Top MTB Parts Every Mountain Rider Should Upgrade

If you ride mountain bikes in the UK — whether you hammer down Wales’ rocky descents, explore Scotland’s forest trails, or hit the muddy paths of the Peak District — you already know one thing:

Your MTB takes a beating.
British terrain is unpredictable. One minute it’s wet roots and slick rock, the next it’s loose gravel and sudden drops. And that’s before the rain, mud, frost, and surprise puddles get involved.

That’s why upgrading certain MTB components isn’t about making your bike “fancy”.
It’s about making it stronger, safer, and more enjoyable on the UK’s wild terrain.

Here’s a rider-focused guide to the top MTB parts you should upgrade, based on real-world challenges faced by British mountain bikers — with smart, budget-friendly upgrade suggestions from Laxzo, trusted by many UK riders for durable, affordable cycling parts.

1. Brake Pads — The First Upgrade Every UK Rider Should Make

If you ride MTB trails in the UK, your brake pads wear out faster than you expect.

Between wet rocks, gritty mud, steep descents, and constant braking, stock brake pads often struggle to cope. That’s why upgrading to semi-metallic or ceramic pads is one of the best decisions you can make.

Why upgrade?

• Stronger stopping power on steep and wet terrain
• Less brake fade during long descents
• Longer-lasting than standard resin pads
• Better heat resistance

Many riders across UK trail centres prefer Laxzo’s brake pads because they offer premium stopping performance without the premium price of bigger cycling retailers.

2. Tyres — Grip Is Everything on UK Trails

Your tyres determine how your bike behaves on the trail. And let’s be honest — British ground conditions are rarely perfect. Wet roots, clay, rocks, peat, loose mud… you name it.

Signs you need an upgrade:

• Regular slipping on roots
• Poor cornering confidence
• Wheels spinning on climbs
• Tyres clog up with mud

What to look for:

• Aggressive tread patterns
• Soft rubber compounds
• Reinforced sidewalls
• Wider sizes (2.3”–2.5”) for stability

Tyres are one of the most noticeable upgrades you can make, and Laxzo offers budget-friendly MTB tyres that perform surprisingly well on mud-heavy UK trails.

3. Grips — A Minor Upgrade That Has A Major Impact

Are you experiencing hand slips on a wet downhill ride?

Are you unable to control your bike during rocky drops?
Do you feel tired easily?

Your grips could be the culprit.

When riding in UK trails, it is usual to have wet gloves + muddy handlebars = poor hand control. But if you choose lock-on grips with good texture and padding, it might make a big difference in your bike-handling.
Advantages:

• Better grip during rain
• Hand fatigue reduction
• Confidence on technical terrain
• Easy installation

This is a very cheap upgrade that gives great comfort.

4. Pedals — Get Rid of the Stock Pedals at Once

The factory pedals usually do not last long on British trails. They quickly wear out under the influence of rock strikes, mud, and constant impacts.

That’s the reason most UK-based mountain bikers go for either metal flat pedals with large pins or clipless MTB pedals that suit their style of riding.

Advantages of flat pedals:

• Better foot grip during wet rides
• Easy to bail on technical sections
• More confidence during steep descents

Advantages of clipless:

• Increased climbing efficiency
• Better power transfer
• Secure foot connection

Good pedals are of great help when it comes to both control and confidence boosting.

5. Chain & Drivetrain Components — UK Mud Devours Them Instantaneously

If there is one thing UK riders get to learn quickly, it is this:

British mud is the main culprit behind quick destroyers of the drivetrains.

The wet grit acts like a sandpaper and gradually wears off chains, cassettes, and chainrings.

Upgrade these parts when:

• Your gears skip or hesitate
• Your chain stretches too quickly
• Shifting feels rough or noisy

Going for a top-quality chain with corrosion resistance and replacing worn-out cassettes not only helps keep your bike running smoothly but also prolongs the life of your drivetrain.

Laxzo has reasonably priced chains and drivetrain spares that are perfect for the UK riding conditions.

6. MTB Saddle — Comfort Matters More Than You Think

Mountain riders often ignore their saddle until it becomes a problem.

But long climbs, bumpy descents and full-day adventures require something supportive, durable, and water-resistant.

Signs you need a new saddle:

• Numbness or discomfort
• Pain on longer rides
• Saddle absorbs too much water
• Visible cracks or wear

A good saddle doesn’t just improve comfort — it improves control by keeping you balanced.

7. Suspension Components — Transform the Feel of Your Ride

You don’t need to buy a new fork or shock to make a big difference.

Sometimes simple upgrades help:

• Better quality fork seals
• Fresh suspension oil
• Improved shock bushings
• Upgraded dropper post

These help your bike respond better to bumps, drops, and roots — perfect for UK’s rugged and ever-changing terrain.

8. MTB Tools & Essentials — Never Ride Without Them

UK trails can be remote. You don’t want to get stranded on a muddy hillside miles from home.

Every rider should carry:

• Multi-tool
• Mini pump
• Tyre levers
• Spare brake pads
• Patch kit
• Chain quick-link

Laxzo offers affordable MTB toolkits ideal for UK riders and perfect for storing in backpacks or saddle bags.

Why UK MTB Riders Trust Laxzo for Upgrades

UK mountain riders don’t just upgrade for performance — they upgrade for survival. From North Wales to Fort William to the South Downs, the terrain is brutal.

Here’s why Laxzo has become a favourite upgrade source:

• Prices that make upgrades accessible, unlike the premium pricing of bigger UK cycling retailers
• Durability suited for UK mud, rain, grit, and steep terrain
• A wide selection of MTB essentials, from pads to pedals to tools
• Fast shipping that gets you back on the trail quickly
• Reliable parts that don’t break the bank

Simply put:

Laxzo gives UK riders real value where it counts most — on the trail.

Final Thoughts

Upgrading your MTB isn’t about fashion — it’s about performance, safety, and confidence. Whether you ride rocky Highlands, muddy Welsh forests, or your local trail centre, the right upgrades can transform your riding experience.

Start with the basics: brake pads, tyres, grips, pedals.
Then move to drivetrain, saddle and suspension improvements.

And with Laxzo providing durable, UK-ready components at fair prices, upgrading your mountain bike has never been easier — or more worthwhile.

Ride harder. Ride smarter. Ride upgraded.