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...just about everything.
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.
With an XC/AM build, I think you'd be pretty surprised at how light it can get. I'm not talking 25lbs here, but probably in the neighborhood of 28.
Go carbon bars, RF Deus stem, XT crankset, Mavic x717 rims (or Easton AM Havoc), 2.1-2.2" tires, M540 or better pedals, Fox Float shock and fork, non lock on grips...you'd have a little smoker there.
Cheers