Mountain Biking - Need Help/ Suggestions on Upgrading My Hardtail. Help me spend my $$$

Hi guys and gals,

The project for this winter is to upgrade my trusty steed. She is a Klein Adroit. A beautiful hard tail and she deserves better components. Right now I have the stock fork (Manitou SX Carbon), full SRAM X9 drive train and shifters, mixed wheels, Avid single digit 7 Ti brakes and levers, a Raceface XC crank set. I put this together just to get back out there and ride, but now it is time to do it up right.

I mainly ride XC and single track. Weigh 185 lbs. I have decided on a Magura Durin fork but I am not sure if I will go with the 80mm of 100mm. I have to measure fork to crown and see if/ how much each will affect the ride. I am also going with the Magura Marta SL brake set up. I know that these are expensive, but they are high quality and light.

For the drive train, should I go full XTR or SRAM X0. Also I am looking at the FSA Carbon crank. Or, should I go XTR or something else? For wheels, I was thinking of having Dave from speeddream wheels build me a set of wheels. If some one has a wheel suggestion please throw it out there.

Basically, I want to upgrade my fork, drive train, and wheels, while shedding some weight (although, sadly most weight will be shed from my wallet:D).

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

Hi guys and gals,

The project for this winter is to upgrade my trusty steed. She is a Klein Adroit. A beautiful hard tail and she deserves better components. Right now I have the stock fork (Manitou SX Carbon), full SRAM X9 drive train and shifters, mixed wheels, Avid single digit 7 Ti brakes and levers, a Raceface XC crank set. I put this together just to get back out there and ride, but now it is time to do it up right.

I mainly ride XC and single track. Weigh 185 lbs. I have decided on a Magura Durin fork but I am not sure if I will go with the 80mm of 100mm. I have to measure fork to crown and see if/ how much each will affect the ride. I am also going with the Magura Marta SL brake set up. I know that these are expensive, but they are high quality and light.

For the drive train, should I go full XTR or SRAM X0. Also I am looking at the FSA Carbon crank. Or, should I go XTR or something else? For wheels, I was thinking of having Dave from speeddream wheels build me a set of wheels. If some one has a wheel suggestion please throw it out there.

Basically, I want to upgrade my fork, drive train, and wheels, while shedding some weight (although, sadly most weight will be shed from my wallet:D).

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

http://www.industrynine.net/Pictures/FORMATTED/en-silv-front-close-600.jpg
I like these wheels, light, tough and good enough for your bike! I-9 (http://www.industrynine.net/official/news.html#)

^^ Pffft! Fad bling propped by those hooligans from NC.

I second the I-9's. My I-9's shed considerable weight compared to my previous set (wheelset weighs 1840 grams or ~4lbs). I chose them for the lateral stiffness. The Enduro wheelset is fairly versatile as well (adapters to fit quick release, 20mm, 20mm QR and possibly the new 15mm FOX TA).

http://gallery.photo.net/photo/7540828-md.jpg

http://gallery.photo.net/photo/7540824-md.jpg

them some sexy rims! Daddy likie!!

They are better than sexy...They are functional. I ride a Steel HT and had problems with the maximum tire width rubbing a little in the rear due to my previous wheelset flexing a little when I stood and pedaled hard up hills. The I-9's have eliminated the rub (using the same tires).

I'm not a fan of carbon cranks. I ride a lot of XC and I beat the hell out of my cranks; I'd go XT or XTR.

As far as the wheels go, the Mavic Crossmax SLRs would be at the top of my list.

Why not SLX cranks? Cheaper compared to XTR but more durable.

I love the feel of X.0 shifters. Super crisp...just a great feeling overall. I don't think I could ever go back to Shimano. Nothing wrong with XTR either though, and Shimano also gives you the option of the integrated brake-shifter lever (along with the normal Rapidfire). I like my triggers, but I have some friends who swear by dual control. And I can't say for certain, but I would assume it's probably a lighter setup. (Plus if you really don't know what to do with your money, you can upgrade your XTR to Yumeya).

The XTR crank is only 20g heavier than the K-Force light. I have an FSA on my tribike, but I have no experience with their mountain bike products. Would like to hear some opinions about those two actually...either one will cut almost a quarter pound off my bike, and will probably be the next thing upgraded.

I picked up the XTR M970 crank and I am very happy. I have not had any problems. I ride mostly XC with small jumps/drops. I am a Clydesdale (290lbs) and have not had any problems with the bearings or flex. I would say the XTR M970 crank is strong enough for most needs. Of course they are more expensive.