Originally Posted by
giantcfr1
To make it lighter, talk to your Trek shop to see about doing a Ghetto Tubeless Conversion.
Also (on the cheap), you could possibly cut some of your seatpost. The bontrager ones are usually very long.
If you don't use, or don't think you'll use your inner or outer chain ring, convert to a single chain ring and get rid of your front shifter, front derailleur and cable.
These small changes will be cheap and save a little weight.
Originally Posted by
KBentley57
While the tubeless conversion may save some weight and be beneficial in terms of mainentance, these are some pretty terrible suggestions, no offense. At most the weight savings of a front derailleur + chain ring + removed section of seatpost is << 1 lb, and probably less than 0.3 % of the total rider + weight combo. Not to mention a huge loss in functionality.
If there is nothing impeding the use, aka, too low of a high gear, not enough fork travel, ect.. I'd say upgrade nothing. If you're looking for something specific, ask away and we can help sort it out.
If you read my post correctly, I suggested the removal of the inner and outer chain ring if he / she didn't use them or didn't think they would. If that is the case, there would be no loss in functionality as you stated. Note, those bikes usually have the Shimano Mega Drive cassette, which coupled with a 32 tooth front chainring, is
usually more than enough range.
Not only would it be lighter (minor), many that have made this alteration actually believe the drivetrain is significantly quieter, if using a Raceface or Absolute Black chainring.
Also in relation to the tubeless suggestion, one can also run their tyre safely at a low PSI which is a benefit if one rides rough trails.