Originally Posted by
JRCurzon
This is what I assume would happen, but the question I find myself asking is that is it the weight or the rear sus that caused the decrease, or a combination of both? I'm sort of resigned to the fact that to cut that much time is basically an impossible dream since I simply cannot afford another bike anytime soon.
It is not just weight, and not just going FS, it is also the design, quality of components, geometry....
Look at the bike you have and decide what you can change that could make a difference. Then, figure out the costs. If the costs are as much or more than a much nicer new bike, then take a pause. Maybe, you would be better off spending the next year riding your current bike into the ground and saving money. Maybe at the end of that year, you could afford a much nicer bike???