advice needed for 2nd hand MTB purchase (for XC racing)

[robg2]

I'm doing a XC race series this year - on the hardtail I built 13 years ago. The bike's a bit on the heavy side, and I really can't stick the pace on the rougher stuff - my cheapo forks are too stiff for me and I desperately need to upgrade.

Considering my options and budget (absolute maximum is £500), I've come to the conclusion that a few year old good quality hardtail with air forks is what I need to be looking for. It'll cost me less than a mega-upgrade.

I've got my eyes on a Specialized Stumpjumper, the upmarket version with XTR stuff and Rockshox SID Team forks. Can you folks suggest anything similar that I should keep my eyes out for?




(Ps - I weigh about 65kg and the terrain I ride on doesn't really justify a full-sus. Not much hardcore downhill in the East Midlands...!)

[JABB]

I have a Marin Quake 5.0 which is known to be a good downhill and XC bike. The frame is built like a tank. Oval to square frame, fantastically stiff. It would make an excellent base to add to up to your budget, would be a great option

[rhinochopig]

There isn't a lot in it WRT XC hardtail frames these days - the stumpy is a decent enough frame.

For racing - especially at your weight - I would be basing my purchasing decision on the wheelset rather than the frame. Weight-wise you only save a few grams jumping from XT to XTR, but a bike with a good wheelset and tyres can save you half a kilo of rotating mass which makes a massive difference when racing.

I've just put a 1300g wheelset on my wife's Kona and the way it climbs and accelerates is night and day difference from the previous heavier cheaper set that was on previously. Putting things like lighter stem, post, saddle etc. made no discernible difference.