Accessories & Updates for a GT Agressor XC03 Mountain Bike

GT Agressor XC03
I purchased a GT Agressor XC03 mountain bike from Halfords a little over two years ago. My purchase decision was driven by a number of factors.

1. The purchase was to be made on a Cycle to Work employment scheme which limited my choice to just the range stocked by Halfords
2. I had not owned or ridden a bike in over 15 years
3. Research and expert opinion/ advice from friends was to look for certain features (hydraulic disc brakes, suspension front forks and be fairly light weight)
4. My budget was £350

The make and model that ticked all of these requirement boxes was the GT Agressor XC03

I took delivery a few days later and my initial delight and expectations were more than met, even exceeded.

Value for money box - BIG TICK

Went out for a few rides and really had lots of fun. Only downside was two rear wheel punctures in two days when I ventured a little further afield to ride some great downhill countryside paths that were mainly gravel and small rock based.
That aside the bike and ride was more than adequate.
My passions ignited to the wonderful world of mountain biking, then fuelled my thirst for information of how to get as much fun and enjoyment out of riding my bike as possible.I read lots of magazines, online articles and spoke with friends and work colleagues who rode.
This is where and when I started to upgrade selected parts of my standard bike. Hence this blog post to show how, what and why I chose to purchase and fit selected accessories and my conclusions, findings and experiences with them.

Phase One (Comfort)
As you can see from my profile and posts, I am late comer to the joys of mountain biking and I am not as young as I once was!
Therefore the first upgrade and change I made to was to the seat! The factory fit saddle was quite unforgiving for me, particulary as my rides were now becoming longer and more frequent. So I visited my local bike shop and asked for their recommendations. Their advice was really good and most helpful. Hence I chose a Body Fit Tourlite Gel, which cost me £17.99

I can not express fully how much of a difference this new saddle made to my riding comfort. Weight difference was minimal but it did allow me to ride for longer without any discomfort at all.

As a side note I would like to state the importance and value of your local independent bike shop. Their advice, guidance and knowledge is generally excellent. The easy and popular option is sadly to just visit the big online resellers, look for a great price and an attractive picture and hit the buy now button. But for selected items, in my case explaining the different types and options for saddles, was invaluable and most helpful from my local shop.