Hybrid Bicycles - Any Carbon hybrid frames geared more to off road?

Here's what I'm asking. I have a Specialized Crosstrail that I really like. I like the flexibility of this bike. Specialized advertises it as a "truly single track capable hybrid". Now, I've never done serious single track with it. But I've done some limited mountain bike stuff, and it's come through with flying colors. I do ride mostly rails/trails with it. But in my area, these can be anything from paved, to sandy to washed out, bumpy rugged trails. So, with limited true off road/trail trips, I want to stick with this type of hybrid. I don't want or need a dedicated mountain bike. I have a dedicated road bike to when I want to go fast. But the one thing that I don't like about the Crosstrail is the weight. It's very heavy. So I was thinking, there are carbon fiber frames for just about every type of riding you want to do. But I haven't seen anything like the Crosstrail in carbon fiber. So, anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.

Hey have Chinese Carbon 29er frames for about $400.
http://forums.mtbr.com/attachments/29er-bikes/560784d1281117732-chinese-carbon-29er-501154.jpg

put your components on that and goto town.

Hey have Chinese Carbon 29er frames for about $400.
http://forums.mtbr.com/attachments/29er-bikes/560784d1281117732-chinese-carbon-29er-501154.jpg

put your components on that and goto town.

There is a huge thread on that over at mtbreview.com Lots of helpful build ideas. Good luck

So, I've never done a frame up build. First question. With this being a 29'er frame, would this work with my 700c wheels? They are slightly smaller than the 29" wheels. So would things like the brakes from my bike work? Would the mounting points for the brakes align with a 700c wheel?

Also, what specialty tools are required for this type of build?

thanks

This thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/827016-29-er-vs-700c?p=14388443#post14388443) says 700c and 29" rims are the same diameter, so 700c wheels/tires on a 29er frame should fit, with plenty of clearance...

This thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/827016-29-er-vs-700c?p=14388443#post14388443) says 700c and 29" rims are the same diameter, so 700c wheels/tires on a 29er frame should fit, with plenty of clearance...

The rims are the same diameter. But 29er wheels use a 135mm spaced rear hub. The road wheels use a 130mm hub usually.

Here's what I'm asking. I have a Specialized Crosstrail that I really like. I like the flexibility of this bike. Specialized advertises it as a "truly single track capable hybrid". Now, I've never done serious single track with it. But I've done some limited mountain bike stuff, and it's come through with flying colors. I do ride mostly rails/trails with it. But in my area, these can be anything from paved, to sandy to washed out, bumpy rugged trails. So, with limited true off road/trail trips, I want to stick with this type of hybrid. I don't want or need a dedicated mountain bike. I have a dedicated road bike to when I want to go fast. But the one thing that I don't like about the Crosstrail is the weight. It's very heavy. So I was thinking, there are carbon fiber frames for just about every type of riding you want to do. But I haven't seen anything like the Crosstrail in carbon fiber. So, anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.

Just to show a similar direction previous posters are suggesting you go, my 26er carbon MTB frame with 29er wheels set up as a hybrid the weight is around the 7.5kg mark ready to ride and has all the strength needed for offroad and speed for onroad.
http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad345/kdionb/JBC%20custom/DSCF1957.jpg
http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad345/kdionb/JBC%20custom/AUT15701.jpg