I’ve got a 2011 specialised camber comp.
a mate’s got me booked in to do some events, the Calderdale and colne valley I think he said.he also suggested doing a longer ride of about 60mile for charity.would you recommend any upgrades to my bike or should I look to change(if so what for)don’t want to spend a fortune if poss.the bike is still pretty much as when I bought it,its had regular services,ive included a link to the stock spec,if this helps. services.http://specialized.com/gb/gb/bikes/archive/2011/camber/cambercomp. thanks for any help/advise

cheers

You’ll always be able to find parts to spend money on, but focus on having decent and appropriate tyres for the events, decent brake pads and well maintained transmission.

By far the best preparation is to make sure you are fit and have had plenty of trail time beforehand…

The more you ride it, the more you will learn what (might) need to be changed.

Is the saddle comfortable?

Are the bars wide enough (or too wide) ?

Is the front end low/high enough?

A ‘dropper’ seat post might be the first ‘upgrade’…

(Nice bike though! Looks very swish!)

I’ve got a 2012 Camber Elite (exactly the same bike / frame just a few minor component changes), and when I first got it and started reading all the forums I was convinced that I needed to upgrade everything just to stay in the game.

In all honesty though you really don’t need to change anything. The Camber is a fine bike for XC / trail use and all the stock components will work as they should. I had some issues with the rear hub making a disconcerting noise after 300 miles and I eventually upgraded the wheelset but Specialized did swap out the hub on warranty to something a little more burly so I could have easily carried on with the stock set.

One thing that might be useful if you are going to be doing extended rides is to get a professional bike fit and concentrate on cockpit feel like Xiphon says. I haven’t bothered with a dropper post (I actually switched fro ma quick release seat clamp to a fixed due to seat slipping issues) but they are certainly worth it if you are doing lots of downhill / techy sections. For XC / light trail though I personally think they’re a bit overkill.

thanks for the replies,
I’ve already been saving for some new wheels,a bike shop in wakefeild said he could do me a decent set for £300,so i’ll probably lean towards these.

atb

If you’re going to be doing longer events, then make sure that your bike fits properly (saddle position, bar height), check that the saddle is OK over longer distances, and make sure you’ve got padded shorts, comfy grips, reasonable tyres (consider going tubeless?), spare rear mech hanger, multitool and spare tube/tyre patches.

These are all things I have learnt the hard way (apart from the spare hanger, but I’ve seen enough other people ripping them off) 🙂

Beyond comfort, doing things to your bike will be insignificant compared to spending time on it and riding it.

Buying bits won’t make you faster – hard work taining makes you faster.

Tyres is about the only thing I would consider since if it is early in the year and muddy you’ll want a good grippy tyre but if it is in July, dry and dusty then a racing XC tyre will be a big advantage.

But if you want to spend money…

If you want wheels then compare what your bike shop is offering with hope hoops. Crests for lighter riders and xc flows or Arch for heavier riders and more aggressive (or clumsy) riding.

Grips – ESI silicone are light and good.

Look at the casette – XT is significantly lighter than deore

post, saddle, bars are all easy ways to drop weight. Also critical for bike fit.

thanks for the replies,
jonba,i’m out on the bike every Wednesday/Tuesday and Saturday without fail,we try and do 15 to 30 mile at the moment ,depnding on work/family,i also do a bit of light running,plenty of walking,and some weight training once or twice a week.going to try and up the weekend mileage.possibly get some commuting in.
when the bike was last serviced in june ,my lbs recommended a wheel upgrade as my next choice,which he quoted at £300.
I was wandering would it be worth upgrading parts on mine,or maybe selling mine and using the extra money to get something more suitable?

thanks

Just asking here, but what is not suitable about what you have?

As mentioned by others, the Camber is a good xc / trail bike.

don’t think theres anything wrong with bike,ive had it a couple of years,
its my first full susser and I like it fine,just wasn’t sure if there is anything in particular that anyone would recommend for doing the rides mentioned(besides fitness)
ive got the money for some new wheels/tyres,christmas is coming and I may treat myself.didnt want to shell out too much and then wish i’d got something else

cheers

Deffo go for new wheels and tyres, especially tubeless. Best upgrade I’ve ever made to a mountain bike.

Less rotating mass so an improvement on weight where it’s of perhaps most benefit. Punctures will be a thing of the past and you’ll get better grip from being able to run tyres at low pressures.

On top of making sure the bike fits, as has already been mentioned, those are upgrades that will really benefit you on long rides.

Bike’s good to go as is..
Just make sure chain, cables, tyres, bb are all in good shape before the first race.
Wouldn’t get new wheels unless yours are worn out..
Easy weight savers would be cassette, chainset/bb and forks if you feel the need..
Or just save it for a racy hardtail for next season if you enjoy it..

Jono
https://www.facebook.com/PivotBoompodsRacing

thanks again for replies,
jono, just out of interest what would you suggest for the cassette,chainset/bb and forks,
will probably do wheels first as bike shop said they were on their last legs last time I was in

thanks

For longer rides, apart from time on the bike and set-up/contact points, I’d focus on making sure I had the right kit… comfortable clothes and shoes, and the right food and drink as well as tools/spares and a comfy pack to stow it all.

I’m still trying to find the perfect food for all day riding… when I did the SDW I was glad I had some freebie gels with me – I’d never used them before, and they do taste terrible, but they kept me going. Next time I’ll take more dried apricots as they went down well.