10 Ways to Make Your Mountain Bike Lighter

The OneUp Composite pedals are a game-changer for mountain bikers who want grip without the weight. At just 355g, they’re lighter than many alloy pedals, yet the large 115x105mm platform and 10 replaceable pins per side keep your feet planted on rough descents. The slightly convex shape lets the pedal sit naturally under your foot arch, boosting comfort and control. You’ll appreciate the bombproof nylon composite build that shrugs off rock strikes.

One caveat: the composite body can get scratched up over time, but that’s cosmetic. They’re not ideal for extreme downhill where a metal pedal might be more durable, but for trail riding and enduro, they’re fantastic. If you want a lightweight, grippy pedal that won’t break the bank, these are a top choice. Skip them if you prefer a thinner profile—these are a bit thicker at 13.3mm.

The ThinkTop carbon bottle cages are a no-brainer for weight-conscious mountain bikers. Each cage weighs just 25g, making them some of the lightest you’ll find, yet they’re made from 3K carbon fiber that’s surprisingly strong. The reinforced arms hold your bottle securely even on rough trails, and the matte black finish looks sleek on any bike. Installation is simple with standard bottle cage mounts.

One thing to note: the cage fits bottles with a diameter of 71-75mm—anything larger or smaller might not seat properly. The carbon material can be brittle if overtightened, so use a torque wrench. If you’re looking to save grams without sacrificing function, these are a great pick. Skip them if you need a cage for oversized bottles or if you’re on a tight budget.

The Race Face Atlas handlebar is built for riders who demand strength without excessive weight. At 340g, it’s impressively light for a bar this burly, thanks to the cold-drawn, seamless Air Alloy construction. The internal taper adds strength where you need it most, and the ultra-low riser geometry lowers your front end for better handling on descents. You’ll feel confident pushing hard through rough terrain.

That said, this bar is not for everyone—it’s quite wide at 820mm, which might feel too wide for some riders. The low rise may not suit those who prefer a more upright position. If you’re an aggressive trail or enduro rider, this bar is a top choice. Skip it if you’re a casual rider or prefer a narrower, higher-rise bar.

Swapping your suspension fork for the BestParts carbon rigid fork is a radical way to drop serious weight from your mountain bike. At just 520g, it’s incredibly light, and the T800 carbon fiber construction absorbs road vibration better than aluminum or steel. The straight 1-1/8″ steerer and 100mm OLD spacing fit most hardtail frames, and the post-mount disc brake tabs are ready for 160-183mm rotors. You’ll feel the bike accelerate quicker and climb easier.

However, this is a rigid fork—you’ll lose all suspension travel, so it’s only suitable for smooth trails or commuting. The 2.4″ tire clearance limits you to narrower tires. If you’re building a lightweight XC or gravel bike, this is a great choice. Skip it if you ride rocky, technical terrain where suspension is a must.

The Corki titanium skewers offer a unique ratcheting system that gives you up to 50% more clamping force than standard cam skewers. At just 56g per pair, they’re incredibly light, and the titanium shaft is stronger than stainless steel. The spring-loaded handle lets you position the lever exactly where you want it, and the ratchet design ensures a secure fit. You’ll feel confident your wheels are locked in place.

One caveat: the ratcheting mechanism can be over-tightened if you’re not careful, so stick to your frame’s torque specs. The aluminum lever might not be as durable as steel, but it’s fine for most riders. If you want a lightweight, secure quick-release upgrade, these are a great pick. Skip them if you prefer traditional cam-style skewers or need a heavier-duty option for aggressive riding.

If you’re hunting for easy grams off your mountain bike, the ZTTO titanium skewers are a smart swap. At just 52g per pair, they’re featherlight yet strong, thanks to the titanium alloy axle and aluminum handle. Installation is straightforward, and they fit standard quick-release hubs (9×100 front, 10×135 rear) on most MTBs. You’ll notice the weight savings immediately, especially if you’re a weight weenie.

That said, these skewers are not for thru-axle bikes, so check your hub type first. The aluminum handle feels a bit less robust than steel, but for the weight savings, it’s a fair trade. If you’re building a lightweight XC or trail bike, these are a solid pick. Skip them if you ride aggressively and need maximum clamping force—stick with a heavier, more burly skewer.

The ROADNADO riser bar is a solid choice if you want to shed some grams without breaking the bank. Weighing just 308-320g, it’s lighter than many stock handlebars, and the 6061-T6 aluminum construction offers a good strength-to-weight ratio. The 31.8mm clamp diameter fits most stems, and you can choose between 720mm or 780mm widths and 30mm or 55mm rise. The ergonomic bend keeps your wrists comfortable on long rides.

One downside: the wall thickness is reduced at the ends to save weight, which might not hold up to extreme abuse. It’s not recommended for aggressive downhill or jumping—stick to trail riding. If you’re a cross-country or light trail rider looking for a lightweight, affordable bar, this is a great pick. Skip it if you need a burly bar for hardcore riding.

The TiTo titanium skewers are the ultimate weight-weenie upgrade, tipping the scales at just 35g per pair. That’s incredibly light, and the titanium construction is both strong and corrosion-resistant. They’re designed for disc brake setups, with lengths to fit most road and mountain bikes. You’ll barely notice they’re there, but your bike will feel noticeably lighter.

However, such a light weight comes with trade-offs. The skewers are not as robust as heavier steel options, and the thin titanium shaft might not withstand extreme torque. They’re best for smooth riding, not aggressive trail bashing. If you’re a weight-obsessed roadie or XC rider, these are a great pick. Skip them if you need maximum durability or ride rough terrain.

The Exceedhub wheelset is a budget-friendly way to lighten your mountain bike without sacrificing reliability. The aluminum alloy rims are strong yet reasonably light, and the 32-spoke design adds durability. The sealed bearings in the hubs (2 front, 5 rear) keep things rolling smoothly, and the quick-release skewers make installation a breeze. You’ll appreciate the PVC rim tape that protects your inner tubes from spoke punctures.

However, these wheels are not the lightest on the market—they’re more of a solid upgrade over stock wheels. The 45# steel spokes add weight but also strength. If you’re a casual trail rider looking for a dependable, affordable wheelset, this is a good pick. Skip them if you’re a weight-weenie or need tubeless-ready rims.

If you’re running a 1x drivetrain and want to keep your chain from dropping, the TEAMWILL chain guide is a budget-friendly solution. It’s CNC-machined from 7075 aluminum, so it’s light at just 200g yet strong enough to handle rough trails. The guide mounts to your frame’s tube and works with 32T-38T chainrings, making it a versatile add-on. You’ll appreciate the simple installation and the peace of mind it brings on rocky terrain.

However, the guide is not a full chainguide—it only prevents chain drop, not chain slap. Some users report fit issues on certain frames, so measure your tube diameter first. It’s a decent pick for riders who want a lightweight, no-fuss chain retention solution. Skip it if you need a top guide for aggressive riding or if your frame has unusual tube shapes.