[le_pedal]

I am brainstorming for next XC race season. I currently race on an Epic HT and I really enjoy the fact that it's 22 lbs ready to ride. It rides great.

I am only 125 lbs, and don't have any extra body weight to lose. I can feel a tremendous difference between my race bike and trail bike. (22 vs 28 lbs). I would really love to put together a full suspension XC bike for long, rough marathon type events. I suffer back pain on rocky descents on the HT that almost feels like something in my back is being damaged, otherwise I would race the Epic HT 100% of the time. It makes me depressed!

Anyways, I do not know where to start in this type of search. I am aware of a handful of newer XC bikes that use the flex pivot type of approach, and that also accommodate 2 bottle cages. That's sort of my only criteria for now. What should my expectations be in terms of building up a 25lb bike or lighter? Who has the lightest frame out there? I have seen the Lux, Epic, Hei Hei, Blur.... but that's about it. For all I know those frames all weigh basically the exact same.

This is a bit of an open ended post, but I appreciate any thoughts or pointers you may have. Thanks.

 

[Le Duke]

There are threads on most of those in the manufacturer’s forums.

A lot of them have weights for both bare frames and complete builds.

Lots of good options these days. Particularly in the 110-120mm range.


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[Jayem]

What should my expectations be in terms of building up a 25lb bike or lighter? Who has the lightest frame out there? I have seen the Lux, Epic, Hei Hei, Blur.... but that's about it. For all I know those frames all weigh basically the exact same.

This is a bit of an open ended post, but I appreciate any thoughts or pointers you may have. Thanks.

So you need to balance all of your criteria out as far as the frame. Don't go for the lightest one out there, go for the one that meets your needs as far as suspension, shock, frame-space, geometry, etc. All of these will be light and the frame weight will not be a deciding factor in your time IMO. What you do need to do though is figure out a build that will get you to where you want to be, and not compromise on it. That's the hard part. Once you start adding a little weight here and there, it quickly adds up and all of a sudden it's nowhere near your target. Weight isn't everything, but for an XC racing rig, it's understood you don't want to be lugging around extra weight either.

 

[LMN]

Personally I wouldn't make frame weight my highest priority. I would first pick a frame with a reputation for durability/reliability, that can be tough one to get right. Every frame breaks, and XC frames more so than others, but some frames do have some real issues. Fortunately things have improved a lot, this current generation of XC bikes has made real gains in reliability.

Geometry is another area to pay attention too. There are some significant variations out there. The difference it makes to the ride characteristics is significant and insignificant. Geometry will change the feel of the bike a lot, but doesn't actually make that much of a difference in the speed of bike.

As for weight don't through out the heavy frames. A Norco Revolver is an absolute tank, but it is also a killer bike with proven race success.

 

[Sidewalk]

Do you run a dropper post on the HT?

 

[le_pedal]

Do you run a dropper post on the HT?

Wouldn't leave home without it.

 

[Sidewalk]

Ok. I was going to say it could help with the comfort on descending, but you seem to already have that covered.

 

[erichunt]

Check out the Spot Ryve 100. They have frame only option as well as full builds available.

Spot Bikes - Ryve 100 29

 

[TylerVernon]

Just get a Specialized. They're light and you already have experience with the brand.

 

[eb1888]

A Scott Spark RC should be on your list.

 

[le_pedal]

A Scott Spark RC should be on your list.

Looks like a great bike. I saw the top build model on display in Snowshoe this year.

 

[Calsun]

Don't overlook the wheels and tires which vary widely in weight. Also a wider tubeless tire that can be run at a lower PSI will help your back. It is a trade-off and many racers will run a 2.25 in the rear and a 2.4 in the front to minimize the weight while maintaining traction.

Depending on your budget the new Stumpjumper carbon frame bikes are very light in terms of weight while providing good climbing and downhill capabilities.