Mountain Biking - Hardtail XC frame for racing

I am looking at a hardtail frame that would be used for XC races.

I had a look at the Viper Scandium (viper-bikes.co.uk).. I cannot find any reviews as yet.. They are popular on continental Europe.

This is what they say about the frame : FRAME: 7005 series alloy fully double butted front triangle with tear drop profile down tube. Carbon fibre chainstays “Flex” instead of pivoting to provide 4” of travel which is controlled by the Manitou SPV 3 Way air shock.

I didn't know an air shock can be used to control flex of carbon chain stays ? does this sound right ?

I guess around 3lbs is plenty light enough

My Giant xtc frame has carbon carbon rear triangle. It doesn't flex at all, and on the contrary it is very stiff. The only difference is that it absorbs small vibrations, which gives a more rigid feel.

About the Viper, that statement really doesn't make any sense at all. The frame doesn't seem to have any carbon on it, and what 4" travel are they taking about?? just weird

Look at the Fugitif carbon, or Fugitif alloy, full suspension.
http://www.viper-bikes.com/images07/fugitif-carbonbig.jpg

[QUOTE=Riles]I am looking at a hardtail frame that would be used for XC races.

Hardtail? You reference a full suspension below.

Carbon fibre chainstays “Flex” instead of pivoting to provide 4” of travel which is controlled by the Manitou SPV 3 Way air shock.

Well, if it had a SPV 3 way, it's not a hardtail.
I didn't know an air shock can be used to control flex of carbon chain stays ? does this sound right ?

If you're really looking for a hardtail for racing, and lightweight is the primary motivator, there are plently of lightweight Alu and full carbon frames out there. Check out Orbea or Felt.

Hey look at the chainstay, its cable!

yep, yr all correct & what I thought also.

I checked with Viper & they said it's a mistake on their website..

Thanks below - I was going to look at Felt, will now also look at Orbea

Don't know much about viper. Scott scale is a good one. 2 of my friends have them. Price isn't bad in Canada here but no clue about UK. A cheap racing hardtail would be Giant XTC or specialized Stumpy (Stumpjumper). But Scott Scale is better even tho its a bit more expensive. Otherwise, Klein which isn't popular is also a good one. ZR 9000 on it is very light. The trek 8000 uses the same material but it is a lot heavier.

kona kula supreme, weighs in at 2.9 lbs

kinesis maxlight xcproII, if you can get them in the states. awsome frames.