Originally Posted by sherpaPeak
Its now between Jamis Dakar XLT 2.0 (2005, but brand new) and the Sette Ace. I am leaning towards the XLT. But the weight is crazy at 7.7 lbs. Although its a 5" travel bike. The XLT will cost me about $200 less than the Sette Ace.
I test rode a couple of Specialized full suspension bikes...Stumjumper FSR Comp and FSR Elite....was not really blown away.....but thats probably due to my inexperience.....The Elite felt really nice though.
Also rode a Jamis XLT (2007)...felt like a tank...heavy with its stock components....but it could be lightened up with a good set of wheels, fork, and tires.....
your comments please...
Hey guy...I'll give you a rundown of my 2005 XLT (frame up build) for reference. I wanted an "all coil" suspended bike that would be able to handle some small jumps/drops too, so you could build yours lighter than mine.
Frame 2005 XLT
Shock Fox Van R Coil
Fork Fox Van R (32mm)
Headset FSA
Post Thomson Elite Layback
Stem Thomson X4
Bars Easton EA70 OS
Grips Odi Ruffian Lock On
Shifters LX Pods
Brakes Avid Juicy 5 175mm / 160mm
Saddle WTB Team Ti
Crankset Shimano Hone 22/32/BG
Cassette SRAM PG990 Red Ooooooh...aaaahh
Derailleurs XT
Hubs Hope Pro II
Spokes DT Comp
Rims DT EX5.1d
Tires Kenda Nevegal 2.35" DTC
Tubes Specialized Std
QR's Salsa Flip-off's
Okay then...mine weighs 32lbs and performs well due to the factory set propedal on the Van R rear shock. You could save yourself a ton of weight in:
Lighter rims, tires, crankset, pedals, handlebar, rear shock, fork
I chose not to because of my aggressive riding nature and my tendancy to break stuff. The Hone cranks are heavier than XT. The rear shock alone is 1lb heavier than a Fox Float or other comparable air shock. The fork is nearly 1/2 lb heavier than decent air forks. The Shimano m505 pedals are heavier than a lump of elephant poo, but they work well and I got them new for less than $20. The 2.35" tire and EX5.1d rim combo adds alot of rotating weight, but I need tough ones. Saving a pound of rotating weight feels much more noticeable than dead weight.
Over all, I am glad I sold my 26lb HT to pimp out my 32lb dually. I can't win any XC races with her, but she is sooooo much fun on the trail.