, or even your seatpost can make a massive difference to how your bike feels on the trail. Whether you’re looking for comfort, control, or pure performance, picking the right upgrades will help you ride with more confidence and get the most out of every adventure.