Recommend a lightweight XC bike please

[jsr]

I'm looking at starting XC racing again. Used to race loads when i was at school/college in mid/late 90's. Aim to spend a grand at most and want a hardtail, but it must be as light as possible.

I used to race on a carbon fibre Giant weighing just 23lbs, but the world isn't so weight obsessed now. I dont mind buying a clearance model, and i would rather have a quality light fork and frame than high spec groupset components. My view is that the drivetrain components wear out and are cheap to replace with upgrades.

I've seen a 2008 Giant XtC Alliance 1 for £750 which i think is about 25lbs. Also, for a bit more, there is a lovely 2008 GT Zaskar Carbon Expert for £999 and i think it is about 23lbs.

If anyone knows of any other lightweight xc bikes, please suggest them!

Cheers,
James

[chrisga]

Scott Scales are always worth a look too. Carbon one might be a bit more price wise, but the alloy ones are very nice too and pretty light....

Can I ask where you have seen a carbon zaskar for £999 please?

Edited by chrisga on Wednesday 25th March 13:24

[JWH]

I've got a pretty much unused 17" Klein Attitude sitting in the garage. Either 05 or 06 model, Pace RC40 Carbon forks, hope discs and hubs, full xt groupset with xtr rear mech etc etc. Weighs in at just under 23lbs. Cracking handling little thing, sadly a bit small for me hence lack of use. Haven't really thought about price but could od a nice deal for a PH'r

[village idiot]

JWH said:

I've got a pretty much unused 17" Klein Attitude sitting in the garage. Either 05 or 06 model, Pace RC40 Carbon forks, hope discs and hubs, full xt groupset with xtr rear mech etc etc. Weighs in at just under 23lbs. Cracking handling little thing, sadly a bit small for me hence lack of use. Haven't really thought about price but could od a nice deal for a PH'r

you wouldn't take circa £450 for it? (cheeky, but always worth an ask)

[snotrag]

The 2009 Revolution Scandium is due for release in about 2 weeks, standard version at £999 and the SL at £1499 I think.

I dont know the exact specs yet, other than it will be VERY light and it will blow the equivalently priced Stumjumper etc into the weeds in terms of spec.

And it will be matt black.

[matt-ITR]

How about a Focus Black Forest - http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Focus_Black_Fore...

Very nice bike with quality kit on it. Would make a superb XC bike for racing or trail riding.
Focus give genuine weights as well, unlike most companies who embelish figures.

To be honest there are loads of bikes out there for just under £1000. Every bike company will have something in the range. Look for something with a quality frame and fork, as you can upgrade other parts when they wear out.

Edited by matt-ITR on Wednesday 25th March 21:22

[jsr]

There are indeed lots of lightweight bikes to choose from in the £750-1000 bracket. I'm actually having trouble narrowing down my selection which is quite unusual for me! Having previously used carbon fibre, the Zaskar Carbon or the XtC Alliance are still my top choices.

The Zaskar Carbon was on sale on Rutland Cycles eBay site i think. Do a search in Google - it will appear in the Shopping results.

[JWH]

village idiot said:

JWH said:

I've got a pretty much unused 17" Klein Attitude sitting in the garage. Either 05 or 06 model, Pace RC40 Carbon forks, hope discs and hubs, full xt groupset with xtr rear mech etc etc. Weighs in at just under 23lbs. Cracking handling little thing, sadly a bit small for me hence lack of use. Haven't really thought about price but could od a nice deal for a PH'r

you wouldn't take circa £450 for it? (cheeky, but always worth an ask)

I'd need a few more pennies than that but not that much.......

[Lupo1.7sdi]

Also looking to get into XC riding, decided the roads are for cars.. Agree with the earlier comments, go with a good frameset and upgrade the componets over time - although a bike circa £750 will be of a good standard nowdays !!

To JWH - How about £575 delivered for the Klein ? (subject to a couple of pictures)

[anonymous-user]

a £750 bike should come with SLX which will be fine for a few years if well looked after and not need upgrading for a while...

i would go for the scott scale 40
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/mount... but you will be lucky to find an 08 bike if you are looking for a 18-20" bike as most of the bargains have gone.

the Focus' from Wiggle are good value and well worth a look too.

[arryb]

Get one of these


As you said, only half carbon fibre but I love mine - got it before christmas for about the price you mentioned!

ETA: Apparently it weighs 11.4kg/25lb.

Edited by arryb on Thursday 26th March 18:22

[jsr]

arryb said:

Get one of these


As you said, only half carbon fibre but I love mine - got it before christmas for about the price you mentioned!

ETA: Apparently it weighs 11.4kg/25lb.

Edited by arryb on Thursday 26th March 18:22

That's a very sweet bike - exactly what i'm looking for.

This is it's ancestor and what i used to race on from 94-99 (not by bike pictured)

[chrisharrap]

JWH,

can you give me a call please on 07763620254?

I'm interested in the Klein.

thanks

chris

[chrisharrap]

also, to the guy who wants a light XC bike, I have a scott scale 30 full carbon, full XT, gorgeous spec, that I might be persuaded to part with.

I'm on 07763620254

thanks

chris

[jimblive]

I can recommend one of these:

Obviously has skinny slicks on in this pic but it's a great fun off road, a real live wire.