Upgrade Matrix Pt. 2: Best ROI for Cross-country, Enduro

In Part 1 of this series, we introduced Contender’s new Upgrade Matrix, looking at how to prioritize upgrades for road and gravel, with the goal of maximum ROI.

Now, we’re ready to bust out the knobbies and pivot over to mountain biking. 

Mountain biking, cross-country (XC) and enduro riding in this case, plays by a different set of rules. On dirt, factors like traction, control, durability, and confidence take on outsized importance. More specifically, the highest ROI upgrades are often defined by components that help you brake later, descend faster, pedal & shift under load, embrace big hits, and ride longer–with less fatigue. 

Using the same Upgrade Matrix, we’re ready to shine a light on the most baller, high impact upgrades for mountain biking. Our goal: bang for your buck, and for your next ride to be an absolute banger. 

Breakdown: How Our Upgrade Matrix Works

As a quick refresher, our Upgrade Matrix sits at the intersection of two axes: Impact and Investment.

• Impact (the more subjective axis): reflects how much an upgrade meaningfully improves one’s ride, including the ride factors noted above. 

• Investment (the more objective axis): is grouped into progressively larger investment ranges rather than exact dollar amounts: $0–$250 (lower), $250–$750 (lower-medium), $750–$1,750 (higher-medium), and $1,750+ (higher). Same as before, pricing varies by brand, availability, and promotion, so the goal here is perspective, not precision.

Let’s jump in.

Cross-Country (XC) & Enduro Upgrade Matrix

High Impact Choices:

Dollar for dollar, this is the place to be for the most high impact, game-changing upgrades. 

• New Tires ($100–$240 per pair): The highest-ROI upgrade in mountain biking, full stop. The right tread, casing, and compound dramatically improve braking traction, cornering confidence, and control, while modern XC and trail tires roll faster than ever. A relatively small investment with immediate impact. Shop MTB Tires

• Top-Tier Brakes ($200–$600): Top tier brakes like SRAM Maven offer the ability to carry more speed while staying fully committed through corners and steep, technical sections. If maximum speed is your game, moving to Maven just might be the move. Shop MTB Brakes 

• Top-Tier Suspension ($2,500–$3,000): For XC, cutting edge systems like RockShox Flight Attendant do the heavy lifting for you, constantly adapting to the terrain so you can focus on your ride. For trail and enduro riding, opting for the top level like Fox Factory or RockShox Ultimate delivers absolute confidence on jumps, drops, and chunky terrain alike, keeping the bike composed when it matters most. Read our Ride Review on RockShox Flight Attendant. Shop Suspension Forks

• Top-Tier Electronic Groupsets ($1,800–$3,000): Lighter weight, premium materials, and flawless pedaling and shifting under load define this category, which is anchored by SRAM XX AXS and Shimano XTR Di2. For XC riders, the weight savings especially matter; for both XC and enduro, top-tier drivetrains help complete a best-in-class build. Shop SRAM MTB, Shop Shimano MTB

Mid to High Impact Choices:

A touch less ROI but still highly impactful, for most riders these upgrades hit the sweet spot between performance and investment.

• Mid-Tier Brakes ($250–$600): Brakes like Shimano XT or SRAM Motive Silver deliver excellent power and modulation with the consistency needed for long descents and technical terrain. Shop MTB Brakes 

• Top-Tier Dropper Post ($600): Wireless, smooth, and fast, RockShox’s Reverb AXS is the definition of “set it and forget it” dropper posts. A premium upgrade that cleans up the cockpit while delivering confident, reliable actuation when it matters most. Shop MTB Seatposts

• Mid-Tier Carbon Wheels ($1,000–$1,500): Carbon wheelsets like Reynolds TR 307 or TR 309 accelerate faster and feel more precise than alloy. A meaningful upgrade, especially for XC riders, but without jumping to full premium pricing. Shop MTB Wheels

• Mid-Tier Electronic Groupsets ($1,200–$2,100): Systems like SRAM GX AXS or XT Di2 deliver reliable shifting under load with minimal maintenance. Slightly heavier than top-tier options, but functionally excellent and a smart performance upgrade for most riders. Shop SRAM MTB, Shop Shimano MTB

• Mid-Tier Suspension ($1,500–$2,500): Forks and shocks at the level of RockShox Select+ or Fox Performance Elite offer strong damping control and reliability without the premium price. You give up some refinement, sure, but keep the traction and composure that make you faster. Shop Suspension Forks 

• Top-Tier Carbon Wheels ($1,500–$3,000): Premium XC wheelsets like Shimano XTR wheels or Roval Control look awesome, save weight and sharpen ride feel, especially on punchy, technical terrain. Not mandatory, and expensive, but a strong choice for racers or no-compromise builds. Shop MTB Wheels
  

Mid to Low Impact Choices:

While gains in this category are more incremental, they’re also much more affordable than our prior two groupings. The net? Great ROI is to be had, and a better ride awaits. 

• Mid to Top-Tier Pedals ($150–$260): Pedals like Shimano XTR (for XC) or the all-new Wolftooth CTRL (enduro) offer excellent durability, secure engagement, and a stable platform. A worthwhile upgrade if you’re coming from entry-level pedals, or looking to pivot from gravity-focused flats to performance-focused clipless offerings. Shop Pedals

• Premium Saddle ($150–$325): Comfort is always king, but especially for XC riding, where long days and more saddle time are the norm.   A well-chosen saddle can reduce fatigue and improve endurance, but remember: fit and ergonomics matter most. Shop Saddles 

• Carbon Handlebar ($200): Compared to alloy, carbon bars (such as Specialized Roval Control SL) can reduce trail chatter and hand fatigue, while adding a touch of style. The gains are subtle, but noticeable on rougher rides.
  

• Mid-Tier Dropper Post ($300): Solid on ROI and modest on cost, a mid-tier dropper such as OneUp’s V3 is a smooth, reliable operator, improving confidence and flow on long descents and rock gardens alike. In this case, functionality > flash. Shop MTB Seatposts 

• One-Piece Carbon Cockpit ($300–$400): One-piece carbon cockpits, such as Roval Control, offer integration, a premium look, and modest gains, such as weight savings or a more aero position. 
  

Low Impact Choices:

Identical to our road and gravel picks in the same category, so we’ll keep this one short and sweet.

• Carbon Bottle Cages ($40–$90 each): A premium touch that completes a premium build. Shop Bottle Cages

• Carbon Stem ($200–$400): Lighter, sleeker, but gains are modest. Shop Stems

Learn More 

Have questions on what upgrade is right for your XC or enduro bike? Or ready to take your existing build to the next level? 

This is what we do! Reach out anytime via the options below, and we’ll get the ball rolling. 

📍 Visit: our Salt Lake City or Park City locations

📞 Call: 801-364-0344

📧 Email: info@contenderbicycles.com