What is a MTB component you almost never run stock?

No mountain bike build is ever perfect. We want to know which stock part is generally the first to go when you buy a new bike.
By Jeff Barber

  1 comments
Singletracks may earn commissions from affiliate links and/or receive products from manufacturers for review. Read our editorial guidelines here.
A close-up view of a mountain bike's handlebars, featuring textured grips and gear shifters. The bike's frame is a shiny gold color, and the background shows an outdoor setting with brown foliage and greenery.
File photo.

Unboxing a new bike is exciting, but it can also be a letdown. Sure, that new bike is specced with top-shelf suspension, but lo and behold, they skimped on the cockpit. Or worse, the bike is specced with undergunned tires just to save a few grams!

What is one mountain bike component you almost never run stock?

Tell us why you usually swap out the part you choose in the comments below. 👇

 
Close-up view of a mountain bike's front fork and tire, highlighting the sturdy frame and tread pattern of the tire. The background is a smooth, light-colored surface.
Culture
Over a Beer: Brands, Please Stop Speccing Useless Tires on Mountain Bikes
A black bicycle saddle with a blue and white "Volt" logo, featuring textured strips for enhanced grip, resting on a wooden surface in a natural outdoor setting.
Saddles
All of Your Bike Saddle Questions, Answered
A collection of bicycle grips in various colors, including yellow and black, displayed in a row on a textured surface. The grips have different patterns and textures, showcasing their design variations, with a blurred green background.
Grips
Get a Grip: 17 Lock-on Mountain Bike Grips Reviewed
A mountain biker in an orange shirt and sunglasses navigates a dirt trail surrounded by trees, leaning into a turn on a mountain bike. The scene captures the action and thrill of outdoor cycling in a forested area.
Handlebars
Mountain Bike Handlebars