Having recovered from the excitement of that first blast on a brand new steed, thoughts will often turn towards tweaks and upgrades that will help further increase enjoyment levels and comfort.

For those new to the scene the variety of aftermarket kit can be overwhelming and confusing.

It's no surprise then "What's the first thing I should upgrade on my new bike?" is such a frequently asked question.

Upgrade all Contact Points

Start with the basics: those things that are going to dramatically improve your time in the saddle. Think contact points, for both you and the bike: Bum, hands, feet and tyres.

"It's brilliant, but the seat is so uncomfortable!" is undoubtedly one of the most common complaints from the newly initiated.

A great deal of this discomfort can stem from being unfamiliar with sitting on a saddle for any length of time, so don't act too hastily. There is a lot to be said for getting yourself a comfy perch though.

To ensure you get the right seat for you, chat with your riding buddies and see what they use; talk to your local bike shop about what they would recommend; where possible try before you buy, and go with your butt instinct. Some bike shops offer fittings - no touch ups or embarrassing xl jokes, just a gel pad you sit on so you can get an accurate measurement between your sit bones.

Firm saddle favourites include the incredibly well priced Charge Spoon, the highly evolved and highly priced Fizik Kurve series, and the remarkably budget Madison Flux.

Get better controls

With posterior problems rectified, it's time to get a firm grip on another problem area: your controls.

As with your seat, an uncomfortable front end can be a real buzzkill and seriously effect confidence levels. Luckily the solutions are well within arms' reach.

The type of riding you intend on doing and your physicality are the two main factors here.

Broad in the shoulder and feel cramped in your cockpit? Mainly riding aggressive trails/DH? A wider bar will aid control and provide much needed space.

Skinnier framed riders, and those used to tight or narrow trails, may find these factors limit the maximum width available to them.

Similarly, your stem choice can play a big part in your day-to-day rides.

If you're finding yourself too far over the front wheel, (especially while descending) it's time to think about going for something shorter. If on the other hand, you can't keep the front wheel planted whilst climbing, you will probably want to increase the length a touch.

Don't forget your grips either. Your hands have a lot to put up with, at least allow them something comfortable to hold on to as you're death-gripping your way down a hillside!

Outland's D31 Eight bar, stem and grip combo is an absolute steal for £40, and they do a terrific range of low-priced gear suitable for all shapes and sizes.

Alternatively, throw a bit more cash at it and check out some of the super spangly and pleasantly diverse PRO range.

Think on your feet

Getting a good platform for your feet is not only a relatively easy task, but also a great way to personalise your rig.

The main decision you will need to make is whether to ride clipless or flats.

The gain in efficiency from clipless pedals is obvious once you're on the move, but they can take a while to get used to. Get yourself a decent pair of shoes and play with your cleat positions to fully benefit from them.

A good flat pedal relies on pin placement, weight, body shape, the quality of its internals and of course its looks! Many are based around very similar designs and finding a pair to suit you shouldn't be difficult, so you can afford to have some fun finding something that looks the dog's danglies!

With an extensive range of shoes and pedals, you can't go wrong with Shimano's SPDs. Try the basic M520 for XC and trail use, or the beefy M647 for aggressive trail or DH.

If it's flats that you're after, check out the Superstar Nanos. These are based on the same design as a number of other pedals but at a fraction of the price, and are available in more colours than unicorn vomit!

Get your Rubber On

Now you're comfortable and feeling confident, it's time to get yourself some suitable rubber.

Good tyre choice is vital to rolling fast and staying upright, but many entry level MTBs come wearing a fairly basic and inexpensive pair.

Choosing a decent all-rounder will allow you the freedom to enjoy any terrain mountain biking trips throw at you without worrying about having to change wheels every five minutes.

Again, it's worthwhile having a natter with your riding buddies about what they find works well on your local turf, though there are some classics worth bearing in mind from the outset:

Bontrager's XR4 is a relatively cheap do-it-all tyre which handles most trail challenges with ease.

The High Roller has long been a favourite of shredders across the land, and with the High Roller II Maxxis is carrying on the tradition. Offering even more grip and faster rolling speeds than its predecessor, this is one aggressive tyre!

Available in several sizes and compounds, Schwalbe's Hans Dampf is one chunky son of a gun, and super grippy to boot!

Check our mountain bike gear review of the Schwalbe Hans Dampf

Originally a wet weather tyre, the Baron Black Chilli from rubber kings Continental, gives a predictable performance across all terrains, inspiring confidence as it goes.

It doesn't take a great deal of money or effort to transform your new pride and joy into the best thing since sliced bread.

In the immortal words of Neil Buchanan, "Give it a go!"