RiggerUWZ

Hi All,
Looking for a xc hardtail in the $1,000-1,400 range. Weight is a main concern of mine, but most sites don't list weights. How light can I get in this modest price range?

Dilberto

At your price point, a hardtail under 30lbs is what you'll get. Look for brands that offer light frames that can be built into lightweight race weights. Here is my 19 pound Cannondale hardtail. It retailed new for $2700 in 2005 and originally weighed 28 pounds - but I got it because of the 2.8 pound Headshok fork and 3.2 pound frame:

jdlmodelt

True, something with a light frame to begin with is key. You can't take any weight off of the frame. Some of the high end Homegrowns seem to be light frames, at least the one I got for my son is, but that's a small 13 inch frame. You could take a wild chance that those $300 carbon frames on ebay will actually hold together and then build it up! ?) I've heard some road cyclist make the statement that it might be more feasible to loose the weight off of your arss as opposed to paying for a lighter bike. I know that applies to me. Haha. I got lucky and snagged a YETI hand built frame for a local women's NORBA Schwinn team, super light frame. Budget wise, you might be best researching, and building part by part. Mountain bike prices have soared in the past two years. Good luck!

urbanknight

I just saw one of those upgraded with 9 speed XT/XTR sell on ebay for $430.
https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...:X:RTQ:US:1123

pong_perez

Well, first of all, most XC bikes weigh around 7-13 kilos...that's around 15-30 pounds. General rule: the lighter, the more expensive. At that budget, I don't think you can afford to buy a bike that weighs around 7-8 kilos. However, there are some components that offer affordable yet high quality bike parts. Merida is one example...they offer quality frames at an affordable price. But if you wanna go lighter, I advice trying to get some 2nd hand XTRs or other bike components....try to scan eBay as well...they sometimes offer deals on parts...some parts are unused and are priced lower compared when being sold on your local bike shop. Hope this helps...!

acpeeps

if light is what you really need, the best way to get light at that price is a build
I started with a 21" Giant XTC, and through E-bay and friends I ended up with a XC at about 22lbs
Sram GPX Stylo crank, XTR FD/RD, FOX TALSA RLC 32 with XT hydros, XTR(975) front rim, Mavic rear, XTR cogset, Ritchey post carbon bars, specialized BG seat.....got about $1200 in it

mx_599

nice bike!

mx_599

I would think with intelligent part choices you could get to 24-26 pounds

edit:

...or maybe that is wishful thinking? I guess I have forgotten what it is like to build on budget with my knee jerk masterpiece seat post approach.

mx_599

+1

you're probably better off buying a solid used bike and then upgrade, especially if you can or want to learn how to replace the parts yourself

gbg

If you have the time and want to save some $$ try EBAY (I did get lucky on the frame )

For about $1600 its about 21lbs

Frame Kona Kula Primo/CKing headset/Thomson seatpost/ salsa qr/Cervelo TT saddle $279
Fork Fox F100 RL $225 (new take off)
Stem Thomson X4 $45
Bars FSA K-FORCE XC CF (sweet bars) $55
Crankset XTR M960 $279
Brakes XTR Dual Control M960 $200
Rear Der XTR 960 $60
Front Der XTR $20
Grips Kona Moose Knuckle $5
Chain DA 9sp $25
Cassette XT $49

Wheelset was (XTR 960 hubs/Mavic 823 tubeless rims/Xt rotors $249)
replaced with DT SWISS 240s centerlock hubs on 4.1 rims 225 (used)
Now the XTRs are on a 2006 Specialized S-WORKS FSR 120 (used) I built up with
basically the same stufff only full XTR M970 for about $1900.

Pedals XT Spd $69
Tires Kenda Kenetic $45
CAbles $25

(everything was new but the 1st item and 2nd wheelset).
There was about 150-200 shipping fees

I think it is way more fun building one up exactly as you want it, rather than buying one with so so parts.

acpeeps

GBG, that's what I did, it was my 3rd build, so I kinda knew what I was doing and want i was looking for, nice build BTW.

RiggerUWZ

[IMG]file:///C:/Users/Chris/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot.png[/IMG]This is what I currently have. It's a 99 stumpjumper fsr xc comp. I need to replace the fork. My LBS says to replace the fork I need to go to disks which means a new wheel and more money. Then I started looking at newer bikes, but they all have lesser components and are heavier than what I've got (in that price range). Is there a good lightweight fork that can use standard brakes(I'm 200 lbs.)? If i"m going to replace something it should be an upgrade.