Reddit mentions of Race Face Chester Pedal Turquoise, One Size

Out of the list you have there, I think the most important ones are "tires" but I am also thinking he is asking for a new bike. Let me explain.

First, ask him why he wants clipless pedals. If it is because of the terrain is too rough and his feet are bouncing so much that he gets off the pedals, then that is the correct answer, If it is because everyone is using them, that is the wrong answer. You can always accommodate for this with technique. So for me, clipless pedals are just one more expense with not a lot of backing. There are downhill racers racing with flat pedals. I have personally avoided this expense and I prefer to get better in my technique of riding than solving the issues with clipless pedals. I have chosen to spend my money in other things like tubless tires and grips. BTW, the original pedals of this bike are terrible. If he is riding with those, then that's a must. I would change to flat pedals though... So ask him. (Chester flat pedals are affordable and great looking, plastic and can be reused in any other bike you get.)

https://www.amazon.com/RaceFace-Chester-Pedal-Turquoise-Size/dp/B06XKV7VH5/ref=asc_df_B06XKV7VH5/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312065280674&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7548884091665632536&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9011905&hvtargid=aud-800703102928:pla-440833654491&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=62425943472&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312065280674&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7548884091665632536&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9011905&hvtargid=aud-800703102928:pla-440833654491

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Second, "grips" grips are a good thing to get if you know about grips, like a lot. This can be one of the main things on that list and kind of cheap to get. That is because there are two point of contacts between your body and the bike, and that is pedals and grips. Grips come in first, that's how you handle the bike. again, ask him why grips, is it because he wants a nice color? or because his hands are slipping? is it sweat? is it that they are too big? or too small? Asses the issue and get those grips at a store where he can test them. I would think that gloves are more important since they protect your fingers (get full finger protection) and they enhance gripness and avoid slipping since sweat is mitigated. If it is size and diameter and his hands are getting off the grip, then the grip he has currently is too large.

"Tires": they are the one thing that makes the whole thing go. Depending on the terrain and how rough it is. They can make a ride in the woods where there are a lot of rocks and roots a pain in the butt if they don't have larger knots and spacing and dont grab a thing. again, ask him what is the problem with the tires, if it is the terrain he is riding, is it too soft, or too rooty? is he asking for speed tires? or grippy tires? (The original tires of this bike are not great, I've seen them and they have very little grip.) For me, tires are important because they can make you slip all the time in humid and rooty conditions and you can fall a lot. You might want to get tires with a lot of grip and allow the bike to advance without hesitating on "is it gonna grab or not?"

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/us/en/maxxis-minion-dhf-mtb-tyre-exo-tr/rp-prod149555?gs=1&sku=sku545269&istCompanyId=64a3dd19-9b5e-411d-a4f3-46f21c06bfee&istFeedId=504a9a46-d791-4ab6-bde1-bd49b4b78bc6&istItemId=iwxxialaw&istBid=t&pgrid=53546199518&ptaid=pla-424288834263&utm_source=google&utm_term=&utm_campaign=PLA+All+Products&utm_medium=base&utm_content=mkwid|sv58zieAv_dc|pcrid|253668879799|pkw||pmt||prd|545269US&gclid=Cj0KCQjwgNXtBRC6ARIsAIPP7RsbvGDXWN5Z_gQMqPkpkkamCyorYg05zbvjGI_9Ai3UhDg2-27vrOoaAuWMEALw_wcB

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Brakes: Brakes are usually not well adjusted. Check them. If they are hydraulic brakes, they need to be bleed. The pads might need to be changed and the rotors need to be cleaned with alcohol. (Be carefull when you oil the bike, if oil gets into the break system they stop working completely) Maintenance is usually number one with brakes. The original breaks of this bike are decent.

"Fork" If he is asking for a new fork, then he is getting better. That fork in that model if I am not mistaken is a coil fork. This fork offers very little adjustment possibilities. The fork should be fine for his weight and size but if after adjusting he still doesn't like it. Then I would say this is one major expense. Whatever you put in this bike, he is not gonna be happy. Once you feel the suspension is not working well for you, then you are most likely asking for a new bike... Sorry but that's what this is. Forks are too expensive. For me, personally, I would look into a new bike if I have to change the fork. This goes well with the answer to question number 1, clipless pedals. Usually when you start riding harder and going faster on rough terrains, the suspension does not react well, the rear is too bouncy (on short travel bikes and hard tails), and your feet are coming out of the pedals. These are all signs of "I need a new bike".

I am surprised he has not spoken about a dropper post. If he is running faster, going downhill faster and feeling the pain in his behind, he would be asking for a way to mitigate that problem. A dropper post is a must once you start riding harder...

My recommendation would be to talk to him and find out more about the issues he is having. Understand him more in how he is riding, conditions of the terrain and his personal experience. Then, from that point see what you can change. I am guessing tires would be the first thing, pedals second. Change the rear tire first. That is a $70 to $75 expense that might just do the trick (if you install them yourself).

I have a friend who bought a Marin 7, 6 months ago, and just last week he got a $2100 giant full suspension. He sold this marin. That is because he was riding harder and changing one or two things weren't' going to improve the whole thing... Sorry...

Look into Marin bikes. They are very affordable bikes... I would tell him to get a 27.5 instead of a 29er. He will have more control and enjoy more a 27.5. I am 200 pounds and 6'2" and I ride 27.5 on a XL frame. They are great and give me enough flexibility in the trail. I do not race so I leave 29er for people who race.

I hope this helps and I am sorry if my answer is not something you were expecting to hear.

Btw. Hydraulic forks run around $300 I believe. Half of the cost of the marin. Not worth it. instead look at full suspensions bikes like the ones below.

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https://www.the-house.com/qgtve27504rd18zz-gt-bikes.html?utm_source=shopzilla&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=shopcomparefeed&CAWELAID=600004150004501914

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https://www.bikebling.com/Marin-Hawk-Hill-JR-Kids-Bike-p/marin19-hawkhill-jr.htm?gclid=Cj0KCQjwgNXtBRC6ARIsAIPP7Rt5lrqMivkRN6Emq_76ha_9bsDFLRutqcQADN1q08K4CqU5zvVum_saAolfEALw_wcB&Click=120514&utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=shoppingengine

Yea i completely get that. I don't disagree. Different movements use a different set of muscles so it will take time for my body to develop/adjust to mountain biking.

Here's the bike: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/elite_trail.htm

I got it some years ago, back in ~2012? Honestly dont remember what size I have. It's either the 15.5" or 17.5" since i'm 5'9". I've upgraded a few parts. I've put on

• Raceface Chester pedals
  
• Raceface Atlas Handlebars
  
• Raceface Half Nelson lock grips
  
• Truvativ Stem
  
• Wake Bar end plugs (not really a performance upgrade lmao)

RaceFace Chester Pedal Turquoise, One Size https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XKV7VH5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_NPzBCbZVPCRZN

Nah, def need the turqouise raceface chester pedals. FOOKER also makes a similar set with a bit darker teal. I own the cookers and my feet stick to them on my gravel bike.