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What say you MTB aficionados?
I have a 2021 Specialized EVO and want to try doing some XC racing. I know this is not an XC bike but it’s what I got. What can I do to upgrade a bit to be more efficient?
New lighter wheel set with tires? Which ones.
Should I change the suspension? Has fox Rhythm 34’s.
Anything else? I know buying a XC specific bike would be best, but this is what I got for now.
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>>2869043
>What can I do to upgrade a bit to be more efficient?
90% is mental preparation for competition, 55% is physical fitness, 5% is the bike itself. Just start racing and have fun. I used to race motocross, I raced 40+ expert. Some of the fastest riders rode old bikes that they new how to set up and ride, had good cardio, but understood racing strategy and line selection. They knew how to race/win - its mental. You want to be prepared for idiots who get too excited to "win" and cut you off or run into you because their brains overload, so wear a good helmet and body protection. You sould be riding all the time for conditioning (train hard race easy) so you should already know the best shorts, gloves, shirts, socks, sunglasses/eye protection, temperature control. Just start racing with what you have and have fun. The more fun you have the more relaxed you will be and bette you will do. Many riders in the lead crach under self imposed pressure that does not exist, you learn a alot just by closely following someone. If you see their body language change (tense, keep looking back) they are already cracking will tire and you can easily pass them with a quick burst of relaxed effort. Keep doing that until you are in the lead, let the come to you, dont fight it. Its your training that wins races, not spazing out on race day.
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>>2869043
>Should I change the suspension?
No, learn to set and adjust it for you and the conditions. All the testing and setting should be done during practice/training, not on race day. Learn to maximize what you have without spending more money.