[krayzie]

Alright, just scored my first job and I've decided to spend $500CAD bucks on my bike (hopefully last time for this old 2002 bike, will get a new bike in a few years) as a reward to myself for all that hard job hunting for the last year or so.. Here's my current setup:

Cannondale F800 Hardtail CAAD5 Frame
Lefty Titanium DLR
Mavic X223 with Coda Expert Hubs and DT Champion Spokes
Continental Escape ProTection and Explorer ProTection Tires
Coda Stem and Riser Bar with Specialized Grips and Serfas Barends
Richey Pro Seatpost (New-ish)
Selle Italia Max Flite Gel Flow Saddle (New-ish)
XT Cassette and Front and Rear Derailleurs (New-ish)
XTR Shift Cables and Housing with Avid Rollamajig (New-ish)
XTR Chain (New-ish)
OEM Deore Octalink Crankset (New-ish)
Octalink BB
Crank Bros EggBeater C Pedals (New-ish)
Magura Julie Hydro Disc Brakes
Tacx Rear Skewer and Bottle Cages (New-ish)

Okay so all the new-ish parts were put in during summer to replace worned out stuff and they're still in excellent condition. I don't know what to upgrade to improve the overall performance / lessen weight of the bike. I'm thinking maybe put in an XT crankset to complete the XT drivetrain (Octalink 1 or Octalink 2 but worry about the chainline of outboard bearings) and some new racing tires. If you got any good suggestions please do... Thanks!

 

[NS2000X]

Alright, just scored my first job and I've decided to spend $500CAD bucks on my bike (hopefully last time for this old 2002 bike, will get a new bike in a few years) as a reward to myself for all that hard job hunting for the last year or so.. Here's my current setup:

Cannondale F800 Hardtail CAAD5 Frame
Lefty Titanium DLR
Mavic X223 with Coda Expert Hubs and DT Champion Spokes
Continental Escape ProTection and Explorer ProTection Tires
Coda Stem and Riser Bar with Specialized Grips and Serfas Barends
Richey Pro Seatpost (New-ish)
Selle Italia Max Flite Gel Flow Saddle (New-ish)
XT Cassette and Front and Rear Derailleurs (New-ish)
XTR Shift Cables and Housing with Avid Rollamajig (New-ish)
XTR Chain (New-ish)
OEM Deore Octalink Crankset (New-ish)
Octalink BB
Crank Bros EggBeater C Pedals (New-ish)
Magura Julie Hydro Disc Brakes
Tacx Rear Skewer and Bottle Cages (New-ish)

Okay so all the new-ish parts were put in during summer to replace worned out stuff and they're still in excellent condition. I don't know what to upgrade to improve the overall performance / lessen weight of the bike. I'm thinking maybe put in an XT crankset to complete the XT drivetrain (Octalink 1 or Octalink 2 but worry about the chainline of outboard bearings) and some new racing tires. If you got any good suggestions please do... Thanks!

For $500 why not go with a little Bling!

Chris King Rear Hub and DT Revolution Spokes, if you still have ~$100 add a Mavic 819, if not - use your 223.

 

[krayzie]

Okay I have bought a new XT M752 crankset for my bike... it's like snowing crazy outside so no time to test it yet (I dunno how good my Cannondale Expert hubs can keep out the snow and salt, not taking any chances) They look so nice on the bike tho hah but cost me $270CAD in total (I know it's dirt cheap on eBay but not taking any chances for it to ship across the border).

Getting a new wheel isn't an option right now for me as it is extremely expensive here in Toronto, a rebuilt would cost me $70CAD alone...

So I got $230 left... humm thinking maybe get some PD-959 XTR pedals too as I've used them before on an other bike and they were really great...

 

[NS2000X]

Okay I have bought a new XT M752 crankset for my bike... it's like snowing crazy outside so no time to test it yet (I dunno how good my Cannondale Expert hubs can keep out the snow and salt, not taking any chances) They look so nice on the bike tho hah but cost me $270CAD in total (I know it's dirt cheap on eBay but not taking any chances for it to ship across the border).

Getting a new wheel isn't an option right now for me as it is extremely expensive here in Toronto, a rebuilt would cost me $70CAD alone...

So I got $230 left... humm thinking maybe get some PD-959 XTR pedals too as I've used them before on an other bike and they were really great...

Wheel building is a great skill to learn, best place to practice is on your own. (Built my first wheel set at 16).

The PD-959's are great performing pedals. However I highly recommend the Crank Brother products. The egg beaters are unmatched in the mud, and the ~$120 CDN Egg Beater SL's (stainless) weigh far less than the $240CDN PD-959's. (the $99CDN Chrome Egg beaters, weigh ~40g less than the XTR)

Here is an online Candian distributor I have used in the past, based in BC so for an Ontario resident, you won't pay any PST.

http://www.bikeroom.com/s.nl/sc.2/category.42/.f

 

[Dan Gerous]

I agree with NS2000X, Crank Brothers make great pedals (Shimano pedals will outlast the Crank Bros but they just work better IMO and yes, are much lighter. Crank Bros are also easily rebuildable and easy to work with).

But beware, people at bikeroom.com really love to send the wrong products and then take many weeks to deal with it...

 

[NS2000X]

.

But beware, people at bikeroom.com really love to send the wrong products and then take many weeks to deal with it...

Best bet is to check your LBS for Crank Brothers Goodies.

 

[Dan Gerous]

Best bet is to check your LBS for Crank Brothers Goodies.

Agreed. It can sometimes be cheaper online but there is nothing like supporting your local dealers and building a great relationship with them.

 

[A-Dog]

Don't waste the money on the M959, go wth the M540 if you want shimano. It is only like 10 grams heavier and works just as well. It looks good too at half the price.

 

[Elzippo]

Don't waste the money on the M959, go wth the M540 if you want shimano. It is only like 10 grams heavier and works just as well. It looks good too at half the price.

FWIW M520 SPDs work just as well as M959's.

 

[NS2000X]

Now one final question, for tires are Maxxis Larsen TT or Hutchinson Python Air Light better than the Continental Escape / Explorer (came with bike) I have now in terms of dry terrain grip? I see the Larsen TT and Python seems to have a hybrid-like pattern with tighter knobs in the middle..

Python Airlights are nice. I'd add Bontrager Revolt Super X tires to that list for sure. For a cross country hard tail, they are perfect. Fastest rolling tire, with incredible grip. The amount of traction in 90% of conditions is really quite deceiving.

 

[krayzie]

Now one final question, for tires are Maxxis Larsen TT or Hutchinson Python Air Light better than the Continental Escape / Explorer (came with bike) I have now in terms of dry terrain grip? I see the Larsen TT and Python seems to have a hybrid-like pattern with tighter knobs in the middle..