got a giant boulder very entry level, but i am swapping componets over to shave off weight. staying with cantilever triangle brakes but with shimano deore brake levers, swapping the stem/handlebar/seat/seatpost... should i get new derailers? new derailers will run me about 100 for the shimano deore.. i am trying to spend no more than 200 dollars and trying to shave off 5-7lbs.. what other cost-efficient weight-reducing components should i swap out? i was told that the wheels make a sizeable difference, but they cost too much? i will also probably get pedal stem and maybe toggle with my rear cassette for better gear range.... please give me some advice.. i am definately keeping the frame, though. thanks

Absolutely take a look at any rotating weight. You can pick up a XT wheelset for ~$120 - $150 on eBay. That alone will save you a few pounds, and make quite a difference in all your riding.

https://listings.ebay.com/aw/listings...695/index.html

Pricepoint.com has Deore XT stuff for killer prices right now.

thanks for the resources

the wheel sets look pretty pricey to me... if i get those i wont get any other major upgrade... worth it ?

Wheels do make a huge difference. While it wouldn't make a huge weight difference, some slightly scaled down tires would reduce rolling resistance and give the feeling that the bike was a little easier to pedal. If it were me, and I was really concentrating on getting rid of some weight and make it a bit easier to carry speed and accelerate faster, I would say go with the XT wheelset over the other upgrades for now.

-Moab


(Edit) - P.S. - I don't knwo where you are buying Shimano Deore derrailleurs for $100, unless you mean Deore LX or Deore XT. Even so, I would look around before buying Deore parts for that price. You can get them much cheaper elsewhere.

i was talking about both front and rear derailers, if that clarifies... a xt wheelset is pretty expensive, at least 100-150... well i'm still trying to figure things out.. while i would like to have my bike ready for summer riding, i also am putting finishing touches on my car right now, and i only have budget for one, not both. i am also lookin to pick up some used lightweight bars, etc for cheap... and maybe i will save up for that wheelset

You won't save a lot of weight swapping derailleurs - definitely go for the better wheels.

Especially on rotational weight...acceleration on my new wheels is amasing compaired to my old Spins

Rich

"stem/handlebar/seat/seatpost" these will probably save you the most actual weight, but I think you'll struggle to lose 5-7lbs. Wheels will probably improve the handling more though.

Richard

When you look at individual components you're saving grams (454 g to the lb.), and every 100 grams can be very expensive. It can cost $1 per gram depending on the component!

$200 spent on derailleurs and a seatpost might save 1/2 lb, and you probably wouldn't feel it.

On the other hand, $200 spend on a decent wheelset and lightweight, kevlar bead tires will save 1 - 2 lbs. and most of that is rotational weight. That 1 -2 lbs. will feel like you dropped 5 when accelerating.

Suggested wheelset: Mavic 517 rims, 14/15/14 db spokes, LX or XT hubs. The difference between LX and XT is minimal. If you're on a budget, LX is fine. Save the money on the hubs and get a good set of kevlar beaded tires, Kenda Kharisma Lite, Hutchinson Python Air Light.

what about deore? deore wheelsets are relatively inexpensive, but how do they perform against the lx or xt level?

should i also look into a crankset and/or cassette? probably deore or lx...

yeah i think i will just get a wheelset deore or lx or xt depending on what deals there are... and i want to change out my crankset maybe but i dont really want to change my 7sp to a 9sp... my brakes feel fine, but i dont like the long plastic lever, maybe go with deore on that.. then i want light seatpost, handlebar, stem, maybe a better seat. i just want to get my bike back on the trails by end of this month hopefully.. without spending too much money

Saving rotating weight is definitely the best way to go. According to Ralieghbikes.com a pound off the wheel is worth three off the frame. Have a look at Panaracer trailblaster tyres- less than 400g for the 180s and lightweight inner tubes. Btw, how much do you weigh?

im 165-170 i just gained a few pounds thats why im trying to lose some weight by biking. my quarter just ended and i did horrible in school so i am having second thoughts on building up a bike. i still have a deal for some used parts though... xt wheelset and lx or xt derailleurs and xt cassette, some lighter stem and handlebar and hopefully better brakes/levers. the brakes suck hard when doing downhill, hurts my fingers.. they are cantilevers, would v brakes be a worthy upgrade?

I have one Giant Boulder with all stock components but Mavic/XT wheel set.

It is great.

Now i am waiting for my new specialized tires, that will be better and lighter.

Please advice us what you do

how much did you pick up your wheelset for? you kept the cassette and crank and deraileurs stock? what kind of tires should i run with xt wheelset?

tFUnK,

I wrote a short article about this very topic a while back. Please take a read: https://greatnexus.com/bike/a/7cheapways.php

In term of upgrading just to save weight, I think you will be better off replacing parts as they break. Depending on your bike, you can easily blow a few hundred dollars without gaining too much performance.

If you really have to upgrade, I agree with others, focus on the wheels and anything on it first.

Pinyo

hey, i was just wondering is there's anything wrong or if there's anything i should look out for if i buy components used.. like used wheelset cassette derailleur brake lever etc? is there a way to visually tell if they are beat or not? i already told a guy i'd pick up his used xt wheelset and also some deraileurs and cassette and misc... what are good used prices for lx or xt components?

btw nexus great site *thumbup*

Thanks!

You can buy cheaper priced stuff on eBay. Slightly less risky than classified because you can at least check seller's feedback. Otherwise, you can also try MTBR.com classified section.

A friend of mine also sells a lot of weight weenie's parts. Check him out at www.light-bikes.com

Before you buy, make sure you go to www.qbike.com to verify market price on the product.

Pinyo

well i rather buy used from local people and im going to go check out the parts today or monday, i just wanted to know if there are anything to look for when checking out parts, etc. i mean just by looking at it can i tell if there's something wrong? and is there anything bad about buying used parts? like if the wheels don't spin well etc

If its local, I would negotiate that you can return it in 5 or 7 days. If they feel their product is of good quality, they should have no problem doing it.

Or install then go out on a ride with them...make new friends.

is there a site or something that teaches how to put together components on a mtb? i plan on doing everything myself in the build and the parts look pretty straight forward... but are there sites on the web that has detailed step by step installations? (for example, for car parts there are often step by step installs and reviews)

Don't know if this is what you are looking for https://www.parktool.com/repair_help/FAQindex.shtml

In any case, I would spend some money and buy a book like Zinn's. It is well worth it and the book will certainly make you a better mechanic. I have the link to this book on my website.