Shadesy

I am looking at buying a really light hardtail frame and building it up with light components. I can get a Giant XTC Team on Ebay for around $300 bucks shipped, and I have read where people are getting this bike setup around 20 lbs. Does anybody have any experience with this frame? If not, what are some other ultra light hardtail frames that you recommend? Thanks

born2bahick

It's a great frame, one thing to remember, It takes more than a light frame to build a 20 lb bike. You must pay attention to every part you hang on it.

indygreg

you should be able to find out exactly how much it weighs. That is the info we really need.

As others said, all parts will matter. Suspension forks are heavy and lighter ones are pricey.

apclassic9

the Salsa Moto Rapido scandium frame weighs in a bit under 3.5 pounds.

The problem with any ultra light bike is you pay WAY more for less......... My son's last bike, built around a Moto frame which was a crash replacement (cost $540 instead of the normal $750-800), weighed in a bit over 20 pounds, and cost about $2400 to build; he had some parts!

celerystalksme

they claim this is less than 20.5 lbs...

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._07instock.htm

as for the XTC Team, the wieght changes a little year to year...but it should be around 1400g.

indygreg

I have the step down from that and they are close. My list listed as 21 on the site (in small) and mine (in 18") comes in at 21.5 I think (I will have to look at my notes).

They sell that frame and fork (SID race) for like $500 . . . great frame IMHO. I think the model down from the one listed (the 9357) is a better deal. $300 is a lot for less than 1/2 lbs, but that is just me. the better model gets a carbon crank and all XTR.

indygreg

Also, keep in mind that they get those weights with the help of the lightest MTB knobbies made.

Cyclist30907654

yup, looks like motobecanes are definitely a viable option for cheap light bikes.

indygreg

I have two bikes from bikesdirect and cannot speak highly enough of them. My roadie has been a great bike and so far my Fly seems awesome.

Shadesy

Thanks for the help. I currently have a full suspension bike that has some nice components and I was wondering if I do buy the frame, will most components fit onto another bike? If so, how hard will it be to switch them over? I am pretty new to mountain biking, but I have a decent mechanical mind.

rankin116

It's not hard, and just about everything should fit. I swapped frames recently as well, and I needed a new head set(didn't want to bother taking the old one out) and a new FD(had bottom swing, and I needed top swing for the new frame). My bottom bracket shell was a little narrower than the old one, so I had to find a spacer. Those were the only issues I had, and it was a blast to do it. Good luck.

DinoShepherd

You are trying to build a 20 pound bike around a $300 frameset? Dude, saving money there is the least of your worries.

I can tell you that a 20 pound bike will be VERY expensive. Not undoable, just expensive.

I have a Litespeed hardtail with a sub-4lb Manitour Fork that weights an right at honest 23 lbs. ready to race.

This is with full XTR, SPDs, XT/717 wheels, rim brakes, cages and real tires. Taking three more pounds off this thing is doable, but would take some BIG checks.

Have fun...

-Z

indygreg

True dat. The difference between a 23 and 20lbs bike is quite significant in the way of cost. This is like the 18 to 15lbs deal on road bikes . . . moderately light is pricey, really light is very expensive as you have to get cream of the crop stuff everywhere.

Shadesy

So i guess 20 lbs is out of the question. 23 is still pretty light compared to my bike that I am riding now. Hopefully I can switch over all my component of my Full Sus bike, and then piece by piece buy ultra light parts to trade out so that I can get it as light as possible.

indygreg

That is a decent plan. Swapping out part of part has ups and downs, compared to just saving and buying a better spec'd bike:
Pro
You get exactly what you want
You probably learn a great deal working on the bike
It allows you to pay smaller amounts over time

Con
In the end you will likely have spent more money than if you bought a well spec'd new bike
bike will not age in the same pattern, as in at some point you will have 3 year old wheels and maybe a brand new shock. Not a big deal of course.

apclassic9

google "weight weenies" and proceed!

Chris0381

Dont forget the laxatives, that will take off 5 lbs with some people.

ZeCanon

What is your budget?

It is possible to build a 20lb bike on a moderate budget, but it will take a long time to find the deals and the parts that you want. But if you like that kind of stuff (I do) then go for it! You have all winter

Shadesy

I agree. I see it as more of a project than an immediate builder. Therefore I can be patient and find good deals on light parts. Then again, winter in Mississippi isn't really winter. Unless you think 60 degress is too cold to ride.

never

Which FS bike do you currently have?

Shadesy

Schwinn Rocket Pro. It's a sweet bike with nice components, but I don't need the full sus for Mississippi trails.

Taylor

Kona Kula Supreme frame, scandium, and I picked mine up for around $300, new.

kenhill3

Here's one:https://cgi.ebay.com/Kona-Kula-Suprem...QQcmdZViewItem

These are excellent lightweight hardtails.

indygreg

ebay auction . . .


best alum frame I have ever ridden. Selling it after 2 rides.

So many people could get extra money with even a little bit of common sense.

chadfbrown

I wouldn't worry too much about weight... comfort and the motor behind the bike are more important