I'm currently using a C'dale F1000 frame and want to upgrade the frame to something even lighter. I've done some searching and narrowed my choice to the following two (in no particular order):

-Ellsworth Enlightenment (Al)
-Scott Scale Limited (CF)

The Scott frame is 1041g according to the weightweenies, but I can't find a weight for the Ellsworth. I have ridden the Scott at a LBS and the Ellsworth from a friend, and I must say, that I like them both without any particular preference.

Does anyone have any experience, particulary with the Scott Scale Limited? I have never owned or used a CF bike for any length of time and so I'm a bit worried about durability issues that I've heard about CF. I'm mainly going to use this bike for light to moderate XC trails and I'm a light rider (140lbs or so). And I'm hoping this frame will last me for at least 4-5 years.

Many thanks.

i would definatly go with the scale ltd. it is by far the best cf frame in existance

btw its only like 2.14 lbs

Hi there, please don't take this wrong way, but do you have any experience with this bike? Maybe you could ellaborate a bit more?

whats your total weight goal, maybe there are better ways to get there?

experience none.. ahaha..

i would think that after you had riden one you would be able to tell whether there were :: stiffness/lateral flex/bb flex/rear triangle flex over the enlightenment

what is your experience

You've gotta consider price too. How much does a Scale frame run? I've seen them online for 2500 for frame only! I think for the money it may be a better idea to buy something slightly heavier and cheaper and put the extra money into better componentry.

Yeah, I would go with the Scott. Its alot of money though. If you got the money, I would say go for it.

Not sure about Ellsworth, but a scandium frame is super stiff, weighs 3.28 pounds (18" frame), and costs about $250.00

yeh scandium is extremely light and stiff.. if i were going to get one i would get a bianchi though

Hmm.. never thought of them... I think I'll look into it. As you can see, I'm open to all suggestions...! I do realise that the Scott is a lot of money to spend on just a frame (and it's only a hardtail too). I'm by no means really rich, but I am fortunate enough to be in a position to be able to afford one. I saw that Scott used to make Scandium frames up until 04' i think. Actually my gut feeling is kind of pointing me towards a really light alloy frame instead of a CF frame. Somehow I still don't trust CF too much. I'm probably contradicting myself a bit since I'm using CF bars, cranks and seatpost at the moment. But something about the entire frame being CF just doesn't add up.

Hi mav. My two cents on the topic. I would definitely suggest going with the Enlightenment over the Scott Scale. All said and done, Alu still beats carbon in long-term survivability. Ive heard that the Salsa is really light, but Scandium is considered to give a pretty stiff ride. More than stiff than thicker Alu tubes. Plus, durability wise it loses to Alu is what ive heard, since the tubes are radically butted.

Ive held a Voodoo Sobo scandium frame and a Giant XTC Comp carbon frame. Unless you're a human weighing machine, weight is imperceptible.

Disclaimer: Im a steel man myself, used to have a Alu hardtail before. If its liveliness you are after, WhatMTB magazine gave 10/10 to the Scapin Nope. A combo of steel and carbon. You might want to give it a look.

Mav, I wouldn't worry about the life you want out of a carbon frame, I've been using a Giant cadex for the past 14 years

Thanks for the input. Although, if I'm not mistaken, isn't the Giant Cadex a CF roadbike? I too wouldn't hesitate to get a CF roadie frame, but I think an XC MTB maybe another story.

Personally I would go with the Enlightenment. However that is just because I absolutely love mine. The frame isn't the lightest out there (1480 grams w/ seatpost clamp) but it isn't extremely heavy either. It has allowed me to build up a reliable bike well under 21 pounds with discs.

Why is that??

I've been riding a Trek OCLV mtb frame since 99, and it's been crashed hundreds of times (literally) and nothing negative to report yet, other than breaking the original Rock Shock fork and many of the original components.

That said, the frame is hanging from a hook in my basement because I prefer the way my old 26.5 lb aluminum hardtail rides.

Maybe this link can help you decide:
https://www.efbe.de/testergebnisse/mtbwiege/enindex.php

cuz my friend has a super grizzly i ride all the time

I think his f1000 frame weighs less

If you can find a Homegrown frame on ebay too...certainly consider that.
I bought a homegrown frame a year ago for 150 dollars, its excellent. And also one of hte lightest out there.
Plus the rear triangle is just beautiful . Only negative side is that it does take an odd ICBM headset, but that is ~30 dollars and good quality I think

I'm looking at the Ellsworth as well. However, I also like the Ventana El Chiquillo and the Salsa Moto Rapido. Did you consider either of these?

3 pounds of Ti will give you a better ride than the carbon or the Ellsworth IMHO. Would never part with the one I have.

From what LowCel told me, the Salsa Moto Rapido is similar in weight to the Enlightenment. But gee, the 2.14lbs of the Scott just looks so tempting!!!! The Ventana looks nice as well, but I can't find a weight for that....

Wow just saw the Litespeed Tanasi, looks really nice.... VERY expensive though...

tanasi is my dream bike i would take it over a scale ltd anyday