how to build the lightest hardtail mountain bike...

[village idiot]

just wondering whether with the collective knowledge of the pistonheads cycling fraternity, we can fantasy-spec the lightest hardtail mountain bike...

so post up your suggestions of various spec items including weight (and price if possible, so we can calculate the cost of the build).

ground rules are:-

it must have front suspension forks with at least 80mm travel
it must have disc brakes
it must have a full gear set (triple chainrings and 9/10 speed cassette)
it must have offroad tyres
it must have a frame of 16" or above

[village idiot]

there is a reason for all this...

i'm trying to get my 23.8lb cannondale f900sl down to 20lbs... i plan to do this by fitting a set of hope/stans wheels with tubeless nobbly nics, a set of rockhox sids (2nd hand the next time they come up on singletrackworld classifieds) and a flite saddle...

i'm also helping a mate out shopping for something nice and light. the current choice is this little lovely:-

http://www.farnhamcycles.co.uk/Shop/p/217-merida-o...

for £2k i doubt you would get better... it is the xc world cup winning carbon frame (930g i think)... not sure what it weighs, but it must be sub 20lbs as the equivalent full suspension version is a 20lbs bike!!!

http://www.farnhamcycles.co.uk/Shop/p/746-merida-n...