Giant Comp Bars

100%

Hi,

Does anyone happen to know the diameter of the Giant Comp bars that came fitted to the 2006 XTC SX? I can't seem to find a spec for it. I'm pretty sure it is a standard 25.4mm diameter, but I'd like to confirm as I want to try a shorter stem.

Cheers,
Steve

nicklouse

you have the bars on you bike? you have a tape measure? how hardis it to guess the diameter?

even without measuring a quick look will tell you. is there a big change in diameter from grip to stem? or is is only a small change?

The Spiderman

I have the same bike.They are 25.4mm,as standard.

100%

Hi,

Thanks for the reply - I thought they were the standard 25.4mm. Your XTC SX looks very nice Spiderman - are the brakes part of the groupset? They're not the original MPH brakes.

you have the bars on you bike? you have a tape measure? how hardis it to guess the diameter?

No, it's not that hard to guess the diameter, I already have. Without a proper frame of reference, knowing what the different sizes are, I wanted to check.

Cheers,
Steve

The Spiderman

Hi Steve.

The only original parts left on my XTC are the frame,headset and seat clamp!Its now 5lbs lighter than stock........

I`m quite pleased because its been done without breaking the bank too.

The brakes are Shimano XT,with dual control shifters.

100%

Hi Spiderman,

My bike is mostly stock, apart from the frame, BB and seat clamp!
The wheels on your bike also look stock, unless you've changed the hubs?

I'm interested to know what you found the best changes were - I imagine changing the front forks to air sprung had a big impact on the weight? Did you find much difference to performance when you replaced the cranks and chain rings? I've heard the stock ones aren't great, and I keep having shifting issues at the front despite a new XT front mech put on by the LBS.

I`m quite pleased because its been done without breaking the bank too.

Sounds good to me! I guess you sold the Giant Comp parts to help fund it? I'm hoping to do a similar process without spending too much too.

Cheers,
Steve

The Spiderman

100% wrote:

Hi Spiderman,

My bike is mostly stock, apart from the frame, BB and seat clamp!
The wheels on your bike also look stock, unless you've changed the hubs?

I'm interested to know what you found the best changes were - I imagine changing the front forks to air sprung had a big impact on the weight? Did you find much difference to performance when you replaced the cranks and chain rings? I've heard the stock ones aren't great, and I keep having shifting issues at the front despite a new XT front mech put on by the LBS.

I`m quite pleased because its been done without breaking the bank too.

Sounds good to me! I guess you sold the Giant Comp parts to help fund it? I'm hoping to do a similar process without spending too much too.

Cheers,
Steve

Hi Steve

Biggest perforamnce benefit came from changing the Manitou Splice forks for Rockshox Rebas.Whilst it saved over 1lb in weight it was the better tracking,lack of flexiness,and better control when getting stuck into more technical terrain,that was most noticeable.

Tyres made a massive difference too,which is good because they don`t cost as much as wheels or forks.The original Kendas were both heavy and draggy so lighter faster rolling tyres made a big diffence to speed and gave the bike a much more lively feel.

The standard wheels,are actually not bad,but the opportunity came up to buy a pair of secondhand (but good as new wheels) came up, with Mavic 717 rims,on XT hubs with db spokes for £80.Having sold the existing wheels,for £50 it only cost me £30 to upgrade,whilst benefitting from a set of lighter and better,handbuilt wheels.(Wheels swapped since the photo was taken btw)

The whole xt chainset inclusing the bottom braket weighs the same as the old one without the bottom bracket,so saves a fair amount of weight (good 1/2 lb or so),is slicker,and stiffer,but doesn`t give you as noticeable performance benefit as the changes to forks,tyres or wheels.(Could your shifting issues be due to worn rings or cables?)

On a performance per £ spent basis I`d definitely look at upgrading forks and tyres first,and then replace the rest as you go along,or when it wears out.

I`ve sold all of my old bits,on this forum or others to fund upgrades.My forks were still in good condition so managed to get £50 back,and bought the Rebas secondhand for £150 so again,its kept the outlay down.

My next planned upgrade is to swap the xt brakes for Formula Oros,and swap to the new type XT shifters and a shadow rear mech.

100%

Hi,

Tyres made a massive difference too

Yep, I've changed 'em to Maxxis High Rollers at the moment. The Schwalbe were the other option - I might try them when these wear a little more. Definite improvement. Seems to be a lot of new bikes coming with the Nevegals, not sure why though. I found they clogged quite badly too.

I'm very tempted to go for this offer as my next upgrade. I wanted to try a slightly shorter stem, but having trouble finding what I want 2nd hand. This looks a good deal, and I like the idea of carbon bars to (in theory) reduce vibration as I'm tending to use the forks set pretty firmly. Not sure, but I think the stem is the dame degree rise as the giant comp stem. Part of the problem I'm trying to combat may be due to the flexiness and track problem you mention. Hmm, the Reba SL has £100 off at Merlin at the moment too..£229 new for disk mounts...very tempting!

Could your shifting issues be due to worn rings or cables?

I don't think so, the bike was only rebuilt on the new frame in December with new cables. I didn't think it would have done enough miles to have worn chain rings, although I do spend a lot of time on the middle ring and it seems to be quite gritty on a lot of the trails I ride.

Sounds like I'm best saving for new forks and leaving the drive train alone for the time being tho.

Cheers,
Steve

The Spiderman

Those forks on offer at Merlin are a great deal.Will definitely help,save your wrists.
I`d also look at the Truvativ carbon bar and stem offer Merlin have,which are lighter than the Richey Pros.

The Schwalbes I have are good ,very fast rolling,but probably not as grippy as the High Rollers.I might try Maxxis Ignitors next as I have heard they work well with Stans,and I`m considering a tubeless conversion,being cursed with thorn punctures and have also managed to pinch flat recently too.